Let the flexibility of a CWI Liberal Arts degree help you achieve a variety of academic goals and pursue a wide array of careers.
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Overview
Deciding to major in Sociology at College of Western Idaho (CWI) will provide you the opportunity to lay a foundation of understanding for human interaction and group behaviors. Your knowledge in this discipline will give you the ability to conduct research, as well as analyze and solve problems. Specific courses in the Sociology degree program will expose you to cultures, social change, social problems, and race and ethnic relations from both historical and contemporary perspectives.
This program is a first step toward a bachelor’s degree, preparing you to enter careers such as social work, urban planning, law, public health, and government service. Explore information on a career in Sociology from the American Sociological Association.
Mission
To provide Sociology majors the first two years of course work and academic foundation to excel in a four year bachelor's degree in the discipline.
Additionally, the Sociology program contributes to a well-rounded education by providing options to non-majors to fulfill the Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing (GEM 6) component of the general education requirements for all degrees and some certificates offered at CWI.
Regardless of a student's path, the Sociology program engages students with concepts and ideas that will provide useful insights into the relationships between the social organization of group life and its subsequent impacts upon the thinking, acting, and interaction patterns of individuals.
Why This Program
Our Associate Degree in Sociology prepares you to transfer to a Sociology program at Boise State University, Idaho State University, or University of Idaho for completion of a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2 years.
What You Will Learn to Do
- Define sociology, identify the basic components of the sociological perspective, and understand the major sociological theories.
- Become familiar with the historical development of sociology.
- Understand the normative systems and the impact of culture upon human behavior.
- Identify the importance of a global perspective and the interdependence of our world’s nations and peoples.
- Understand the major features of social stratification systems.
- Define various forms of social organizations and understand the relationship between social structure and human behavior.
Additional Opportunities
In addition to learning in the classroom, the Sociology program provides students with opportunities such as:
- Networking with local agencies through community engagement opportunities.
- Participation in the Connections Project.
- Become a Sociology Program Associate through an internship or independent study for credit or other experiential opportunities.
Contact Charles Dickinson at charlesdickinson@cwi.edu or 208-562-2476 with any questions about the Sociology program and associated opportunities.
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Advising
Navigating your way through college can be confusing, especially if you try to go it alone. CWI offers advising assistance to help in deciding which courses you need to take to reach your education and career goals. Visit Advising or contact One Stop Student Services for more information.
1. English is a crucial course to take the first semester. Completion of ENGL 101 in the first semester, and ENGL 102 in the second semester (or the equivalent through testing) will help build critical writing skills necessary for success in other courses.
2. Sociology majors are encouraged to take math and science classes immediately rather than waiting. Take the Math Diagnostic for math placement upon acceptance to CWI. The placement test will inform the student if a review course such as MATH 095 is needed prior to entering MATH 130 (Finite Math), MATH 143 (College Algebra), or MATH 153 (Elementary Statistics).
3. MATH 130, MATH 143, or MATH 153 is required to complete your Sociology degree. Each of these courses have prerequisites:
- MATH 130: Units 1-12 of MATH 095 or equivalent placement score
- MATH 143: Units 1-12 of MATH 095 or equivalent placement score
- MATH 153: Units 1-6 of MATH 095 or equivalent placement score
4. Sociology majors are encouraged to take the following courses:
- To fulfill the Scientific Ways of Knowing (GEM 4) requirement:
- ENVI 100 & ENVI 100L - Environmental Science and Lab
- PHYS 100 & PHYS 100L - Survey of Physics and Lab
- To fulfill the Humanistic and Artistic Ways of Knowing (GEM 5) requirement:
- PHIL 101 - Introduction to Philosophy (also fulfills the Ethical Reasoning requirement)
- HIST 101 - Western Civilization
- To fulfill the Social and Behavioral Ways of Knowing (GEM 6) requirement:
- ANTH 102 - Cultural Anthropology
- To fulfill the Elective requirement (always consult your intended transfer institution when making course selections):
- ARTS 101 - Art History 1
- ARTS 102 - Art History 2
- CRIJ 103 - Introduction to Law and Justice
- POLS 101 - American National Government
- POLS 102 - Introduction to Political Science
Connecting With Ideas
Connecting With Ideas (CWI 101) is designed to prepare students with the skills to succeed in college, a career, and life. Completion of CWI 101 is a general education requirement of students seeking to earn an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree from CWI. Students are encouraged to take CWI 101 during their first semester.
Explore CWI 101 PathwaysTransfer
Individuals admitted to CWI as a degree-seeking student who have earned college credit from another institution may transfer their credits to CWI. Visit Transferring to CWI to learn more.
Plan ahead for your transition to a four-year college or university. Students are encouraged to work closely with their advisor and representatives from the intended transfer school to ensure a smooth transition beyond CWI. Visit Transferring From CWI to explore our transfer partnerships.
Faculty in the Sociology program work closely with the following four-year schools to assist students with transfer. For additional information on agreements with Idaho schools, see Transfer and Articulation in the course catalog.
- Boise State University
- University of Idaho
- Idaho State University
- Northwest Nazarene University
- College of Idaho
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships. Visit Cost & Aid to view tuition and fees, explore types of aid, apply for federal financial aid, and more.
Are you a 2024 Idaho high school graduate? Learn how to get up to $8,000 of your tuition and fees covered at CWI through Idaho LAUNCH.
Career Info
Sociology as a discipline provides a strong foundation for many careers. Visit the MyPlan Career Assessment tool, and create a free account to search for careers for which sociology has application. MyPlan also offers an assessment of your interest, personality, values, and skills to help you recognize careers available to you as a Sociology major and discover the educational path that will lead you to those careers.
Read more about sociology-related careers: What are they Doing with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology?
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Instructor(s)
Respectful Community
College of Western Idaho is committed to maintaining a Respectful Community by providing equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate in services, benefits, or activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, veteran status, age, or any other legally protected status. More on Title IX
News and Blogs

Congratulations to Professor of Sociology, Charles Dickinson, College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for May 2022.

Professor of Sociology, Charles Dickinson, is recognized for the transformative and life-changing nature of his teaching.

Congratulations to the inaugural group of CWI faculty who now hold the rank title of Professor.

Congratulations to CWI instructors, Liza Long, Anna Gamboa, Cathy Carson, Hollie Leavitt, Joel Gladd, and Charles Dickinson!

CWI student, Kaw Paw, who came to America from a Thailand refugee camp, is pursuing an education to help herself, her family, and others.

“Regardless of age, background, or past experiences, CWI gives people an opportunity to be successful in college, become educated, and flourish.”
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