Sociology

Your Access to In-Depth Understanding of Cultures and Social Change

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Program Overview

Curious about the intricacies of human interaction and group behaviors? The Sociology program at College of Western Idaho (CWI) offers an insightful exploration into these aspects of society. This program serves as the first step toward a bachelor’s degree, laying a foundational understanding of various cultural, social, and ethnic perspectives from historical and contemporary viewpoints. Ideal for students aspiring to careers in teaching, criminology, urban planning, law, public health, and government service, this Associate of Arts degree meets the general education requirements at all Idaho public institutions.

Through the program, you will develop skills in research, problem solving, and analysis, preparing you to address social challenges and changes effectively. Whether you are aiming for a career in social services, counseling, or administrative support, the versatile nature of a Sociology degree provides a wealth of opportunities in many different fields.

Degree or Certificate Type

Associate of Arts

Time to Complete

2 years

Sociology instructor presenting to room full of students

Learning Opportunities

  • Diverse Cultural Insights: Gain an in-depth understanding of cultures, social change, and race and ethnic relations.
  • Foundational Skills in Research & Analysis: Develop abilities to conduct sociological research and analyze complex social phenomena.
  • Preparation for a Variety of Career Paths: Explore opportunities in social services, counseling, management, teaching, and more.
  • Flexibility for Career & Educational Progression: Use this degree to seamlessly transfer to any Idaho university and pursue varied career options.
  • Community Engagement & Citizenship: Become an informed and engaged citizen, capable of contributing positively to your community.

Area of Study

Degrees & Certificates

Sociology – Associate of Arts Degree

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Career Opportunities

  • Managers, All Other

    All managers not listed separately.

    279

    Annual Openings*

    $24.55

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $51,064

    Annual Median Salary

    39.33%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Compliance Officers

    Examine, evaluate, and investigate eligibility for or conformity with laws and regulations governing contract compliance of licenses and permits, and perform other compliance and enforcement inspection and analysis activities not classified elsewhere. Excludes “Financial Examiners" (13-2061), “Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents” (13-2081), “Occupational Health and Safety Specialists” (19-5011), “Occupational Health and Safety Technicians” (19-5012), “Transportation Security Screeners” (33-9093), “Agricultural Inspectors” (45-2011), “Construction and Building Inspectors” (47-4011), and “Transportation Inspectors” (53-6051).

    83

    Annual Openings*

    $29.05

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $60,424

    Annual Median Salary

    12.21%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health

    Conduct research or perform investigation for the purpose of identifying, abating, or eliminating sources of pollutants or hazards that affect either the environment or public health. Using knowledge of various scientific disciplines, may collect, synthesize, study, report, and recommend action based on data derived from measurements or observations of air, food, soil, water, and other sources. Excludes “Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists” (19-1023), “Conservation Scientists” (19-1031), “Forest and Conservation Technicians” (19-4071), “Occupational Health and Safety Specialists” (19-5011), “Fish and Game Wardens” (33-3031), and “Forest and Conservation Workers” (45-4011).

    35

    Annual Openings*

    $30.65

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $63,752

    Annual Median Salary

    13.54%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Social Science Research Assistants

    Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management. Excludes “Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary” (25-9044).

    18

    Annual Openings*

    $21.33

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $44,366

    Annual Median Salary

    34.7%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Labor Relations Specialists

    Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints. Excludes equal employment opportunity (EEO) officers, who are included in “Compliance Officers” (13-1041).

    14

    Annual Openings*

    $30.04

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $62,483

    Annual Median Salary

    19.88%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

  • Historians

    Research, analyze, record, and interpret the past as recorded in sources, such as government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, electronic media, and unpublished manuscripts, such as personal diaries and letters.

    2

    Annual Openings*

    $30.40

    Hourly Median Wage*

    $63,232

    Annual Median Salary

    5.87%

    Growth (2021 – 2031)*

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*Data sourced from Lightcast™ (2023), a global leader in labor market analytics, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data.

"I wanted to expand my education in order to do what I love — helping people, particularly children, who may be struggling in life and need someone to be there to listen and be their advocate. I didn’t have that growing up." Read more > about Making Dreams a Reality
Heather Williams
2019, Graduate, Psychology & Sociology
"I left with an associate degree and zero student loan debt which, I think, is pretty empowering! Because of CWI, I went from a shy, young girl to a confident leader." Read more > about An Incredible Impact
Amanda Graham
2012 Graduate, Sociology

Admissions

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  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
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News

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

Read more about Dickinson Named Faculty of Distinction for May

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

Read more about Dickinson Named 2021 Innovative Educator

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

Read more about Seven CWI Faculty Promoted to Professors

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

Read more about CWI Innovative Educator of the Year Nominees for 2021

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

Read more about My Journey to Success

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

Read more about Empowering Through Education

“At CWI, I felt important and not just another student in a chair... Because of CWI, my dreams are coming true!”

Read more about Making Dreams a Reality

Amanda Graham, a 2012 alumna, developed lifelong passions, skills, and confidence at College of Western Idaho. 

Read more about An Incredible Impact

Congratulations to Piper Skoglund, College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for January 2019.

Read more about Staff of the Month—January 2019

Charles Dickinson, associate professor of Sociology at CWI, co-authored an article published in the publication’s October issue.

Read more about Dickinson Published in Teaching Sociology Journal

Charles Dickinson recently returned from the 111th annual meeting of the American Sociological Association.

Read more about CWI’s Dickinson Engages in Sociology at National Level

Associate Professor of Sociology, Charles Dickinson, received the College’s monthly faculty award.

Read more about Dickinson is August Faculty of Distinction
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