BS Applied Sociology

Sociology is the scientific study of individuals and groups within society. Through research and critical examination, sociologists study human interaction and social institutions to answer society's most complex questions. The Department of Sociology is home to student-centered faculty who bring diverse research interests into the classroom. Students have the opportunity to take courses from content areas of race and social class, gender and sexuality, criminology and social deviance, aging and dementia, popular culture, social movements, sustainability, and the environment. Sociology remains essential to a liberal arts education by preparing students to think critically about the world around them while applying practical skills in research methods and data analysis.

Sociology majors may choose the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology or the Bachelor of Science in Applied Sociology. The B.A. degree prepares students for professional or graduate study in the liberal arts tradition; whereas the B.S. provides practical research skills for students who wish to attend graduate school or to enter the work force upon graduation. Both degrees require 39 hours of Sociology coursework; however, the B.S. in Applied Sociology affords students the opportunity to complete an internship prior to graduation. Throughout the internship, students learn how to connect their classroom education to employment or graduate school opportunities.

Both degree programs include a data analysis course where students will use statistical software packages to learn how to collect, analyze, interpret, and present data on a variety of social phenomena. Qualitative and quantitative research courses teach students practical methods for conducting research while enhancing critical thinking and writing skills. Graduates are prepared for a variety of employment opportunities, including law, management, education, non-profit and community work, data analysis, politics and public administration, social services, and human resource management in business, government and industrial settings.

The Department of Sociology provides academic advising and encourages all students - declared and prospective - to take advantage of these services. Suggested degree plans, while helpful in planning an academic schedule, should not be used in lieu of academic advising.