The sociology major at Occidental focuses on the scientific study of social groups, institutions, and social relations. Students develop strong analytical skills to understand social life, inequality, and social change within a diverse, global context.
A sociology major at Occidental examines how societies, institutions, and organizations shape individual lives and how individuals, in turn, shape social structures. The Occidental College sociology department emphasizes critical, analytical, and ethical thinking as core skills for understanding complex social systems and social change.
As part of the program, students engage with coursework that reflects the discipline’s focus on disadvantaged groups and social inequality. Faculty expertise spans a wide range of sociological perspectives, allowing students to explore social phenomena through multiple lenses. Sociology at Oxy prepares students to evaluate institutions, question assumptions, and apply sociological knowledge to real-world issues.
