About
Sociologists observe, describe, explain and predict human social behavior. The Sociology (BS) – Power and Social Change degree at Appalachian State University examines how power serves to structure human relationships and how the contestation of power leads to a variety of social changes. Students in this concentration will learn not only about institutionalized power relationships, such as those pertaining to elections, political parties and policy-making, but also about less conventional power struggles, such as those involving social movements and war. To help students better understand the U.S. experience, many of these issues are placed in comparative and global contexts.
By developing effective written and oral communication skills, as well as through the practical experience of an internship, students will lay the groundwork for successful employment in government, community-based organizations and social advocacy groups. The concentration also provides the skills and knowledge for graduate study in sociology and related fields.
After Graduation
Employment: Graduates will have the skills necessary for entry-level positions in local government, social movement organizations and non-profit community development agencies. Possibilities in the private sector include jobs in human resources, organizational planning and community relations.
Graduate School: Graduates will be prepared to enter graduate-level programs in sociology, as well as related fields such as political science, public administration, law and social work.
People
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is optional. Suggested minors include:
- Anthropology
- Community and Regional Planning
- Global Studies
- History
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Philosophy
- Political Science
- Psychology
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]
Why Appalachian?
- Students graduate ready for either their career or graduate school.
- 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.
- Students are encouraged to assist with faculty research projects and can stay up to date on current research projects via the department’s webpage for research opportunities.
- The department encourages students to participate in internships and maintains relationships with community organizations in order to help students find appropriate host sites.
- The Department of Sociology offers scholarships.
Location
Boone and Hickory
Careers
- Community Organizer
- Public Relations Specialist
- County Manager
- Corporate Governance
- Lobbyist
- Lawyer
- Public Administrator
- Elected Official
- Non-Profit Administrator
- Social Worker
View more career possibilities
Contacts
Dr. Cameron Lippard
Chair
lippardcd@appstate.edu
828-262-6396