Overview

The Sociology program at California Polytechnic State University will help you understand and appreciate the diversity of human culture as well as the way social groups and broader society influence individual behavior — and the way individuals can influence social groups.

You are encouraged to critically investigate contemporary issues, asking hard questions about society, social behavior and the environment in the United States and around the world.

You will develop data collection skills and the ability to recognize issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. You will learn how to interpret social structures and cultural elements within organizations and institutions and analyze issues from multiple perspectives. You will also learn how to create strategies to address problems across California and around the world.

Learn by doing

You are encouraged to integrate the theories you learn in class with the real world through internships, service learning, study abroad and senior projects. Opportunities are as broad as developing a non-profit organization, working with the San Luis Obispo Mayor’s office on homeless-related issues, conducting research internationally or taking a class with incarcerated students. These internships or volunteer experiences can often be leveraged into research opportunities or even careers.

Careers

Sociology provides a wide range of practical and marketable skills, including critical analysis of social issues, qualitative and quantitative research, and hands-on learning in the fields of criminal justice, organizations and social work.

Sociology prepares you for careers in law, social services, business, teaching, international work and medicine. The majors have also gone on to work in business management, city, county and state administration, the non-profit sector, public health and the arts.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Comparative Societies

Social Problems

US Race and Ethnic Relations

International Political Economy

Social Movements

Sociology of the Environment

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-18 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-02 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 SCH

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

San Luis Obispo, United States

Disciplines

Sociology View 1522 other Bachelors in Sociology in United States

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Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Coursework: They look at the college-prep coursework you have taken during high school, including the courses you have in progress or planned during 12th grade

GPA: For the purposes of your application, they'll consider your 9th-11th grade weighted GPA
Extracurricular Activities and Work Experience: Cal Poly takes activities such as work experience, internships, volunteer programs and extracurricular activities into consideration

Make sure you have a copy of your transcripts, current and planned class schedules, household annual income and social security number (if available).

There is a $70 application fee per campus at the time you apply, unless you qualify for an application fee waiver

English proficiency exam results

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

27357 USD / year

≈ 27357 USD / year
Out-of-State

27357 USD / year

≈ 27357 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

14037 USD / year

≈ 14037 USD / year

Living costs

San Luis Obispo

United States

1100 - 1800 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Sociology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Learn by doing

Careers

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

San Luis Obispo

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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