Sociology (B.A.)

With a degree in Sociology, you will be equipped with an education that will allow you to explore various career paths in fields of research, service, management, and more.

online icon There is an Online Degree Completion (ODC) Option Available. Click to learn more.

FSU’s online degree completion programs allow you to complete your upper-division (junior and senior level) courses online. To be admitted to an ODC program, you must already have completed the University College Core Curriculum (General Education Requirements) or be dual enrolled with a partnering community college. A partnering community college is a community college in which there is a signed articulation agreement between FSU and the community college.

When you study sociology, you are prepared for 21st century careers and other opportunities that focus on research and graduate training in sociology. Our curriculum is designed to develop and enhance essential transferable skills (Research & Project Development Skills, Analytical Skills, Interpersonal / Cross-Cultural Skills, Communication Skills) that will increase student success in a wide variety careers and post graduate opportunities.

Why Choose a Degree in Sociology?

The 21st century labor market is fast-changing, increasingly global, and technology driven. In our increasingly diverse world, the study of sociology provides you with the following general skills that employers are seeking in 21st century workers: ability to formulate innovative ideas and develop solutions to complex problems; strong critical thinking skills; ethical judgement; ability to work in diverse teams; conduct research; do evidenced-based analysis. A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in attempted coursework at Fayetteville State University is required for acceptance into the undergraduate degree program in Sociology.

The learning never stops in the field of sociology, and this is the reason I decided to major in it.
Evansha André
Department of Sociology, Junior
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What Will You Learn in Sociology?

Our Department prepares you by developing your appreciation of diversity, knowledge base about human behavior, social organization, culture, and social change. Our department also helps you develop valuable transferable skills that are useful in your everyday life and transferable to any job you obtain.

Discipline Specific Program Learning Outcomes:

  • You will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the main subfields of  sociology through proficient performance in statistics, research methods,  theory, demography, deviant behavior, social institutions, and social inequality/social processes.
  • You will demonstrate application of sociological theories to various social issues.
  • You will implement important components of the research process by designing a research project.
  • You will apply statistical strategies to social issues.

Important transferable skills learned in our department that employers find desirable:

  • Research & Project Developmental Skills
  • Analytical Skills
  • Interpersonal/Cross-Cultural Skills
  • Communication Skills

What Can You Do with a Sociology Degree?

The good news for sociology majors is that your studies will be uniquely suited to help you develop the skills you need for a successful 21st century career. There are many career opportunities available for our sociology majors. Some of the opportunities is in the social/community services, management, research analysts, teaching, law, publishing, criminal justice, etc.

Program Requirements

Please see the links below for the Academic Catalog and Course Descriptions

Transferable Skills Learned in the Program

Research & Project Development Skills

  • Defining hypotheses
  • Applying theoretical approaches to research problems
  • Planning / designing projects
  • Gathering data
  • Interviewing
  • Working with research subjects
  • Translating theory into action

Analytical Skills

  • Reading critically
  • Interpreting data
  • Evaluating ideas / theories / evidence
  • Analyzing qualitatively and quantitatively
  • Reasoning logically
  • Conducting social analysis
  • Understanding components of complex problems

Interpersonal / Cross-Cultural Skills

  • Working as a team member
  • Motivating groups
  • Identifying cultural / social considerations
  • Assessing needs
  • Remaining sensitive to people and problems
  • Understanding human relationships
  • Representing / negotiating with others
  • Recognizing social processes
  • Understanding privilege, prejudice and discrimination

Communication Skills

  • Articulating / defending a position
  • Writing effectively
  • Presenting alternative explanations
  • Conveying complex information and ideas
  • Summarizing
  • Preparing reports
  • Speaking in public