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Sociology (BS) - Criminology, Deviance and Law

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.

Career Exploration website

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

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 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
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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.

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

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 BA degree and six BS 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.

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 16 academic departments, one academic program, 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
    • 86 majors offered
    • 49 minors offered
    • 6,166 undergraduate majors
    • Over 450 full-time faculty members
    • 39,982 living alumni
    • $3,699,734 awarded to the college in external grants during 2017-18 academic year.
    • 393 travel and research grants awarded for a total of $100,725 to CAS students from the Office of Student Research.

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated admissions program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 11 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, 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

    • Elementary and Secondary Schools
    • Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools
    • Executive, Legislative and Other General Government
    • Justice, Public Order and Safety Activities
    • Computer Systems Design and Related Services
    • Legal Services
    • Health Care

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