Sociology Major B.A.
The Sociology B.A. is offered on the Athens Campus. Studying sociology provides you with a comprehensive understanding of society and the human experience as you learn about diverse cultures, social norms and values, and historical and contemporary social trends:
- A rigorous understanding of research methods, sociological theories
- Preparation for careers in business, government, social change agents (e.g., community organizers), politicians, and educators
- Preparation for graduate study in law, social welfare, business administration, journalism, and many technical and scientific fields
- See more information about Careers in Sociology, Criminology and Pre-Law.
Faculty Contact: Dr. Charlie Morgan
Program Overview
Its unique lens for understanding and analyzing social issues, social relationships, and institutions is why many students choose to study sociology. This program equips students with critical thinking skills to tackle complex social problems, such as poverty, inequality, crime, law, and social justice. Additionally, students can develop transferable skills in research methods, data analysis, communication, and ethical decision-making that can apply to various professional fields.
Students studying sociology are passionate about social justice, equality, and fairness and are interested in exploring how social structures, culture, and institutions impact people’s lives, and shaping policies that affect society. Students may also be interested in pursuing careers working with marginalized and underrepresented populations or addressing issues related to crime, law and justice.
Furthermore, studying sociology provides students with a comprehensive understanding of society and the human experience. Students learn about diverse cultures, social norms and values, and historical and contemporary social trends, which can deepen their empathy, appreciation, and understanding of the world around them. This knowledge and perspective is valuable for students interested in pursuing careers in public service, education, advocacy, social work, law, or any field where understanding people and society is essential.
Careers and Graduate School
Those with degrees in Sociology find meaningful and rewarding employment as consultants to business and government, social change agents (e.g., community organizers), politicians, and educators.
An undergraduate major in Sociology is excellent preparation for those anticipating graduate study in law, social welfare, business administration, journalism, and many technical and scientific fields.
Additionally, the sociology major enhances student preparation for effective participation in the community and society at large.
Admissions Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.
Change of Program Policy: No selective or limited admission requirements.
External Transfer Admission: No requirements beyond University admission requirements.
Degree Requirements
- Sample 4-Year Program
- Major code BA4251
University-wide Graduation Requirements
To complete this program, students must meet all University-wide graduation requirements.
College-Level Requirements for the College of Arts & Sciences
View the College-Level Requirements for the College of Arts & Sciences.
Sociology Hours Requirement
Complete a total of 30 semester credit hours of SOC coursework, including all the requirements below.
Sociology Core Courses
Earn a "C" or better in the following three courses:
- SOC 1000 - Introduction to Sociology Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 3000 - Development of Sociological Theory Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 3500 - Elementary Research Techniques Credit Hours: 3
Sociology Statistics Courses
Complete one of the following courses:
- COMS 3520 - Empirical Research Applications in Communication Credit Hours: 3
- ECON 3810 - Economic Statistics Credit Hours: 3
- MATH 2500 - Introduction to Statistics Credit Hours: 4
- PSY 2110 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences Credit Hours: 4
- QBA 2010 - Introduction to Business Statistics Credit Hours: 4
Sociology Concentration
Complete three courses at the 3000- or 4000-level.
- SOC 3090 - Sociology of Appalachia Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 3150 - Social Identities Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 3270 - Sociology of Education Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 3290 - Race and Ethnic Relations Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 3300 - Sociology of Poverty Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 3310 - Class and Inequality Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 3350 - Economic Sociology Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 3400 - Population and Society Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 3560J - Writing in Sociology & Anthropology Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 3650 - Sociology of Mental Illness Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 3720 - Sociology of Masculinity Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4000 - Emergent Topics in Sociological Theory Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4130 - Media and Society Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4140 - Contemporary Social Movements Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4160 - Society and the Individual Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4190 - Group Processes Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4210 - Comparative Studies of Family Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4220 - The American Family System Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4240 - Urban Sociology Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4280 - Sociology of Religion Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4300 - Sociology of Organization Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4320 - Political Sociology Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4330 - Sociology of Work Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4500 - Data Analysis Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4620 - Sociology of the Courts Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4640 - Law in Societies Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4650 - Social Change Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4670 - Violence Against Women Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4700 - Sociology of Gender Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4710 - Gender and Justice Credit Hours: 3
- SOC 4810 - Environmental Sociology Credit Hours: 3
Sociology-Criminology Electives
- Complete any three sociology or Sociology-Criminology courses at any level. One of these courses may be a Sociology internship (as listed below).
- SOC 4910 - Internship in Sociology & Criminology Credit Hours: 3.0-9.0
Sociology Capstone
Complete the following course:
- SOC 4950 - Sociology Capstone Credit Hours: 3