UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA BARBARA · UNITED STATES
Sociology
Bachelor's · Taught in en
At a glance
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Duration
6.5
IELTS
—
Tuition / yr
en
Language
Bachelor's
Level
Sociology is the systematic study of social life. Through empirical inquiry, sociologists seek to understand the process by which societies, communities, institutions, and organizations are created, maintained, undermined, and transformed, and the ways in which social life shapes individuals. The Department of Sociology is composed of internationally recognized scholars known for their diverse perspectives and innovative approaches to theory and research. The department has a particular strength in quantitative research methods and is affiliated with the Institute for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research. The sociology major provides a thorough grounding in the theory and methodology of the discipline, preparing students for graduate study or careers in fields such as law, management, journalism, teaching, social work, and urban planning.
Careers
The sociology major can serve as preparation for graduate study and careers in various fields.
- Law
- Management
- Urban and environmental planning
- Corrections
- Journalism
- Teaching
- Social work
- Other service professions
Frequently asked questions
- What are the entry requirements for the Sociology major?
- To declare the pre-sociology major, you need to complete specific preparation courses with a grade of 'C-' or higher and maintain a minimum 2.3 GPA in these courses. Admission to the full major requires completing these pre-major requirements and submitting a change of major petition.
- How can I demonstrate English proficiency?
- You can meet the English proficiency requirement with scores such as an ACT ELA of 24+, SAT Writing and Language of 31+, IELTS of 6.5+, TOEFL iBT of 80+, or a Duolingo English Test score of 115. Specific AP, IB, or UC-transferable English composition course completions are also accepted.
- When do I need to submit my English proficiency scores?
- English proficiency exam scores must be submitted by the December test date prior to enrollment. These scores are valid for two years from the date of the exam.
- What are the estimated tuition and fees for international students?
- Tuition and fees vary annually for all students, including international students. For the most current information, please refer to the 'Quarterly tuition & fees' section on the Registrar's website.
- What career paths can I pursue with a Sociology degree?
- A sociology degree prepares you for graduate study and careers in fields such as law, management, journalism, teaching, social work, and urban and environmental planning.
- Are there any specific courses I must take before declaring the Sociology major?
- Yes, you must complete all specified sociology preparation for the major courses. These courses cannot be taken on a pass/no pass basis and must be completed with a grade of 'C-' or higher.
Entry requirements
Pre-sociology major coursesStudents must complete all sociology preparation for the major courses as specified by the department. These courses cannot be taken on a pass/no pass basis. Students can declare the pre-sociology major after completing at least one course in areas A and/or B of the pre-major with a minimum 2.3 GPA. Pre-major courses must be completed with a grade of 'C-' or higher. Admission to the full major requires completion of pre-major requirements and a change of major petition.
ACT ELA24 or higher
SAT Writing and Language31 or higher
AP English Language and Composition, or English Literature and Composition3, 4 or 5
IB Standard Level English (Language A only)6 or 7
IB Higher Level English (Language A only)5, 6 or 7
IELTS6.5 or higher
TOEFL iBT (taken before Jan 2026)80 or better
TOEFL iBT (taken Jan 2026 or later)80 with a minimum speaking score of 20 (expected update based on typical UC requirements, specific score for later date not provided)
Duolingo English Test (DET)115
UC-transferable college course in English composition
English proficiency exam scores must be submitted by the December test date prior to enrollment. Scores are valid for two years from the date of the exam. UC does not accept IELTS One Skill Retake or MyBest TOEFL; only the highest composite score from a single sitting is allowed. The digital SAT Reading and Writing score is not approved for meeting English proficiency.
Fees
Tuition (international)Tuition and fees vary. Please refer to the 'Quarterly tuition & fees' section on the Registrar's website for the most current information.
Tuition (home)Tuition and fees vary. Please refer to the 'Quarterly tuition & fees' section on the Registrar's website for the most current information.
LivingEstimated living costs are not specified. Please consult the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships for more information.
Campus-based fees are updated annually and do not depend on a student's fee cohort. Specific fee schedules for 2024-25 and previous years are available on the Registrar's website.
How to apply
1. Complete Pre-Major RequirementsFulfill all specified sociology preparation for the major courses, ensuring a grade of 'C-' or higher in Area A and B courses. Maintain a minimum 2.3 GPA in these courses to declare the pre-sociology major.
2. Declare Pre-Sociology MajorStudents can declare the pre-sociology major after completing at least one course in areas A and/or B with the required GPA.
3. Apply for Full Major StatusOnce pre-major requirements are met, complete a change of major petition to declare full major status. Note that pre-major status does not guarantee admission to the full major.
4. Submit English ProficiencyIf required, submit official English proficiency test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, DET, etc.) or proof of UC-transferable English composition course completion directly from the testing agency or institution to the UCSB Office of Admissions by the December test date prior to enrollment.
Frequently asked questions
What are the entry requirements for the Sociology major?
+
To declare the pre-sociology major, you need to complete specific preparation courses with a grade of 'C-' or higher and maintain a minimum 2.3 GPA in these courses. Admission to the full major requires completing these pre-major requirements and submitting a change of major petition.
How can I demonstrate English proficiency?
+
You can meet the English proficiency requirement with scores such as an ACT ELA of 24+, SAT Writing and Language of 31+, IELTS of 6.5+, TOEFL iBT of 80+, or a Duolingo English Test score of 115. Specific AP, IB, or UC-transferable English composition course completions are also accepted.
When do I need to submit my English proficiency scores?
+
English proficiency exam scores must be submitted by the December test date prior to enrollment. These scores are valid for two years from the date of the exam.
What are the estimated tuition and fees for international students?
+
Tuition and fees vary annually for all students, including international students. For the most current information, please refer to the 'Quarterly tuition & fees' section on the Registrar's website.
What career paths can I pursue with a Sociology degree?
+
A sociology degree prepares you for graduate study and careers in fields such as law, management, journalism, teaching, social work, and urban and environmental planning.
Are there any specific courses I must take before declaring the Sociology major?
+
Yes, you must complete all specified sociology preparation for the major courses. These courses cannot be taken on a pass/no pass basis and must be completed with a grade of 'C-' or higher.