College of Arts and Sciences

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

The Department of Psychology and Sociology offers a B.A. in Sociology, with two emphases areas: General Sociology and Community and Criminal Justice. Regardless of emphasis, students learn how the theory and methods of sociology can lead to positive involvement in the local community and the world around us. At NDNU, Sociology students combine real-world community engagement experience with social scientific thinking.

The Sociology curriculum features culturally diverse course offerings that expand students’ knowledge of marginalized groups; reveals how persistent issues of race, class, gender, and inequality can be investigated; and how we can use a social science approach to bring about positive social change. The Community and Criminal Justice emphasis examines the workings of the criminal justice system from a social science perspective, focusing on how the broader society is affected by issues of criminality.

Students earning the BA in Sociology have continued their education in graduate programs such as Boston College, Brown University, University of Kansas, University of Hawaii, University of Maryland, and Columbia. Other graduates have pursued careers in business, including real estate; public health policy; child and youth welfare; animal rights advocacy; homelessness and disabilities specialties; religious service; medical social work; government and criminal justice. Many have spent time in AmeriCorps and some in the Peace Corp.

See the NDNU General Catalog for the program requirements and course descriptions.

Sociology/MPA Articulated Program

The Sociology/Community and Criminal Justice concentration articulates with NDNU's graduate program Public Administration (MPA). The qualified student applies in advance of the last semester of undergraduate work to begin study for a master's degree while completing the bachelor's degree. The student is allowed to enroll in up to six units in selected graduate courses that fulfill undergraduate major requirements while also counting towards the master's degree.

Admission Process

NDNU admits students throughout the year for fall, spring, and summer semesters. Please review the NDNU General Catalog for complete admission requirements.

Faculty

Jeremy Cohen, Lecturer in Psychology and Sociology, at NDNU since 2009
BS, Ph.D., Tulane University; Postdoctoral Certificate, Stanford University

Cheryl Joseph, Professor of Sociology, at NDNU since 1988
BA, Wayne State University; MA, University of Detroit; Ph.D., Wayne State University

Stephen La Plant, Lecturer in Psychology and Sociology, at NDNU since 2005
BA, University of San Francisco; MA, University of Chicago

Donald L. Stannard-Friel, Professor of Sociology, at NDNU since 1978
BA, MA, San Francisco State University; Ph.D., University of California, Davis

Bobby Vaughn, Professor of Anthropology and Chair, Department of Psychology/Sociology, at NDNU since 2004
AB, Lafayette College; MA, Ph.D., Stanford University

Contact

Gretchen Wehrle, Ph.D, Chair, Department of Psychology and Sociology
(650) 508-3659, gwehrle@ndnu.edu

Undergraduate Admissions
Tel: 1(800) 263-0545 or
(650) 508-3600
Fax: (650) 508-3426
E-mail: admiss@ndnu.edu
M-Th 9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
F 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.