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Sociology (BS) - Applied Research Methods

About

Appalachian State University’s Sociology (BS) - Applied Research Methods degree develops knowledge and technical skills to be a social science researcher, which involves logical and critical thinking, a clear grasp of data collection, data management, statistics and statistical software packages, as well as strong communication skills.

Sociologists observe, describe, explain and predict human social behavior.  With this degree’s focus on sociology research, you will be prepared for a range of possible occupations in research design, data collection and data analysis in both the public and private sector. This is beneficial in a field where sociologists often provide program evaluation, create written and oral reports for clients, and work with a variety of organizations.

The applied research methods track is also a strong preparation for graduate school where research skills are highly emphasized.

After Graduation

Employment: Students recently have gone on to work for the U.S. Census Bureau, Florida Citrus Association, IBM and non-profit agencies who needed employees with program assessment skills.

Graduate School: Most students graduating with this concentration pursue advanced training and graduate school. Our graduates have pursued advanced degrees at N.C. State University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Oregon State University and The Ohio State University.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Beth Davison
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Beth Davison

    “For me, I think research teaches very important skills to have just to be an informed citizen.”

    - Dr. Beth Davison, who teaches sociology research methods

  • Alumna Profile: Jess Eatman ’13
    Alumna Profile: Jess Eatman ’13

    “Sociology gave me a way to think through various situations critically and take into consideration the social climate in the corporate world in regard to gender, race, sexual orientation and how there is a palpable difference in the way individuals are treated.”

    – Jess Eatman ’13, analytics manager for McKesson healthcare company

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 (BA)
  • 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 not required. However, some students choose to add a minor in statistics because it complements their concentration requirements.

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 4390 - Applied Sociology Seminar (3) *
  • SOC 4450 - Senior Capstone (3) [CAP] *
  • SOC 4900 - Internship (3-6)
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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.
  • Students have opportunities to present research at local and regional forums.
  • 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

  • Congressional Aid
  • Consumer Survey Advisor
  • Criminologist
  • Data Analyst
  • Demographic Analyst
  • Fund-raiser/Development Officer
  • Marketing Research Analyst
  • News Correspondent
  • Political Systems Researcher
  • Population Specialist
  • Professor
  • Public Health Statistician
  • Public Opinion Surveyor
  • Research Assistant
  • Urban Planner

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

Appalachian Cares

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Appalachian Cares is a place to find resources and support available for our students faculty and staff regarding student health and safety.

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