Sociology, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science

Sociology is a scientific discipline concerned with equality, justice, and social responsibility within society’s cultural, political, and economic systems. The mission of the Sociology Department at Sam Houston State University is to cultivate sociological mindfulness, which involves understanding how social forces and cultural contexts shape people’s experiences, how personal troubles are connected to broader social issues, and how social arrangements create both constraints and opportunities for individuals and groups.

The Sociology BA and BS programs provide students with strong conceptual and methodological foundations, training in applied methods, and a wide range of elective course options. All our programs are offered both in-person and online. Course advisor ranks the undergraduate sociology program as the 6^th best value in Texas and the 2^nd best online program!

Students who major in sociology gain proficiency and expertise in a wide range of skills:  

•  Knowledge and experience in problem solving, data analysis, and critical thinking.
• Appreciation for cultural differences and experience working on diverse teams.
• Written and verbal communication skills.
• Interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Experience using conceptual frameworks and diverse research methods to think systematically about and assess equality, justice, and social responsibility within society’s institutions.
• The ability to identify practical solutions to an array of social problems and help improve social conditions in their local communities and the broader society.

Coursework

Students wishing to pursue a degree in sociology have the choice of either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS). Both programs can be taken in-person, online, or as a combination of in-person and online.

Sociology coursework includes a focus on conceptual development and application and training in methods and oral and written communication. The sociology program at SHSU is one of the few sociology programs to offer an emphasis on training in applied methods. Students have a choice of a wide variety of electives covering a range of social issues and topics.

The department also strongly encourages and supports undergraduate student research and collaborations with faculty members. SHSU sociology majors regularly present their papers at regional and national conferences and publish their work in academic student journals.

Internships

As part of this program, the Department of Sociology offers internships for juniors and seniors.  The internship gives students the opportunity to participate in a pre-professional experience applying sociological knowledge and methods in a community-based, government, or for-profit organizational setting.

Learn more about sociology internships.

Sociology Career Paths

• Non-profit advocacy 
• Market research and data analysis 
• Government, law, and court professions 
• Case management and child protective service 
• Private and public sector work in sales and supervision 
• Human resource management and public relations 
• Education and teaching 

Or continue your education with a graduate degree.

Program Breakdown