Department of Sociology and Interdisciplinary Studies

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The Department of Sociology and Interdisciplinary Studies contributes to the intellectual, social, and career development of citizens in southeastern North Carolina and beyond. The department is committed to educating students about the realities of human social interaction and offers students sociological tools to address current issues and problems encountered in social institutions and organizational settings. In addition, there are many opportunities for students to develop strong skills in understanding social issues from a global perspective. The department serves the needs of both traditional and nontraditional students by offering undergraduate and graduate programs, including minors and a graduate certificate program that enhance students’ intellectual growth and opportunities for career advancement.

The Bachelor of Arts degree program in Sociology is committed to training students through distance-learning programs and face-to-face methods. Students have the option of pursuing advanced study in sociology through our Master of Arts degree program and certificate programs. The department employs numerous strategies to enhance student engagement and students benefit from faculty members’ commitment to excellence in teaching, mentoring/advising, research, and service.

The department offers an undergraduate degree in sociology with the objectives of preparing students for further study at the graduate and professional levels and/or entry-level careers in business, human services, health services, education, law enforcement, government, and the private sector. To achieve its objectives, the department requires students to complete the University College Core Curriculum and thirty-six (36) or more credit hours in sociology.

Students in other undergraduate majors may elect to minor in Sociology or Africana Studies in order to broaden their academic background and/or achieve their career goals. The department offers courses that will satisfy the Scientific Literacy in Social Sciences (SOCI 210 ) and Global Literacy (ANTH 210  and SOCI 150 ) requirements of the University College Core Curriculum.

The Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies is an interdisciplinary degree program that enables students to develop twenty-first century skills, such as critical thinking, communication, knowledge of global cultures, and related skills and knowledge that will prepare them for leadership roles and professional success in the global economy. At the same time, the program provides students the opportunity to develop an individualized program of specialized knowledge and skills consistent with their personal interests, professional goals, and previous experience. This degree can be completed online.

Program Goals and Outcomes

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program enables students to acquire knowledge of sociological concepts and theories that assist them with the evaluation of social issues. Additionally, students master skills that foster competency in social research methods and statistical procedures.

Learning Outcomes

B.A. Sociology

Graduates are expected to demonstrate the following learning outcomes or competencies:

1. Students will demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the main subfields of sociology through proficient performance in statistics, research methods, theory, demography, deviant behavior, social institutions, social inequality/ social processes, and anthropology.
2. Students will demonstrate knowledge of theories and their application to various social issues.
3. Students will implement important components (statement of the problem, literature review, methods, references, citations) of the research process by designing a research project proposal.
4. Students will be able to apply social statistical strategies to social issues.

B.S. Interdisciplinary Studies

• Present original written and spoken communications that display the organization, clarity, documentation, and persuasiveness that are essential for effective leadership in multiple professional settings.
• Construct reasonable and effective arguments using various forms of evidence drawn from multiple sources to address practical problems and issues that arise in multiple professional settings.
• Interpret, assess, and apply effectively statistical concepts and data in addressing practical problems and issues that arise in multiple professional settings.
• Deepen their appreciation of the diversity of cultures, belief systems, and values to enable them to interact effectively and work cooperatively with diverse peoples in multiple professional settings.
• Offer ethically defensible solutions to the problems and issues that emerge in multiple professional settings.
• Employ technical skills and synthesize advanced knowledge to solve problems in their respective areas of specialization and concentration.
• Evaluate information, data, and ideas from multiple sources to develop solutions in their respective areas of specialization and concentration.

Programs

• Interdisciplinary Studies, B.S.
• Sociology, B.A.

• Africana Studies Minor
• Sociology Minor

Return to: College of Humanities and Social Sciences