Women’s and Ethnic Studies (WEST) is an interdisciplinary program that brings together faculty from across the campus. The WEST major centers on the histories, experiences and cultural expressions of women and racial or ethnic groups not only in the United States but also across the world. WEST emphasizes cultural responsiveness, critical and cross-disciplinary thinking, creative and innovative teaching, community engagement, and local and global awareness. We aim to create an equitable and sustainable world by analyzing structural inequality from historical and cultural perspectives, and explore practical strategies for change.

Sociology applies the methods of social science to understand how broader social forces influence our thoughts, beliefs and behavior. Students may select from a broad range of courses related to contemporary issues and problems; inter-group relations, popular culture, social movements and social change, modernity and post-modernity, family patterns and relationships, sexuality, crime and deviance, environmental and social problems, globalization, and field experiences.
 

Degrees in WEST and Sociology complement one another exceptionally well. Both departments take an intersectional approach to studies, exploring the connections among race/ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality and other hierarchies.

WEST offers one-on-one mentoring, small classes, and travel courses. Sociology trains students in qualitative and quantitative social science methodologies and provides an important background for careers in human resources, education, business, law, social work, criminal justice, politics, arts, sports, and public administration.

Both programs offer students a range of scholarship and internship opportunities. By teaching and modeling ways to work effectively with people and groups from various backgrounds and experiences, WEST and Sociology provide students with knowledge and skills applicable to a wide range of graduate or professional programs and careers. 

Women’s & Ethnic Studies 

• Requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of WEST coursework and a minimum of 18 credit hours of upper-division (3000+ level) WEST course work.
• All WEST courses must have a grade of “C” or better.

Sociology Major

• The Sociology major requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of SOC work and a minimum of 18 credit hours of 3000+ level SOC course work.
• All SOC courses must have a grade of “C” or better.

NOTE 1: SOC 3150 and 3170 should be completed prior to the senior year and must be taken at UCCS.

NOTE 2: If the WEST Summit Experience is chosen, WEST 3300 and WEST 4950 should be taken together in the spring semester of the senior year.

See the Program Degree Plan here

WEST Requirements

• Introduction to Social Justice Studies
• Contemporary Theory in WEST
• WEST Electives
• Summit Experience
• Choose 1 course from each of the following 3 areas. For a complete, current list of courses, please refer to the WEST website.
• Transnational/Global Studies
• Creative and Artistic Cultural Expressions
• Social Movements, Communities and History
• WEST Electives Complete 6 hours of upper-division (3000+ level) WEST courses

Sociology Requirements

• Introduction to Sociology
• Social Research Methods
• Modern Sociological Theory
• Substantive Courses
• Sociology Electives
• Sociology Exit Exam