About
Sociology is the scientific study of society and its impact on human behavior, ranging from small groups to organizations and social institutions across the globe. Sociologists observe, describe, explain and predict human social behavior using surveys, interviews, experiments, secondary data analysis, and various forms of field observation. Students who study sociology develop strong critical thinking, communication and leadership skills.
Appalachian State University’s Sociology (BA) degree gives students a broad understanding of sociology with a strong liberal arts focus. The program’s language requirement appeals to students with multi-lingual or long-term study abroad aspirations. The flexibility of the degree also allows students to double major or complete the required minor of their choosing.
After Graduation
Employment: Graduates often enter into government or non-profit organizations working with a variety of people and situations. Some graduates have also started for-profit businesses with a socially conscious mission such as clothing stores and coffee shops that sell only fair-trade products.
Graduate School:Most graduates with this degree pursue graduate education in counseling, family therapy or student development. Other graduates have pursued public health administration, or primary, secondary and community college teacher education certifications.
People
Courses
Students must complete 21 hours of required sociology courses including research methods and sociological theory. Students must also complete 15 hours of sociology electives that are chosen in consultation with their advisor. Twelve to 15 hours of a minor outside the department are also required, in addition to 6 hours of a foreign language from the 1040 level or higher.
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is required. Popular minors include:
- Psychology
- Criminal Justice
- International Business
- Business
- Non-profit Management
Engagement Outside the Classroom
Sociology Club - a student-led organization devoted to service learning, fundraising and hosting events for the betterment of students inspired by the discipline of sociology.
Alpha Kappa Delta - an international sociology honors society, formed with the intent to acknowledge and promote excellence in the scholarship in the study of sociology, the research of social problems, and such other social and intellectual activities as will lead to improvement in the human condition.
The North Carolina Sociological Association - open to all practicing sociologists (whether in academic, government or applied settings) as well as to sociology students at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Southern Sociological Society - open to all sociology students and professionals across the southern United States.
American Sociological Association - a national organization dedicated to sociology and its pursuit of investigating human behavior, social interaction and social structures.
Global Learning
Appalachian is committed to introducing students to different cultures and teaching them how to live and interact in a global society.
Department of Sociology faculty lead summer study abroad opportunities. Past program titles have included Studying War in Europe, and Religious and Ethnic Conflict in Ireland and Spain.
Admission Requirements
There are no admission requirements beyond admission to Appalachian State University. In order to maintain progress in this degree, students must receive a grade of C or higher in the following classes:
- SOC 1000 The Sociological Perspective
- SOC 3885 Research Methods I
- SOC 3895 Research Methods II
- SOC 3950 Sociological Theory I
- SOC 3960 Sociological Theory II
- SOC 4450 Senior Seminar
Why Appalachian?
- Sociology majors have the option to work with a faculty mentor who can provide professional advice, intellectual development in terms of a specific substantive area in sociology, and involvement in research projects. Learn about faculty research specialties here.
- Students are encouraged to assist with faculty research projects and can stay up-to-date on current research projects via the department’s web page for research opportunities.
- The Department of Sociology offers scholarships.
- The department encourages students to participate in internships and maintains relationships with community organizations in order to help students find appropriate host sites.
Method of Delivery
On campus only
Careers
- Alcohol and Drug Case Worker
- Child Welfare Officer
- Community Relations Director
- Counselor
- Advocate
- Criminologist
- Data Analyst
- Demographic Analyst
- Financial Aid Counselor
- Foster Care Worker
- Fund-raiser/Development Officer
- Human Resources Administrator
- Labor Relations Representative
- Marketing Research Analyst
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Personnel Interviewer
- Personnel Specialist
- Political Systems Researcher
- Population Specialist
- Public Administrator
- Public Health Statistician
- Public Opinion Surveyor
- Research Assistant
- Sales Representative
- Therapist
View more career possibilities
Contacts
Dr. Cameron Lippard
Chair
lippardcd@appstate.edu
828-262-6396