About
Sociologists observe, describe, explain and predict human social behavior. The Sociology (BS) - Social Inequalities degree at Appalachian State University examines how differences in dimensions such as gender, race, ethnicity, social class, sexuality, age and nationality may lead to unequal outcomes in terms of power, status and income. Not only are the causes and consequences of various social inequalities and social stratification systems examined, but so are the policies and practices designed to address inequality.
In this program, you will learn to understand human diversity for positions in personnel and human resource management, social service or government agencies, and employment with non-profit and community organizations. This program develops strong written and oral communication skills and serves as excellent preparation for graduate school in sociology or related fields.
After Graduation
Employment: Graduates often enter into government or non-profit organizations working with a variety of people and situations. Some graduates have also started for-profit businesses with a socially conscious mission such as clothing stores and coffee shops that sell only fair-trade products.
Graduate School: Most graduates graduates with this degree often pursue graduate education in sociology, criminal justice/law, political science, education, anthropology, psychology, social work, geography and planning, or student development.
People
Related Programs
Minors
A minor is optional. Suggested minors include:
- Non-profit Organizations
- Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies
- Girls’ Studies
- LGBT Studies
- Community and Regional Planning
- Psychology
- Social Work
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) *
- 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] *
- SOC 4900 - Internship (3-6)
Why Appalachian?
- Appalachian offers a minor in non-profit management that many students choose to pursue in conjunction with this degree.
- Students are required to complete an internship. Many students choose to intern with local organizations that the Department of Sociology maintains relationships with.
- 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.
Location
Boone and Hickory
Careers
- Adoption Agent
- AmeriCorps VISTA Worker
- Community Organizer
- Community Relations Director
- Community Service Agency Worker
- Family Guidance Clinic Worker
- Financial Aid Counselor
- Foster Care Worker
- Fundraiser/Development Officer
- Non-Profit Director
- Political Researcher
- Population Specialist
- Public Administrator
- Social Movement Organizer
- Social Worker
- Urban Planner
View more career possibilities
Contacts
Dr. Cameron Lippard
Chair
lippardcd@appstate.edu
828-262-6396