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 MaySociology
Your Access to In-Depth Understanding of Cultures and Social Change
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
Primary Locations
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
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)*
*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.
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Admissions
Step 1
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Sociology as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Idaho Launch
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.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Transfer Information
Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.
News
Professor of Sociology, Charles Dickinson, is recognized for the transformative and life-changing nature of his teaching.
Read more about Dickinson Named 2021 Innovative EducatorCongratulations to the inaugural group of CWI faculty who now hold the rank title of Professor.
Read more about Seven CWI Faculty Promoted to ProfessorsCongratulations 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 2021CWI 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 RealityAmanda Graham, a 2012 alumna, developed lifelong passions, skills, and confidence at College of Western Idaho.
Read more about An Incredible ImpactCongratulations to Piper Skoglund, College of Western Idaho’s Staff of the Month for January 2019.
Read more about Staff of the Month—January 2019Charles 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 JournalCharles Dickinson recently returned from the 111th annual meeting of the American Sociological Association.
Read more about CWI’s Dickinson Engages in Sociology at National LevelAssociate Professor of Sociology, Charles Dickinson, received the College’s monthly faculty award.
Read more about Dickinson is August Faculty of DistinctionRequest More Information
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