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Sociology

Academics College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Sociology, Criminal Justice and Women’s Studies Sociology

The Power of Sociology

The power of sociology is in its ability to disclose a fascinating new perspective on social reality. Academically, the rigorous, well-rounded curriculum prepares our majors for graduate programs in sociology, as well as in areas such as social work and law school. Sociology also provides the knowledge and analytical skills necessary to enter careers in government, nonprofit organizations, social work, market research, management and many other professions.

Alpha Kappa Delta

International Sociology Honor Society

Since its inception in 1920, the aim of Alpha Kappa Delta has been to stimulate scholarship. To become a member of AKD, a student has to be at least a junior and have accumulated the equivalent of an overall grade point average of 3.0 or a ‘B’ average in sociology, with at least 12 hours of sociology course-work. Student scholarship in Alpha Kappa Delta is recognized in several ways. The Society sponsors student travel to regional meetings, supporting those who want to present their own work and learn from the scholarly presentations of others. The Society sponsors annual student paper contests, presenting awards which include monetary prizes, travel support and scholarships. In addition, by funding research symposia and honoraria for guest speakers, the Society supports chapter activities which further education. The Society continues to recognize scholarly excellence in sociology by inducting approximately 4,000 lifetime members each year.

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  • 1. Knowledge base of sociology: The student will demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, and empirical findings of sociology.

    1.1 The student should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the major theoretical perspectives, the basic research methods, and methods of data analysis used in sociology.

     2. The student will demonstrate the ability to engage in critical thinking.  Examples: The student will be able to read, critique, and correctly interpret data graphs. The student will be able to identify common methodological errors in social science research.  The student will be able to conduct hypothesis tests and correctly interpret the results.

    2.1 The student should be able to demonstrate the following skills: Draw inferences from theories and data; interpret and weigh evidence as to whether asserted conclusions are warranted; deduce conclusions from information presented in statements or premises; evaluate the strengths of comparable arguments regarding a specific issue; and apply sociological knowledge to new problems. 

    3. The student will demonstrate the ability to communicate sociological material effectively in writing.

    3.1 The student should be able to synthesize appropriate information from a variety of sociological sources and develop a well-organized, logical presentation of that material.3.2 The student should be able to demonstrate effective writing skills by using professional writing conventions to present sociological material.

  • Academically, the rigorous, well-rounded curriculum prepares our majors for graduate programs in sociology, as well as in areas such as social work and law school. The program promotes a global perspective and an understanding of diversity, developing majors who can think critically and analytically, and who are familiar with the historical developments and current institutional patterns, as well as other forms of human relations which constitute the structure of society. Sociology provides the knowledge and analytical skills necessary to enter a variety of careers.

  • Sociology majors find employment in government, nonprofit organizations, social work, market research, management and many other professions.

  • There are several local agencies or nonprofits that afford our students internship opportunities. These include:

    • American Red Cross
    • Boys & Girls Club of the Upstate
    • Department of Social Services
    • City of Spartanburg Department of Community Services
    • Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System
    • Anderson Youth Association
    • Mental Health Associations of Greenville
    • Piedmont Care, Inc. – Spartanburg
    • SAFE-Homer Rape Crisis Coalition
    • SC Department of Juvenile Justice
    • The Urban League of the Upstate