Department of Sociology (SOC)

Welcome to Sociology

The Department of Sociology is committed to creating a supportive environment for student centered learning and achievement. Our students are exposed to all aspects of sociology and acquire sociological perspectives and the techniques for studying society. They learn to critically examine the value assumptions of our institutions and social practices, including the values and practices of our discipline itself. This reflexive stance is an essential element of sociological understanding. Our students will learn how sociology has been used to solve problems for clients, foundations, agencies, and the community, and has contributed to social policy formulation and policy analysis. They will learn how sociologists engage in dialog and engagement with different publics in the civil society. Through their education, our students will understand that sociology and civil society are interdependent, both flourishing in an open and democratic discourse on the issues and crises of modernity.

Explore Our Department

Members of the Sociology Club smiling for a photo.

Student Resources

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Programs

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Student Spotlight

Announcements

Book Talk - 3/5 @ 11:30am, Nordhoff Hall 113

Join us next Thursday, March 5th at 11:30am in Nordhoff Hall 113 to hear Dr. Anthony Ocampo's book talk. He will be discussing his most recent book Brown and Gay in LA: The Lives of Immigrant Sons (NYU Press, 2022).

CSUN's Giving Day March 5 - 6, 2026

The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences is one of CSUN’s largest colleges. We are committed to providing each of our students with the best academic experience that combines classroom and lab instruction with experiential learning. Through our departments, programs, interdisciplinary studies and centers, we are further dedicated to building symbiotic relationships between faculty and students that result in mutually inspirational pursuits of research, creative activity, and community service.

Master’s Degree Program in Sociology - Fall 2026

Interested in the Master’s Degree Program in Sociology? Applications for Fall 2026 are being accepting now!

Priority deadline: March 1, 2026
Final deadline: April 15, 2026

Marilyn Ee Remembrance

The Department of Sociology would like to recognize and remember CSUN alumna, Marilyn Ee, who passed away in her home country of Malaysia in January 2026 after a two-year battle with cancer.

Celebrating Dr. Akbar Mahdi: Congratulations on your retirement!

The Sociology Department would like to congratulate Dr. Mahdi on his retirement and long career, of which CSUN was lucky to be a part.

Please take a moment to read Dr.Mahdi's biography here.

Celebrating Dr. Kris Kouri: Congratulations on your retirement!

The Sociology Department would like to congratulate Dr. Kouri on her retirement and the three decades of teaching and mentorship that she has provided to CSUN students.

Please take a moment to read Dr. Kouri's biography here.

Immigration Information & Services Resource Hub

We are committed to ensuring that every CSUN community member, regardless of immigration status, has the opportunity to thrive academically, personally and professionally. This website highlights critical information and immigration resources.

Please visit the Immigration Information & Services Resource Hub to learn more and find resources that include the following:

Know Your Rights (Red Cards)

DREAM Center (located in the USU)