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Sociology (BS) - Power and Social Change

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.

Career Exploration website

People

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Pavel Osinsky
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Pavel Osinsky

    Sociology professor Dr. Pavel Osinsky joined App State’s Department of Sociology faculty in 2008 and regularly teaches courses in Sociological Theory, Global Sociology, and Sociology of War. He is co-author of the book “War: Contemporary Perspectives on Armed Conflicts around the World,” which examines various arguments about the causes and consequences of war — with chapters on how culture shapes meanings of war, military participation and its consequences, and more. Learn more

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Brad Nash
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Brad Nash

    Dr. Brad Nash, professor in the Department of Sociology, teaches courses in areas that include Sociology of Work and Organizations, Sociological Theory, and Social Movements. His research focuses on labor union, political policy and comparative-historical analysis. In 2019, Nash was selected to chair the American Sociological Association’s History of Sociology section’s Distinguished Scholarly Publication Award Committee. Learn more

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Johnnie Lotesta
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Johnnie Lotesta

    Dr. Johnnie Lotesta, a political and cultural sociologist, joined App State’s Department of Sociology as a professor in fall 2021. Her interests include political parties, labor and social movements, public policy and American politics. As part of a recent project, Lotesta is working with a team of social scientists to understand how youth organizers in the U.S. think about and work toward social change. Learn more

    More sociology faculty

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

A minor is optional. Suggested minors include:

  • Anthropology
  • Community and Regional Planning
  • Global Studies
  • History
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Psychology

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 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]
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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*

*The Hickory Campus location is pending accreditation from SACSCOC for this program. Accreditation is expected in summer 2023.

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

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 Bachelor of Arts and six Bachelor of Science 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. Learn more at https://soc.appstate.edu.

  • College of Arts and Sciences

    Appalachian’s Largest College

    The College of Arts and Sciences at Appalachian State University is home to 17 academic departments, 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
    • 93 majors offered
    • 53 minors offered
    • 6,411 undergraduate majors
    • More than 460 full-time faculty members
    • 41,203 living alumni
    • $8,754,800 awarded to the college in external grants during the 2020–21 academic year
    • $236,914 awarded to students through 6 collegewide scholarships and 98 departmental scholarships for the 2020–21 academic year

    Graduate Programs

    Accelerated Master’s program opportunities are available in pursuing a master's degree in 12 selected areas: Appalachian Studies, Biology, 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.

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