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Sociology (BS) - Families and Intimate Relationships

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
    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

Courses

  • Program of Study
    Program of Study
  • Four Year Guide
    Four Year Guide

    Click on the pdf for your major

  • NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide
    NCCC Transfer Four Year Guide

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
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Why Appalachian?

  • This degree requires an internship. The Department of Sociology maintains relationships with community organizations in order to help students find appropriate host sites.
  • 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 offers scholarships.

Method of Delivery

On campus only

Careers

  • Adoption Agent
  • Aging Specialist
  • Case Aid Worker
  • Child Welfare Officer
  • Community Relations Director
  • Community Service Agency Worker
  • Family Guidance Clinic Worker
  • Family Preservation Case Worker
  • Family Services Specialist
  • Financial Aid Counselor
  • Foster Care Worker
  • Fund-raiser/Development Officer
  • Group Therapist
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Population Specialist
  • Public Health Educator
  • School Counselor
  • Welfare Counselor

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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