Sociology, B.A.
Study society, human behavior, social justice issues and culture.
Sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies, and how people relate in patterned ways within these contexts.
As a social science, Sociology combines scientific and humanistic perspectives in the study of family patterns and relationships, social change, inter-group relations, social class, environment, communications, health care and illness, social movements, and other contemporary issues.
At Lenoir-Rhyne, these issues are studied in the light of social justice, morality and a call to vocation in the Lutheran tradition. We are called to address issues of social inequality, social justice and social problems in the world.
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Take the next step toward completing your B.A. in Sociology degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Get StartedTake the next step toward completing your Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degree at Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Program Overview
Since all human behavior is social, sociology studies a range of subject matter.
- Intimate family to the hostile mob
- Organized crime to religious cults
- Divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture
- Sociology of work to the sociology of sports
Few academic fields have such broad scope and relevance for research, theory and application of knowledge.
The sociology major provides for curricular flexibility to allow you entrance into specific areas of policy studies, graduate study, the criminal justice system, law, social work and other social services.
If you qualify and are interested in continuing your education through graduate study, you can easily matriculate into several of Lenoir-Rhyne’s graduate programs, such as human services or counseling. Through LR’s innovative Accelerated Master's Degrees and Alumni Advantage programs, you are able to complete your graduate degree in shorter time and at significantly less expense.
I have always been interested in social issues, and sociology was the right major for that interest. I had an intro to sociology course, and I enjoyed it a lot. After that, I decided to change majors.
Learning Outside the Classroom
Sociology majors are involved in community service work in the local community.
And faculty seek to make the undergraduate experience meaningful by exposing you to local sociological conferences and relevant events. In addition, there is a cohort of sociology students who engage together on campus for the purpose of analyzing and evaluating current events through a sociological lens.
Career Opportunities
LR sociology students have successfully transitioned to law school, to master's degree programs in social work and on to Ph.D. programs in sociology. The faculty is devoted to assisting you in the transition from undergraduate to the workforce or on to graduate studies by helping you to explore possibilities and programs of interest.
Sociology’s integration of humanistic and scientific approaches furnishes an ideal preparation for the professions of the 21st-century, furnishing a blending of attention to communication, critical thinking, problem-solving and global focus with the applied tools to meet the specific needs of many professions and address social issues.
The major’s focus on cultural, ethnic, racial and gender diversity provides you with a rich understanding of today’s world and the challenges we face. Sociology majors develop an understanding of diversity, of change and of the complex interactions that occur in contemporary society.
Career opportunities may be found in a wide array of professions:
- Government and non-profit agencies
- Human services
- Law and law enforcement
- Planning
- Social entrepreneurship and community activism
- Health services
- Journalism
- Counseling
Major Requirements
Sociology provides courses consistent with the liberal arts mission of the university. The sociology major provides for curricular flexibility to allow students entrance into specific areas of policy studies, graduate study, the criminal justice system, social work and other social services. The sociology major earns a B.A. degree.
Honors
Students majoring in sociology may elect to pursue honors work in sociology. To graduate 'With Honors in Sociology,' students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, a minimum major GPA of 3.5, and complete SOC 498 and SOC 499, including defense of a thesis.
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General Education Requirements (37 hours)
Graduation Requirements (4 hours)
General Education Requirements
- Technical Requirements (3-4 Hours)
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Major Requirements (42 Hours)
- SOC 100 - Introduction to Sociology
- SOC 200 - Social Problems
- SOC 317 - Social Stratification
- SOC 320 - Research Methods in Sociology
- SOC 390 - Social Theory
- SOC 450 - Senior Seminar
Choose 24 hours from the following major elective courses:- SOC 201 - Social Psychology
- SOC 207 - Marriage and Family
- SOC 212 - Aging and Society
- SOC 230 - Introduction to Criminology
- SOC 244 - Sociology of Health and Illness
- SOC 260 - Introduction to Criminal Justice
- SOC 307 - Sociology of Religion
- SOC 329 - Applied Sociology
- SOC 335 - Juvenile Deliquency
- SOC 340 - Sociology of Gender and Sexuality
- SOC 345G - Global Inequality
- SOC 379 - Environment and Society
- SOC 381 - Special Topics
- SOC 382 - Special Topics
- SOC 383 - Special Topics
- SOC 458 - Internship in Sociology
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General Elective Credits
General Electives (33-34 hours) as needed to reach 120 hours overall.
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Total Credit Hours - Minimum 120 hours
On occasion, technical and/or program requirements may also meet specific General Education requirements. Please confer with your program advisor to determine which courses, if any, may be counted accordingly.
All bachelor's degree programs at Lenoir-Rhyne require at least 120 credit hours. If, in combination, General Education, technical, and program requirements do not generate at least 120 hours, additional credits must be completed to achieve 120 hours. These classes may be general electives, or a student may complete a minor or additional major.
Admission & Financial Aid
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Undergraduate AdmissionOur admission team is here to assist you in making the college search process as easy as possible. Our counselors are happy to provide the information and guidance you need to submit your application, apply for financial aid and scholarships, visit and tour our campus.
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Financial AidWe recognize that paying for college is a top concern for students and their families. Our financial aid staff is here to provide you with financial aid options and assistance to help you achieve your educational goals.
