Major or Minor in Sociology

Why Sociology?

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 interact within these contexts. The subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to large bureaucracies, from education to the environment, from race, gender and social class differences and inequalities to the shared beliefs of a common culture. Because sociology addresses the most challenging issues of our time, it is a rapidly expanding field whose potential is tapped by those who craft policies and create programs. 

The BA and BS programs provide students with strong conceptual and methodological foundations, training in applied methods, and a wide range of elective course options. The sociology minor provides students with instruction in core sociological concepts and methods. All our programs are offered both in-person and online. 

WHAT SOCIOLOGY STUDENTS LEARN 

Students who major and minor 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. 

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 

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS  

The sociology program at SHSU is one of the few sociology programs to offer an emphasis on training in applied methods. The applied core provides students with skills highlighted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers as important to occupational success. Course offerings include Demographic Techniques, Social Statistics, Community Planning and Development, and Qualitative Methods.  

The Sociology Department offers internships in applied sociology. 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.  

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