Sociology BA Learning Outcomes

The Department of Sociology at the University of Colorado Denver is committed to the following program-level learning goals and outcome objectives. Students graduating with a bachelor's degree in sociology are prepared to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of sociological concepts and theories, such that they will be able to:

  • Define and apply basic concepts of sociology
  • Explain the role of theory in sociological inquiry and analysis
  • Distinguish between major theoretical positions

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the role of research methods in sociology, such that they will be able to:  

  • Articulate the role of research in building sociological knowledge
  • Demonstrate competence with quantitative and qualitative approaches to formulating research questions, and gathering and analyzing data. 
  • Critically analyze and evaluate empirical and non-empirical claims about the social world

3. Demonstrate an understanding of intercultural knowledge and human diversity of social experience, such that they will be able to:

  • Describe aspects and intersections of diversity including ethnic and racial heritage, socioeconomic class, gender expression, sexualities, physical capabilities, age, citizenship, and belief systems
  • Understand and contextualize different points of view
  • Explain the value of cultural and intellectual diversity

4. Demonstrate critical thinking skills in assessing social issues, such that they will be able to:

  • Identify underlying assumptions of various arguments, methodologies, and theories
  • Critically examine their own cultural practices, values, beliefs and social positions
  • Assess the social factors that create and perpetuate inequality in the United States and globally

5. Locate, create and communicate sociological information, such that they will be able to:

  • Use technical skills to retrieve sociological literature and conduct basic data analyses
  • Read and understand professional-level sociological reports
  • Effectively convey sociological information and findings in writing and oral presentation
  • Use sociological theory, concepts and evidence to communicate about social phenomena

6. Think sociologically about the communities in which they live and work, such that they will be able to:

  • Apply a sociological perspective to social issues and current events
  • Demonstrate how social research can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of social policies and programs and affect change
  • Articulate how individual action can reduce social problems and promote social justice