The Social Sciences Department at Cal Poly offers bachelor’s degrees and minors in Anthropology-Geography and Sociology, as well as a minor in Latin American Studies. Within each major, students are required to choose a concentration relevant to their future career endeavors. The Anthropology-Geography major concentrations include global studies and international development, environmental studies and sustainability, and human ecology. Sociology majors can choose a concentration in criminal justice, organizations, or social services.
Students are trained in applied technical skills including GIS, remote sensing, research design, social data collection, and qualitative/quantitative methodology.
Modified from https://socialsciences.calpoly.edu
Senior Projects from 2011
The Immigrant Experience: Mexico and Central America to the United States, Shannon R. Nelson
Environmental Refugees, Katie L. Peters
'Mai Pen Rai': A Cultural Ecology of Thailand, Darcie Plocher
Evolution and Impact of Undocumented Immigration in American Society, Mercedes Delia Rivera
A Study Of Intergenerational Crime From A Sociological Standpoint, Anna Robosson
Chilean Education & A Radical Atmosphere of Change, Kelly Scheuer
Fraternities: The Gangs of the United States' Elite, Daniel A. Tennant
Breasts are for Feeding: An Anthropological, Archaeological Examination of Breastfeeding, Blaize A. Uva
The Ecology of San Luis Obispo: A children's book, Heidi Van Campen
The Establishment of the United States National Parks and the Eviction of Indigenous People, Emily A. Vernizzi
A Survey and 5-Point Analysis of Modern Day Human Trafficking, Sarah Wietbrock
Human Trafficking in San Luis Obispo County: Assessing the Local Law Enforcement's Mechanisms for Prevention, Paige K. Wopschall
Senior Projects from 2010
Climate Change and Human Health Consequences, Jennifer Alford
Variations in Vulnerability to Climate Change in Southeast Asia, Kelsey Margaret Allard
The Impacts of Coffee Production on Local Producers, Danielle Cleland
History of the Indian Caste System and its Impact on India Today, Manali S. Deshpande
The Social Context of Child Abuse and the Aid of Preventative Programs, Kelly R. Ferguson
Global Demographic Challenges: Case Study Women, Madeline Fox
Fire: Ecology & Prevention, Justin R. Frey
Making Lemonade Out of Lyme, Kaela M. Gallagher
Explorations in Non-Profit Organizations and Efficiency: Children's Hunger Fund, Christine Garon
Child Exploitation In The Workforce, Katie Gluck
Society’s Effects on Women’s Body Image, Ashley Grebe
A Sociological Research Paper and Proposal Of Alcohol’s Impact On Sexual Activity and Sexual Transmitted Diseases, Michael Hada
A STUDY OF THE SUSTAINABILITY OF WILD CAPTURE SALMON IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST, Justin D. Hansen