About

Sociologists observe, describe, explain and predict human social behavior. The Sociology (BS) - Families and Intimate Relationships degree at Appalachian State University focuses on family as a primary institution in our lives – affecting well-being, socialization, the transmission of rights and obligations, and the conferral of advantages and disadvantages. Students in this concentration will explore a range of family experiences in order to understand the causes and consequences of social, political and economic change for family life and how these changes impact the status of contemporary families.

Students are required to do an internship to gain practical experience in a more specific area of families and intimate relationships. The Department of Sociology has a strong network with local outreach programs to find appropriate host sites for student interests.

In this degree, students will learn effective writing and communication skills and practical application of theory. These skills are useful in a range of jobs, such as business, teaching and government.

After Graduation

Employment: Students are prepared for entry-level jobs in child advocacy, family planning, conflict resolution, work with at-risk youth and families, and child development programs. Graduates often work for the Department of Social Services, Public Health and other family-assistance non-profit programs.

Graduate School: Some graduates of this concentration go into graduate programs in sociology, counseling, family law, medicine, political science and criminal justice.

Career Exploration website

People

• 

  Faculty Profile: Dr. Ellen Lamont

  “A better understanding of our social world enables students to move beyond individualistic interpretations of behavior to a more empathetic outlook that emphasizes how social, political and economic processes impact the well-being of families.”

  – Dr. Ellen Lamont, assistant professor of sociology

• Student Profile: Kaylan Lewis ’16

  “The individuals on campus, for the most part, are open-minded and are pushing for change in society. I think that makes Appalachian State University an amazing place to be a part of.”

  – Kaylan Lewis, senior

Related Programs

• Sociology (BA)
• Sociology (BS) - Applied Research Methods
• Sociology (BS) - Criminology, Deviance and Law
• Sociology (BS) – Sociology of Health and Aging
• Sociology (BS) - Individually Designed
• Sociology (BS) - Social Inequalities

Minors

A minor is not required. Popular minors include: Psychology, Social Work, Communication and Non-Profit Management.

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