Welcome to Sociology

The Department of Sociology is a community of faculty and students committed to social change. We are focused on giving you the knowledge and skills to think structurally and critically about society.

You will have the opportunity to meet and work closely with faculty that have in-depth expertise covering diverse aspects of sociology. Not only do our faculty excel in their own academic scholarship, but they also excel in imparting that knowledge to students.

Our Mission

In sociology, students will develop a sociological imagination that places individual life experiences in the context of the social and cultural structures that shape them. The department of sociology emphasizes the role of social inequalities in shaping social interactions and institutions, leading to both constraints and opportunities for individuals and groups. The program provides students with the fundamental knowledge of basic sociological concepts, research methods and theoretical perspectives and fosters development of their analytic skills. Additionally, it emphasizes intellectually rigorous experiential and service learning, providing students with a solid foundation to be engaged, well-informed citizens who can address social justice issues and systematic inequalities in a complex and diverse society.

community work
New Concentration
Criminal Justice

Pacific now offers a BA in Sociology with a criminal justice concentration, a degree that can lead to a career in social justice reform, government policy, the courts system or the corrections system. The sociology major with the criminal justice concentration is designed for students who are interested in social justice and want to help transform communities, especially those that have been affected by mass incarceration. Examples of careers include gang prevention, family support within the corrections system and community-oriented policing.

Sociology grad gets LGBTQ representatives ready to run for office

Contact Us

Students walking around campus
Department of Sociology
209.946.2100 mhernandez@pacific.edu

WPC 210
3611 Pacific Avenue
Stockton, CA 95211