We See Your Future in Sociology.
Explore modern society with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology that prepares you for a huge variety of careers.
Bachelors of Arts in Sociology
Are you fascinated by the world around you? Do you want to learn more about the reasons behind why groups of people behave the way they do and believe what they believe? Earning a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Norfolk State University will introduce you to the study of people and societies while providing you with foundational skills that apply to nearly every industry and career.
If you’re like most students considering studying sociology, you’re probably asking, “what is sociology?” Sociologists study human social relationships and institutions, with topics ranging from crime and religion to the family and divisions of race. As you earn your degree in sociology at NSU, you’ll learn the fundamentals of one of the most exciting and diverse academic fields available.
A degree in sociology with real-world impacts
As a Sociology major at NSU, you’ll study and propose solutions to some of the most challenging issues of our time, including street crime and delinquency, corporate downsizing, poverty and homelessness, welfare and education reform, and problems of peace and war. Because sociology pulls from so many other disciplines and fields, you’ll develop well-rounded skill sets that can help you stand out, both on the job market and on the job.
B.A. in Sociology Degree at a Glance
- Average Class Size:
- Formats Offered: In Person
- Total Credit Hours: 120
View Sociology plans of study | Request more information | Apply now
Why Major in Sociology at NSU?
The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at NSU provides Sociology majors with specialized skills in sociological theory and research as well as general skills like writing, editing and public speaking. This means that when you major in Sociology at NSU, you’ll be well-prepared to stand out as you enter the job market and begin your career.
Majoring in Sociology at NSU will provide you with so many benefits, including:
Experienced faculty
Work closely with published and nationally renowned faculty mentors dedicated to community service and creating engaging classroom experiences.
Hands-on experience in your field
The courses that make up our degree in sociology prioritize real-world applications of the theory you learn. Through internships and guided research opportunities, you’ll graduate with an impressive resume and meaningful stories to tell during job interviews.
Career preparedness
In addition to our focus on hands-on learning, you’ll also have exclusive access to our professional network of community organizations for Sociology majors, which includes local and state police departments, federal agencies, faith-based institutions, group home facilities, the YMCA, homeless shelters and many more.
What Courses Will I Take as a Sociology Major?
Majoring in Sociology at NSU will expose you to many different fields and academic disciplines — including anthropology, psychology, history, political science, economics, geography and criminal justice, to name just a few. As a Sociology major, you’ll bring all these fields together to analyze and try to solve the most pressing problems in today’s society.
The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology requires a minimum of 120 credit hours, including 40 hours of general education courses, 57 major courses and 23 electives so that you can tailor your degree to your personal and professional interests.
Some of the courses at the core of our degree in sociology include:
- Social Problems
- Sociological Theory
- The Family
- Methods of Social Research
- Race and Cultural Minorities
- Criminal Justice
- Urban Sociology
- Child Psychology
View the full Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program curriculum .
Where Will Majoring in Sociology Take Me?
You may still be wondering, “what is sociology and what kinds of careers can I get with a degree in it?” The short answer is that sociology is a way of studying complex human relationships and institutions using methods of research and analysis from almost all major fields. When you major in Sociology at NSU, you’re opening up numerous paths to rewarding and satisfying careers learning about and helping others in your community, the state, the nation and even the world.
Many of our Sociology majors are accepted into prestigious graduate programs to continue honing their skills and increase their career potential.
Majoring in Sociology at NSU can lead to positions such as:
- Social worker
- Teacher
- Human resources coordinator
- Urban planner
- Community health worker
- Public relations specialist
- Diversity manager
- School counselor
Career outlook for Sociology majors
Because sociology is such a versatile degree with myriad career opportunities, the job outlook for students who major in Sociology depends greatly on their chosen field. For example, employment for social workers is predicted to increase by 12% over the next decade — about double that of other occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Sociology majors who want to become secondary teachers can expect an 8% growth in employment opportunities over the same amount of time.
How Do I Get Started Earning My Degree in Sociology at NSU?
Do you have questions about applying to Norfolk State University? Want to learn about what options you have for financial aid? Still wondering “what is sociology and is it right for me?” The Department of Sociology at NSU has dedicated and caring advisers, counselors and staff members who will help you decide whether you should major in Sociology at NSU.
Learn more about the requirements for the degree in sociology program.
Degree Programs Related to Sociology
If you’re interested in majoring in Sociology at NSU, you might also be interested in learning about these similar undergraduate degree programs:
Accreditation for Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctorate degrees.