About
Sociologists observe, describe, explain and predict human social behavior. The Sociology (BS) - Criminology, Deviance and Law degree at Appalachian State University 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 use this concentration to enter law school, work in law enforcement or the criminal justice system, or to become service providers in a number of court-related 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 maintain case notes and written reports. In your studies, you 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 adult/juvenile probation and parole, public/private detention or confinement facilities, and community-based restorative justice programs. Recent employers include a number of North Carolina police departments and sheriff’s offices, probation offices, correctional facilities, sexual assault and domestic violence shelters, and other non-profit organizations.
Graduate School: Many students use this degree to enter masters and doctoral programs focusing on sociology and criminology. Recent graduates have attended North Carolina State University, East Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee-Knoxville, University of South Carolina, University of Maryland, and the University of Central Florida. Other students have attended law school, including the UNC-Chapel Hill, N.C. Central University, Villanova University and Wake Forest University.
People
Courses
Students are required to complete 30 hours of core sociology classes including:
- Social Deviance
- Criminology
- Sociological Theory
- Corrections or Sociology of Law
Students must also choose three hours of sociology electives with advisor approval and complete 30-33 hours of classes within the Criminology, Deviance and Law concentration. Options include:
- Law courses
- The Addictive Process
- Philosophy, Society, and Ethics
- Psychology of Personality
- Punishment in American Society
- Women in the Justice System
- American Social Welfare System
Related Programs
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 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?
- 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.
Method of Delivery
On campus only
Careers
- Alcohol and Drug Case Worker
- Case Aid Worker
- Child Welfare Officer
- Community Service Agency Worker
- Correctional Case Worker
- Corrections Officer
- Criminologist
- Delinquency Counselor
- Foster Care Worker
- Parole Officer
- Probation Officer
- Social Welfare Examiner
View more career possibilities
Contacts
Dr. Cameron Lippard
Chair
lippardcd@appstate.edu
828-262-6396