Sociology is the study of social interaction, social groups, institutions, and social structures. Sociologists examine the contexts of human action, including systems of beliefs and values, patterns of social relations, and the processes whereby social institutions are created, maintained, and transformed.

Students must take one course prior to petitioning for entry to the GISES minor: SOCY 30A, Introduction to Global Information and Social Enterprise Studies. In order to declare the GISES minor, students must first have declared a major and must also connect with the sociology undergraduate advisor to review and complete the declaration process. For details, please review the Sociology Department webpage.

Learning Experience

The sociology major at UC Santa Cruz is a rigorous program of study that retains enough flexibility to accommodate students with diverse career goals and plans. It ensures that all students are trained in the main theoretical and methodological traditions of sociology, yet permits considerable variation in students' own areas of specialization. The combined sociology and Latin American and Latino studies major is an interdisciplinary course of study addressing the changing political, social, economic, and cultural realities transforming both Latin America and Latina/o communities. Sociology also sponsors a major concentration and minor in Global Information and Social Enterprise Studies (GISES) in partnership with the Everett Program. The Everett Program is a service learning program that aspires to create a new generation of well-trained advocates for social justice and sustainable development who use tools of infotech and social enterprise to solve global problems.

Study and Research Opportunities

✔ Sociology B.A.

✔ Sociology Ph.D.

✔ Sociology B.A. with Intensive Concentration in Global Information and Social Enterprise Studies (GISES)

✔ Global Information and Social Enterprise Studies (GISES) Minor

✔ Latin American and Latino Studies and Sociology Combined B.A.