Sociology Liberal Arts Transfer Majors

Program Overview

Are you curious about the world around you — why people, groups, and society in general operate as they do? Do you want to better understand the relationship between individuals and society? Can you see yourself working for social change in ways that positively impacts people’s lives? If you’ve answered yes to these questions, a Sociology degree might be perfect for you!

Sociology is the study of social life, including social influences on human behavior. It is a “21st century career,” which provides students an opportunity to build transferable skills such as thinking critically, making evidence-based arguments, employing various research methods, interpreting data, writing effectively, and understanding diverse perspectives (American Sociological Association, 2013).

What can you do with a sociology degree?

Most people who get a degree in sociology don’t become sociologists. The skills you will gain from a sociology degree qualify you for employment in a variety of fields including:

Government agencies with careers in public health, human resources, urban planning, social services, corrections, etc.
Non-profit organizations with careers in victim advocacy, youth and leisure services, etc.
Private sector with careers in marketing, sales, public relations, etc.

Getting a transfer Associate of Arts degree in Sociology at Hawkeye can prepare you for a Bachelor’s in Sociology, but students might also choose another major when they transfer. For example, some students end up going into Family, Youth, and Leisure Services, Social Work, Secondary Education, or Gender Studies.

Some people major in sociology in their undergraduate work in preparation for law school or master’s degree programs in fields such as Public Policy, Non-Profit Management, or Business Administration.

If you’re interested in becoming a sociologist — either to do research, college teaching, or both — you will need to earn at least a Master’s degree.

Earning a Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Science (and Beyond) in Sociology

Check out the following nearby transfer institutions to continue your education:

At A Glance
Award	Associate of Arts
Course Format	Face-to-Face, Hybrid, Online
Class Meets	Day, evening, or a combination of both to fit your schedule
Program Start	Fall, Spring, Summer
Enrollment	Full-time, Part-time

Faculty Spotlight

Lisa Muñoz

I believe in living my values, and service is central to who I am — both as an educator and as a member of civil society. To me, service is not simply helping people meet their needs, it also involves working to change the structures that prevent people from having opportunities.

My goal as an educator is to help students gain an awareness of their own agency and to be empowered to seek opportunities and live their best lives, whatever that means for them.

Read Lisa's full bio.

Alumni Testimonials

"Taking a course in sociology expanded my horizons in terms of how I viewed the world.

"I took the course Diversity in America and I loved it! I loved how I was able to do every assignment and project with excitement because I was so intrigued by the material that was being taught.

"The honors class I took changed my life. Through this class I found something I am truly passionate about and never tire of learning more. It was because of Mrs. Muñoz I want to get my masters and doctorate in Mexican American Studies and dream of becoming a college professor teaching Mexican American ethnic studies."

Stephanie Leon, class of 2020

"Sociology classes at Hawkeye challenged me to think about how I interact with the world and my place in it. Through my sociology classes I explored new ideas, was challenged, and was exposed to new concepts to reflect upon and understand better. Justice, diversity, and family mean so much more to me after taking sociology classes. The instructors were always encouraging us to think, talk, and act in a deeper, more meaningful way.

"My sociology classes prepared me for degrees in political science and social work, but could prepare people for any degree or profession."

Jeremy Everett, MSW

Sociologists on Sociology

This video highlights the unique contributions of sociology to the understanding of today’s most divisive issues, sixteen sociologists speak briefly to the need for and impact of their field.

"Sociologists on Sociology” is a primer on a discipline that studies many of the major issues confronting American society. As one respondent puts it: “So much of what is going on with our political climate and the rhetoric right now is all about talking about individual people or individual communities. The reality is, these are collective problems that have structural bases."

From sexuality to criminology and from religion to the family, sociologists are investigating and reporting on the most sensitive problems confronting American society.

Video by: Sociologists on Sociology from ASA News on Vimeo.

Courses

Transfer Major Details and Suggested Courses

Program Details

Award	Associate of Arts (AA)
Credits	60
Enrollment	Full-time, Part-time
Program Start	Fall, Spring, Summer
Course Format	Face-to-Face, Hybrid, Online
Class Meets	Day, evening, or a combination of both to fit your schedule
Admissions Application	Select Academic Program: Liberal Arts – AA (Sociology Transfer Major) See Program Admission

Course Legend

►	Course has a prerequisite and/or corequisite.
O	Course meets 100% online.
E	Course meets face-to-face after 5:00pm.

Course Cost Calculation

Resident tuition and fees × course credits + course fee (if applicable)= Course Cost Calculation

The Course Cost Calculation is based on 2024–2025 tuition and fees and course fees.

The cost calculation does not include:

The cost of books: Visit the Hawkeye Online Bookstore to determine the cost of books.
Additional program costs: Some programs have additional costs such as tools, equipment, supplies, exam fees, and background screenings. Check with a program advisor for more information.
Non-resident tuition and fees or international student costs.

Planning Your Class Schedule

Students should consult with their Academic/College Success Advisor to select courses, make a transfer plan, and periodically review their progress towards their degree completion.

Students are also encouraged to contact the admissions office at the college to which they plan to transfer during their first year at Hawkeye in order to obtain specific program and transfer requirements.

Not all courses may be required for transfer to your future major.

Courses and course cost calculations are subject to change.

Show Course Descriptions Hide Course Descriptions

Term 1
ENG-105	Composition I ►	O E	3	$675.00
Composition I emphasizes fluency, thesis-driven organization, the use of supporting details, and research techniques. Writing is approached as a recursive process that includes prewriting strategies, drafting, revising, and editing. The course helps students shape writing to serve readers' needs and define a sense of purpose in their writing. It also gives students strategies for reading college-level material. Prerequisite(s): Appropriate placement score or equivalent.
SDV-108	The College Experience	O E	1	$225.00
This course is designed to orient students to the college campus, resources, services, and expectations. This course also provides a brief overview and practice of study skills and academic strategies.
SOC-110	Introduction to Sociology	O	3	$675.00
This course surveys the basic principles, concepts, and research findings of social life from small groups to societies. The course examines a range of sociological explanations for the various forms of social behaviors and establishes a basis for reflection and further study in the field.
	Liberal Arts AA Elective course		3
	Liberal Arts AA Elective course		1
	Liberal Arts AA Humanities course		3
Total Credits 14

Term 2
ENG-106	Composition II ►	O E	3	$675.00
Composition II aims to review and extend writing principles learned in Composition I to analytical, argumentative, and research-based writing. This course emphasizes critical reading, evaluation, and precise and responsible source citation. Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of D- in ENG-105.
MAT-156	Statistics ►	O E	3	$675.00
This course is a study of descriptive statistics including graphical representation, central tendency, correlation and regression, intuitive treatment of probability and inferential statistics including hypothesis testing. Prerequisite(s): Minimum grade of C- in MAT-060 or MAT-063. Or equivalent placement score.
SOC-115	Social Problems	O	3	$675.00
This course introduces students to a sociological examination of contemporary social problems. Specifically, this course focuses on the interconnection of various social problems, the significance of social inequality in creating and maintaining social problems, and the roles of both human agency and social policy in providing solutions to these problems.
	Liberal Arts AA Elective course		3
	Liberal Arts AA Humanities course		3
Total Credits 15

Term 3
POL-111	American National Government	O E	3	$675.00
The study of the United States national government, specifically its institutions, the process of governing, the means by which individual citizens and groups influence that process, and the output of that governing process.
SOC-120	Marriage and Family	O E	3	$675.00
Marriage and family is studied from a sociological viewpoint. Content areas focus on the history of family, gender roles, power in relationships, diverse family structures, and functions of the family and dysfunctions. This course examines courtship and marriage, family life cycle, parenthood, interpersonal relationships, and marital adjustments. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze the family as a social institution, and identify social forces which influence its development and change.
SPC-101	Fundamentals of Oral Communication	O E	3	$675.00
This course introduces students to the oral communication process and how it affects human interaction There will be an emphasis on developing interpersonal, small group, and public speaking skills. Students will be involved in activities that provide opportunity for the understanding and improvement of their oral communication skills.
SPC-112	Public Speaking		3	$675.00
This course studies the fundamentals of public speaking, emphasizing the process of speech preparation and delivery in various contexts. Lecture Hours: 48
	Liberal Arts AA Elective course		3
	Liberal Arts AA Science course		3
Total Credits 15

Term 4
PSY-251	Social Psychology ►	3	$675.00
Provides an introduction to the study of the interrelationship between the individual and social behavior with emphasis in the areas of social cognition, attribution, attitudes, group behavior, prejudice and discrimination, and interpersonal relationships. Basic psychological and sociological perspectives and research findings will be reviewed to better understand individual and social behavior. Prerequisite(s): PSY-111 and SOC-110. Or instructor approval.
	Liberal Arts AA Elective course	3
	Liberal Arts AA Elective course	3
	Liberal Arts AA Humanities course	3
	Liberal Arts AA Science course with lab	4
Total Credits 16

See the Liberal Arts Associate of Arts (AA) Degree Requirements for the full list of courses and additional degree details.

Involvement Opportunities

Regardless of your major, one of the best things students can do to help them stand out is get involved! Getting involved on campus and in the community helps build your network, develop professional skills, and makes your resume more attractive to potential employers, scholarship committees, etc.

Join the Psych/Soc/SW hub in Canvas: This is a Canvas shell where you can learn about opportunities, events, ask/answer questions, and get general reminders/information from faculty and advisors in Psychology, Sociology, and Social Work. If you’re not already a member, send an email to Brittany Warren or Lisa Muñoz and we will add you!
Conference and workshop opportunities: Sociology students have joined faculty at conferences such as the Iowa Sociological Association annual conference for undergraduate research and presentations.
Honors Projects and Independent Studies: Have an interest in a particular topic that you want to explore? Work one-on-one with a faculty member to research that topic and earn college credit.
Field Experience and Service Learning: Want to learn more about community organizations and connect what you’re learning to the work those organizations do? Consider working with other students and faculty to create a service learning opportunity —locally, state-wide, or even a short-term study-abroad opportunity.

Program Admission

You can check the status of your application by logging into your Admissions Account.

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Program Contacts
Admissions		Email Admissions	319-296-4000	Hawkeye Center 114
Academic/College Success Advisor	Brittany Warren	Email Brittany Warren	319-296-4014 ext.1086	Hawkeye Center 208J

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