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 socialsciences.calpoly.edu
Senior Projects from 2011
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
Alma Del Vino Benefit Wine to a Fund for the Farm Workers of San Luis Obispo County, Shane Christensen Hastings
Global Warming: Myths & Realities, Dennis Jaynes
Lake Mead: Threats and Benefits of the Largest Reservoir in the United States, Keith Karamanos
Dairy Farming and Cattle Ranching; Consequences on Human and Environmental Health, Sarah Kensky
The Democratic Classroom: Challenging Traditional Teaching Methods While Challenging the Status Quo of Inequality, Stephanie Laufenberg
Environmental Planning for Water, Transportation and Land Use, Wendy Laumer
WHAT MOTIVATES PEOPLE TO VOLUNTEER: A CASE STUDY USING COASTAL CLEANUP DAY IN SAN LUIS OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, KRISTINE M. LIDDIE
Social Sciences Career Exploration Day and Resume Workshop, Tara Litke, Matthew Greenberg, and Haley Zahner