Sociology - Social Studies Western Washington University

Overview

The Sociology - Social Studies programme at Western Washington University offers a rigorous academic foundation for students aiming to become secondary-level social studies teachers. This degree ensures that graduates are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of human behaviour and social structures within an educational setting.

Students explore how various social contexts, such as gender, religion, and ethnicity, influence individual actions and societal development. By studying these phenomena, participants gain the critical thinking and analytical tools necessary to educate the next generation about global and local social dynamics.

Why Sociology - Social Studies at Western Washington University?

The Sociology Department is situated within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, offering a supportive environment with a strong track record of academic excellence. Faculty members are active researchers in diverse fields, including policing, protest movements, and global health inequalities.

Students benefit from distinctive teaching features such as faculty-led study abroad opportunities in locations like Kenya, China, and India. These programmes allow students to apply sociological concepts in a global context, often counting towards upper-level major requirements or capstone projects.

The university also provides robust support for experiential learning through service-learning internships. These placements help students gain applied skills in various community settings, significantly enhancing their professional prospects and enriching their overall understanding of the discipline.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: USD 27690 per year
• National fee: USD 27690 per year
• Local fee: USD 8523 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on providing a broad understanding of human interaction and group dynamics. Modules may include:

• Sociology
• Social Studies
• Crime and Punishment
• Formation and Dissolution of Families
• Bureaucracy in Organisations
• Conflicts Between Classes
• Global Inequalities
• Statistical Computing
• Data Analysis
• Quantitative and Qualitative Research Skills

Careers with Sociology - Social Studies

Graduates of this programme primarily pursue careers as secondary-level social studies teachers. Completion of the major leads directly to a teaching endorsement, though students must also complete the professional teacher certification programme for state-level licensing.

Beyond the classroom, the skills acquired in research and critical thinking prepare graduates for roles in law, social services, and the criminal legal system. Many alumni also choose to pursue advanced graduate training in sociology, education, or rehabilitation counselling.

Recent graduates have found employment with diverse organisations, including the Bellingham School District, AmeriCorps VISTA, and the State of Washington Juvenile Rehabilitation Centre. Others have secured positions at MSR Communications and the Washington 2nd Congressional District.