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Sociology (BS) - Criminology

About

Sociologists observe, describe, explain and predict human social behavior. The Sociology (BS) - Criminology degree at Appalachian focuses on the causes of crime and society’s responses to criminal behavior and the criminal justice system, as well as what causes behavior to be defined as criminal and the various types of criminal behavior.

Most students pursue this concentration to enter law school, work in law enforcement or in the criminal justice system, or to become service providers in criminal/legal-focused programs. Students who choose this concentration will need strong communication skills, as their careers will demand face-to-face interaction, as well as the ability to write reports. Students in this concentration will develop the ability to write and speak well, analyze social situations and develop various solutions, and work with diverse groups effectively.

After Graduation

Employment: Graduates have the skills necessary to pursue entry-level career opportunities in the criminal legal system, in law, policy and strategy centers, and community-based restorative justice and mediation programs. Recent employers include several North Carolina law enforcement agencies, mediation centers, sexual assault and domestic violence shelters and other nonprofit organizations.

Graduate School: Many students use this degree to enter master’s and doctoral programs focusing on sociology, criminology, political science, public administration, criminal justice, law, psychology and social work.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Student Profile: Nataly Jimenez
    Student Profile: Nataly Jimenez

    First-generation student and Wilson Scholar Nataly Jimenez, a senior majoring in sociology-criminology aspires to become an immigration lawyer — a goal inspired by watching her own immigrant family encounter hardships.

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Felicia Arriaga
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Felicia Arriaga

    Dr. Felicia Arriaga, whose research focus is criminology, investigates jail policies. Her latest published work examines how jails are handling the coronavirus pandemic.

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide
  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

Related Programs

  • Sociology (BA)
  • Sociology (BS) - Applied Research Methods
  • 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 optional. Suggested minors include:

  • Anthropology
  • Communication
  • Community and Regional Planning
  • Criminal Justice
  • Economics
  • Global Studies
  • History
  • Media Studies
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Public Health
  • Social Work
  • Statistics

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) [GenEd: SS] *
  • 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?

  • Students graduate ready for either their career or graduate school.
  • This degree is designed to allow students to double-major in a number of other social science fields including Criminal Justice and Psychology.
  • Students are required to complete an internship in order to gain practical experience before graduation.
  • 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.

Location

Boone and Hickory*

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

Careers

  • Adoption Agent
  • Advocacy Manager
  • Community Relations Director
  • Community Service Agency Worker
  • Family Guidance Clinic Worker
  • Financial Aid Counselor
  • Foster Care Worker
  • Fundraiser/Development Officer
  • Managing Organizer
  • Outreach Coordinator
  • Policy and Advocacy Strategist
  • Policy Director
  • Policy Field Manager
  • Political Researcher
  • Population Specialist
  • Public Administrator
  • Research Analyst
  • Social Welfare Examiner
  • 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

It's up to me|us

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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