Curriculum for the sociology major

There are two options for majoring in sociology. This page outlines the requirements for the traditional major. Students interested in a more quantitative grounding may choose to pursue the data science, markets, and management track. 

For questions about the Sociology major, please contact Patricia Jacobus, the student services officer. 

Core requirements

The following are required of all majors:

  • One introductory or theory course (choose 1):
    • SOC 170: Classics of Modern Social Theory
    • SOC 1: Introduction to Sociology
  • SOC 180A: Foundations of Social Research
  • SOC 180B: Introduction to Data Analysis

Foundation courses

In addition to core courses, students must complete at least three foundation courses (for 12-15 units). It is recommended to take three different courses in three different areas of study, but it is not required. Foundation courses, classified by area of study, are as follows:

Organizations, business, and the economy

Choose from:

Social movements, comparative politics, and social change

Choose from: 

  • SOC 118:
  • SOC 119:
  • SOC 130:
  • SOC 176:

Social psychology and interpersonal processes

Choose from: 

  • SOC 2
  • SOC 8
  • SOC 120
  • SOC 121
  • SOC 127

Social stratification and inequality

  • Choose from: 
  • SOC 3
  • SOC 135
  • SOC 140
  • SOC 141
  • SOC 144
  • SOC 149
  • SOC 152
  • SOC 156A 
  • SOC 179A

Race, gender, immigration, identity, and policy

Choose from: 

  • SOC 142
  • SOC 145
  • SOC 147
  • SOC 150
  • SOC 155
  • SOC 189

Elective courses

Four social science electives (20 units) are required for the major. Students may choose their elective courses according to personal interest.   

Non-sociology courses must be approved by the Director of Undergraduate Studies. A maximum of 10 units taken in other social science departments (Departments of Anthropology, Communication, Economics, Political Science, Psychology) may be counted towards the 60 units required for the sociology BA.

Statistics course

Any one additional methodology or research methods class, quantitative or qualitative, statistics, computer science, field research methods, etc are all allowed.

Writing in the Major (WIM)

Choose one course. It is recommended that students complete the WIM requirement during junior year or as early as possible during senior year.

SOC 204A: Capstone Research Seminar

Students not pursuing honors should take SOC 204A. WIM course substitutions from other departments may be accepted.  

Capstone Project

SOC 202: Preparation for Honors Thesis

Students considering honors are encouraged to enroll in SOC 202, instead of SOC 204A. 

Honors Program

Capstone or honors

All Stanford undergraduates are required to complete a capstone experience as part of their major. Sociology offers two options for completion of this requirement: the sociology capstone and the sociology honors program. Students must select one option in order to fulfill their major requirements.

SOC 204A/B/C

For seniors not completing an honors thesis, the capstone project will be completed over this three-course sequence. 

  • The project will be designed in SOC 204A in the fall, and work will be accomplished with guidance through SOC 204B in the winter, and SOC 204C in the spring, culminating in a presentation at the end of Spring Quarter.
  • A wide variety of capstone projects will be allowed, including team projects. 
Capstone projects

Honors

The honors program is designed to encourage more intensive study of sociology.  

  • Students completing an honors thesis should take SOC 202 in their junior year.
  • The thesis will fulfill the capstone requirement.
Honors program
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