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Sociology (BA)

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. Graduates have also traveled and worked with AmeriCorps VISTA and AmeriCorps. 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.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Alumnus Profile: John Neathery ’94 ’96 ’01
    Alumnus Profile: John Neathery ’94 ’96 ’01

    John Neathery is known as an innovative and creative sociology instructor at Alamance Community College, one who engages students and goes out of his way to ensure their success.

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Martha McCaughey
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Martha McCaughey

    “(Sociology majors) are passionate change-makers, community organizers and advocates of the disenfranchised or disempowered. They want to make the world a better place.”

    – Dr. Martha McCaughey, sociology professor

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide

    Click on the pdf for your major

  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Sociology (BS) - Applied Research Methods
  • Sociology (BS) - Criminology
  • Sociology (BS) - Families and Intimate Relationships
  • Sociology (BS) – Sociology of Health and Aging
  • Sociology (BS) - Individually Designed
  • Sociology (BS) - Social Inequalities

Minors

A minor is required. Suggested minors include:

  • Anthropology
  • Community and Regional Planning
  • Criminal Justice
  • Education – specifically Child Development, Family and Consumer Sciences, Leadership Studies, Media Studies, Special Education and Workforce Leadership and Development
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Exercise Science
  • Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies
  • Non-profit Organizations
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Social Work

View all minors

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 (2.0) or higher in the following required classes:

  • SOC 1000 - The Sociological Perspective (3) *
  • SOC 3885 - Research Methods (3) [WID] *
  • SOC 3895 - Social Statistics and Data Analysis (3) *
  • SOC 3950 - Classical Sociological Theory (3) *
  • SOC 3960 - Contemporary Sociological Theory (3) [WID] *
  • SOC 4450 - Senior Capstone (3) [CAP] *
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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.

Location

Boone and Hickory*

*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.

Careers

  • Alcohol and Drug Case Worker
  • Child Welfare Officer
  • City Planner
  • Community Relations Director
  • Counselor
  • Advocate
  • Data Analyst
  • Demographer
  • Financial Aid Counselor
  • Foster Care Worker
  • Fundraiser/Development Officer
  • Human Resources Administrator
  • Labor Relations Representative
  • Market Researer
  • Political Researcher
  • Population Specialist
  • Public Administrator
  • Public Health Statistician
  • Public Opinion Surveyor
  • Research Assistant
  • Sales Representative
  • Urban Development

View more career possibilities

Contacts

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Sociology

Dr. Cameron Lippard
Chair
lippardcd@appstate.edu
828-262-6396

  • Department of Sociology

    The Department of Sociology offers a Bachelor of Arts and six Bachelor of Science concentrations (applied research methods; criminology; deviance and law; families and intimate relationships; gerontology; social inequalities; and individually designed, which requires departmental approval). The department also offers minors in sociology and gerontology, plus two online graduate certificates in gerontology and sociology. Learn more at https://soc.appstate.edu.

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, two centers and one residential college spanning the humanities and the social, mathematical and natural sciences. The college is dedicated to providing instruction and research essential to the university's mission and seeks to cultivate the habits of inquiry, learning and service among all its constituents.

    By the Numbers

    • 1/3 of the degrees awarded at Appalachian
    • More than 70% of general education courses are taught in the college
    • 93 majors offered
    • 53 minors offered
    • 6,411 undergraduate majors
    • More than 460 full-time faculty members
    • 41,203 living alumni
    • $8,754,800 awarded to the college in external grants during the 2020–21 academic year
    • $236,914 awarded to students through 6 collegewide scholarships and 98 departmental scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated Master’s program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 12 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Biology, Computer Science, Engineering Physics, English, Geography and Planning, History, Mathematics, Romance Languages (French/Spanish), Political Science, Psychology (Experimental Science) and Public Administration. Other master’s degrees, graduate certificates and specialist degrees are listed on Appalachian’s School of Graduate Studies website.

    Top Employment Sectors

    • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
    • Federal, State and Local Government
    • Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
    • Legal Services
    • Health Care
    • Biotech/Engineering
    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Nonprofit Organizations

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