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

  “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

  “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

Related Programs

• Sociology (BA)
• Sociology (BS) - Criminology, Deviance and Law
• 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)