Skip to main content

Sociology

Explore the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. 

Apply Now 

Program Overview

We offer two undergraduate degrees in sociology: B.A. in Sociology and B.S. in Sociology. You’ll investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies — and how people interact within these contexts. While preparing for a career in government, business or nonprofits, our program will help you tackle the most challenging issues of our time.

Degree Requirements

We require 31 credit hours for the B.A. or B.S. major concentrations. From food and society to racism in the U.S., you’ll have a variety of courses to choose from while pursuing your degree. Some topics that will be covered include: social groups, social interaction and the institutional processes necessary to understand patterns of behavior, social inequality, social change and resistance, and how social systems work.

shacks built on campus brickyard

Minor in Sociology

The sociology minor emphasizes sociological theory and research with substantive applications. You’ll build on theory and methodology — while enjoying flexibility in the choice of sub-disciplines like criminology, stratification, demography, social psychology, race and ethnic relations, or the family. 

  • Any student seeking a minor must consult with a minor adviser on a plan of work, and must file a copy of this plan with the minor advisor at least one semester before graduation.
  • A 2.0 GPA is required in the minor course work.
  • No courses taken for S/U credit will count toward the minor
  • A minimum of 9 hours required course work must be taken at NC State University. 3 of those 9 credits must be 400-level. 
  • Students completing a minor in sociology may not also complete a minor in criminology.
  • SOC 202, Principles of Sociology (3 credits)
  • SOC 300, Social Research Methods (4 credits)
  • Elective Courses (9 credits): 
    • 2 SOC 300-level courses (6 credits)
    • 1 SOC 400-level course (3 credits)

Add or Change a Major

Are you interested in adding a second major or changing your degree to Sociology? We can help with that.

A student may be awarded only one of the following degrees: B.A. in Sociology (16SOCBA), B.S. in Sociology (16SOCBS) or B.A. in Criminology (16CRIMBA).

To add or change majors, students must complete NC State’s Change of Degree Application. Eligible students must have completed 12 ore more graded credit hours at NC State and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.

For Sociology, preference will be given to students who meet the following qualifications:

  • Cumulative NC State GPA of 3.0 or better, or
  • GPA of 2.5 or better, AND completion of SOC 202 with grade of B- or better
  • Students with less than a 2.5 GPA should contact Stephanie Jares at sjares@ncsu.edu for more information.
  • Students completing a major in Sociology (B.A. or B.S.) may not minor in Criminology.