Description | Skills | Experience | Sample Careers/Work Settings | Salary
Double Majors/Minors | Advanced Degrees | NCSU Orgs | Prof. Orgs | Links | Next Steps

Description of Major

The Sociology degree is available as a Bachelor of Arts offered through the College of Humanities & Social Sciences, and the Applied Sociology degree is a Bachelor of Science offered through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. You will find information for both degrees through this page.

For the Bachelor of Arts:
Sociology is the examination of social interactions of people in groups and the causes and consequences of the human behavior within the groups. Sociologists explore the complexities of the structure and dynamics of social systems among cultures and societies. Sociology is an excellent major for individuals fascinated by groups and the social behavior of people. Students will have the opportunity to study race relations, gender, social class, religion, and ethnic background. In both paid and volunteer positions, the sociological perspective is valued in business, health, social service, criminal justice, law, media, and government sectors of society.

Concentrations include the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology focused on the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. In addition, there is a concentration, B.A. in Sociology- Social Studies Teacher Option that leads to a teaching credential. See the Social Studies Teacher Education Option web page for details on this concentration.

For the Bachelor of Science:
Applied Sociology is a subfield of sociology that uses sociological knowledge and methods to help people, organizations and communities solve their problems. A major in Applied Sociology is part of a well-balanced and science-based curriculum. Applied sociology is good training for any job that involves working with people and organizations. Sales people, planners, and managers can all benefit from knowledge of applied sociology. It is especially relevant for anyone considering international business or agricultural development occupations.

Many of the problems faced by all kinds of public and private agencies, as well as large and small businesses, have their roots in social relations, social change or social organization. Applied Sociology helps provide solutions to these problems. As a student majoring in Applied Sociology you will learn to understand social problems and apply that knowledge toward solutions.

Courses include:

For the Bachelor of Arts:
Principles of Sociology, Current Social Problems, Sociology of Family, Social Deviance, Human Behavior, Criminology, Women and Men in Society, Sociology of Medicine, and Racial and Ethnic Relations.

For the Bachelor of Science:
Social Research Methods, Community Relationships, Theories of Social Structure, Population and Planning, Sociology of Organizations

Please note the degree audit for the Applied Sociology BS is available through the Agriculture and Life Sciences ADA link. The Sociology BA is available though Humanities & Social Sciences which is linked below.

The Undergraduate Catalog shows a listing of Sociology courses, and the degree audit shows the curriculum course requirements for this major. If you are interested in expanding your career options, consider double-majoring and/or adding a minor.

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Skills You Develop In This Major

For the Bachelor of Arts:

• Research
• Critical Thinking
• Communication
• Human Relations
• Transferable skills include managing, promoting, selling, analyzing, interpreting, editing, advising, organizing, problem solving, conflict resolution, detail orientation

For the Bachelor of Science:

• Analyze, Synthesize & Interpret Information
• Knowledge of Social Structures and Change
• Interact well with Diverse Cultures/Groups
• Interpersonal Communication (oral & written)
• Knowledge of Community Resources Research and Planning (sociological)
• Statistical Abilities
• Critical Thinking
• Insight into Group Dynamics

Gaining Career-Related Experience

You are strongly encouraged to gain career-related experience prior to graduation in the form of an internship, summer job, or co-op. Though course credit (Bachelor of Arts) is not available for this experience through this major or department, you may receive compensation from the employer. Course credit (Bachelor of Science) though is available for this experience through the College of Agriculture and Sciences. You may or may not expect compensation from the employer. CALS Career Services office is available to help you.

Co-op is a program of alternating semesters of work and school. Paid work terms of increasing responsibility enable students to graduate with the minimum equivalent of one year of relevant work experience. Full-time enrollment during the semester prior to the first work term is required. You can begin co-op after completion of at least two semesters (30 credit hours) at NC State (one semester for transfers and graduate students). An NC State transcript must show grades and admission to a degree program. A minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.50 (3.00 for graduate students) is required. The Co-op Office web site lists the Orientation Schedule, which is the first step to program participation.

Internships are typically full-time during the summer or (for some) part-time during the semester. You can start interning or seeking summer jobs related to your field, whenever you are ready. The University Career Center provides services to help you get started.

Participate in ePack, the Career Center's on-line system that connects employees with students through internship postings, on-campus interviews, information sessions, and resume searches. You may activate your ePack account at any time.

Internship Example

For the Bachelor of Science:
A sample internship for an applied sociology major might include the following duties: assisting staff with communicating positive character traits, improving interpersonal relationships and social skills, assisting clients to accomplish individual goals and reach their full potential. Assisting staff with maintaining clientrecords, developing lesson plans which include horticulture, art, music, recreation, and character traits.

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Sample Career Titles and Possible Work Settings

The following lists provide a brief sampling of the kind of jobs and work environments you might find with a degree in this major. These titles and work settings are by no means an exhaustive listing. Because the world of work is always changing, over time job titles and work settings can change. The below listing is provided in hopes of giving you initial insight into a particular career field that would employ the skills and knowledge gained through this major.

Sample Career Titles	Sample Work Settings
Policy Analyst (B.A.)	Government Agency
Peace Corps Volunteer (B.A.)	Peace Corps
Market Researcher (B.A.)	Private Corporation
Case Manager (B.S.)	Government
Human Resources Counselor (B.S.)	Private Industry
School Counselor (B.S.)	Education

Careers Needing Advanced Degrees

• Clinical Administrator
• Counselor
• Director of Social Service Agency
• Gerontologist
• Professor
• Social Worker /Applied Sociologist
• Statistician
• School Psychologist

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Salary

Baccalaureate - $ 33,280
From NACE national salary survey- July 2009(suggested reading: Great Jobs for Sociology Majors by Stephen Lambert)

The salary listed above is an average starting salary based on skills and experiences gained at the Bachelors level. Keep in mind that salary level typically increases with additional experience and/or educational degrees.

Furthermore, you may have the opportunity to mold an entry-level position into your dream job and subsequently increase your salary as you learn more, add responsibilities and gain experience.

NC State Related Organizations & Clubs

Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD)-International Sociology Honor Society
Faculty Adviser: N/A

Taylor Sociology Club
Faculty Adviser: Dr. William Clifford, 513.3180, william_clifford@ncsu.edu

Professional Resources (Outside NC State)

These resources include organizations, clubs, and conferences not affiliated with NC State and can be an important part of your career pursuit.

• American Sociological Association
• American Society of Criminology
• Forensic Science Society
• SocSite- Links to Sociology careers and applications
• Southern Sociological Society
• The Society for Applied Sociology

Links to Related Resources

• University Career Center
• For more specific information on occupation/job skills, expectations, and salary, go to the Occupational Information Network site and search for a specific job. (hint: for salary info, select a report on one of the jobs and find the wages link at the bottom of the page.)
• The list of available Minors at NC State.
• Experimental Courses Listing (a.k.a. Special Topics)
• Department of Sociology & Anthropology
• College of Humanities & Social Sciences
• Cooperative Education Program
  
• College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Next Steps

Need more information about this major? Contact the expert on this major,
Coordinator of Advising.

Don't want this major? Continue exploring the available majors.
Still unsure of your major and/or not sure what to do next?
You know you want this major. What do you need to do now?

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Last updated: 1st of September, 2009 at 9:47:52 AM

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