Sociology is the scientific study of social life, social change and the causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociology seeks to challenge commonly accepted explanations for human actions and social happenings by looking beyond surface content and systematically attempting to understand why things happen as they do.
The Sociology major is designed to provide students with a broad-based understanding of human behavior. 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 identify possible solutions to social problems and facilitate positive social change.
While students are required to take courses in both social theory and research methods, there is an emphasis on practical application. Most importantly, the major provides students with the flexibility to choose courses that are consistent with their life ambitions. Students planning to enter the job market after graduation may take advantage of internship opportunities. Those contemplating pursuing a graduate degree are encouraged to write a senior thesis and take advantage of the opportunities to engage in research practicums or collaborative research experiences with faculty.
For Sociology majors, getting a job that allows you the opportunity to utilize the various skills and competencies acquired through four years of study requires careful planning and preparation. Internships are a great way to acquire the type of “hands-on” experience that many employers demand. Over 150 nonprofit agencies serving the High Point area offer internships suitable for Sociology majors. For students meeting the requirements, Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociology Honors Society, sponsors student travel to regional meetings in support of those who want to present their own work and learn from the scholarly presentations of others. The Sociology Club offers students the opportunity to contemplate sociological ideas outside of the classroom. It is also a place for students to network and have information about graduate schools, professional conferences, job opportunities and mentoring relationships with colleagues and professors.
Combined with careful planning and practical experiences, a bachelor’s degree in sociology opens up a world of possibilities to graduates. Whether in business, government, education or human services, the knowledge acquired through a broad-focused major like sociology provides for a competitive advantage in an ever-changing world. A bachelor’s degree in sociology is also useful for those considering graduate school whether in sociology, law, politics, social work or business. Recent HPU graduates with either a major or minor in sociology have or are currently pursuing graduate degrees at the following schools:
• North Carolina State University
• Villanova University
• Auburn University
• High Point University
• John Jay School of Criminal Justice
• University of Hawaii
• Norfolk State University
• Winston-Salem State University
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro
• Campbell University Law School
• University of New Mexico
Requirements for a B.A. in Sociology (36 credits):
- SOC 1010 The Individual and Society or ANT 1020 Cultural Anthropology
- SOC 2050 Classical Theory and Contemporary Applications
- SOC/PSC 2018 Research Methods Political Science and Sociology
- Six additional courses (24 credits) in Sociology with the following guidelines:
- Only 4 hours of internship can be counted toward fulfilling major requirements and no more than 8 hours of SOC 4018.
- Majors must complete at least 4 hours toward major in a 4000 level course.
- In addition only 2 of 6 SOC electives may be fulfilled with cross-listed courses. SOC 2020 Sociology of Mass Communication, 2030 Sociology of the Family, 2040 Race and Ethnicity, 2060 Sociology of Culture, Religion, and Society, 2070 Sociological Social Psychology, 3020 Appalachian Society and Nonprofits (A Travel America Course), 3030 Sociology of Health and Illness, 3040 Social & Global Inequalities, 3060 International Migration, 3070 The Social Construction of Deviance, 3090, 3091, 3092 and 3093 Professional Internship in Sociology, 4000 Environment & Society, 4010 Visual Sociology and Social Documentation, 4015 Sociology of Work and Family, 4018 Research Practicum, 4020 Senior Thesis I, 4021 Senior Thesis II, SOC/COM 2282 Players, Gamers, and Game Cultures, SOC/COM 3334, 3374, 3384
Students will be advised in electing additional courses that will complement their career goals.
