Sociology is the scientific study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior.   Sociologists examine and analyze the structure of organizations as well as how people interact with each other within those organizations. Among other things, sociologists seek to understand the causes and consequences of social inequality, the functions of deviance in society, or the role of ideology in the maintenance or transformation of social structure. 
 
Since 1990, the number of baccalaureate degrees awarded annually in sociology in American colleges and universities has increased by 70 percent from about 16,000 to approximately 27,000.  While today’s students may look forward to a planned career path, the economic and social reality is that increasing numbers of college student will enter a work world after graduation that looks much different from that of just a few years ago. Whereas in the distant past people often stayed with the same employer for many years, today’s workers move much more frequently. Technology is also increasing faster than it did in the past and many jobs are changing or being outsourced. Companies are also often looking for ways to cut costs which often translates into eliminating jobs. In addition, as the U.S. population becomes more heterogeneous, it will require both a work force and a citizenry with a greater knowledge of other cultures and other languages.

SOCIOLOGY AT HPU

Sociology is a valuable liberal arts major for students planning careers in a wide variety of fields including business, marketing research, criminology, demography, social psychology, public administration, gerontology, education, community development and social work. The inevitability of social change means that students need to be prepared for future uncertainties. This requires a curriculum that will provide students with the opportunity to examine topics that are particularly relevant to the contemporary world and one that offers the skills and insights needed for adapting to and meeting the challenges created by living in our rapidly changing global economy.

The Sociology program at High Point University is designed to provide students with a broad-based understanding of human behavior and society which is applicable to many professional areas and which provides a basis for being competitive in a constantly changing work-world. Through coursework and “hands-on” learning experiences, students learn how to apply sociological theory and methodologies in order to critically assess situations, beliefs, policies, and practices in an effort to resolve problems and facilitate positive social change.

The sociology curriculum at HPU addresses the key questions that have guided sociology and expands them to incorporate 21st century issues.   Our graduates, as they enter the workforce, they continue their education in graduate school, and as they serve in civic organizations in their communities, possess the knowledge and understanding that will enable them to understand the complex environment in which they and their organizations exist. 

The course requirements ensure that all students have a basic understanding of key concepts, methodologies, theories, and issues within the field of sociology while also providing students with the flexibility to choose elective courses that are consistent with their careers goals.