Sociology
Sociology focuses on the structure of social groups, organizations, and societies - and how people interact within these structures.
Sociology, B.S./B.A.
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. It is an expanding field that addresses challenging issues such as family dynamics, inequality, patterns of behavior, and forces for social change and resistance. Sociologists' research can be applied to virtually any aspect of social life, from crime to corporate downsizing.
Students may pursue a B.A. or a B.S. in Sociology. The B.A. requires a foreign language and an additional minor. The B.S. can be taken with a general focus (2 minors required) or it can be taken with one of three concentrations (1 minor required): Criminology, Social Justice, or Work and Family Studies.
News Briefs
Anthropologist Alisse Waterston to speak at MTSU Oct. 9
Middle Tennessee State University’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology will host renowned anthropologist and author Alisse Waterston as speaker for the Anthropologica for Fall lecture at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, in Room 160 of the College of Education Building.[ Read More ]
June ‘Out of the Blue’ spotlights sociology, anthropology pathways [+VIDEO]
Educational opportunities for undergraduate students interested in sociology and anthropology were highlighted on the June episode for “Out of the Blue,” Middle Tennessee State University’s television magazine show.[ Read More ]
News Briefs
Anthropologist Alisse Waterston to speak at MTSU Oct. 9
Middle Tennessee State University’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology will host renowned anthropologist and author Alisse Waterston as speaker for the Anthropologica for Fall lecture at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9, in Room 160 of the College of Education Building.[ Read More ]
June ‘Out of the Blue’ spotlights sociology, anthropology pathways [+VIDEO]
Educational opportunities for undergraduate students interested in sociology and anthropology were highlighted on the June episode for “Out of the Blue,” Middle Tennessee State University’s television magazine show.[ Read More ]
Sociology, B.S./B.A.
Graduates can work in aging/youth services, health services, community work, criminology/corrections, government services, and teaching.
Occupational fields also include social research, teaching, personnel, industrial relations, journalism, applied sociology or anthropology, religion, gerontology, foreign service, and social and cultural research.
Expertise in a specific subject may be crucial to an employer, such as aging, adolescence, demography, community organization, crime and law, health care, marriage and family, sexuality, poverty, religion, work and occupations, and race and ethnic relations.
Employers of MTSU alumni include
- Government/international agencies
- Social service agencies
- Non-profit organizations
- Businesses/consulting firms
- Universities and colleges
Click here for more helpful career information
MTSU’s Career Development Center
MTSU offers a comprehensive Career Development Center that serves students throughout the full student experience and beyond. They collaborate with faculty and staff to equip students with the tools to be marketable to the world of work and continuing education.
Students can schedule an appointment or check online resources and job boards at mtsu.edu/career.
Students can find current internship opportunities by talking to faculty and visiting the University job and internship board called Handshake.
Wondering what you can do with your major? Check out our What Can I Do with A Major In guides.
Sociology Defined
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human action. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts. The field also offers a range of research techniques that can be applied to virtually any aspect of social life: street crime and delinquency; corporate downsizing; ways people express emotions; welfare or education reform; ways families differ and flourish; or problems of peace and war. Because sociology addresses the most challenging issues of our time, it is an expanding field whose potential is increasingly tapped by those who craft policies and create programs. Sociologists understand inequality, patterns of behavior, forces for social change and resistance, and how social systems work.
How to Major in Sociology
Students considering a major in Sociology are encouraged to complete either SOC 1010 Introduction Sociology or SOC 2010 Social Problems (or their honors equivalent) to acquaint themselves with the discipline and confirm their interest in sociology as a major. Those deciding to pursue the major should contact the Department of Sociology and Anthropology in TODD 342 (898-2508) or their college advisor to declare sociology as their major and be assigned an faculty advisor. With the advisor, the student will develop a program of study that meets the requirements. It is strongly recommended that students complete MATH 1530 (Applied Statistics) to meet the general education math requirement.
Get Involved and Stay Connected
Students are invited to join MT Student Sociologist
For more information on majoring in Sociology, contact the Sociology Undergraduate Program Director, Dr. Angie Mertig. Office: TODD 328. Phone: (615) 904-8349. Email: [email protected]. You can also find more information on our department page under Student Resources.
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