Sociology
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious traditions; from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture.
Through Methodist University’s Sociology program, you’ll be able to move beyond stereotypical and taken-for-granted assumptions that are deeply embedded within our daily lives. You’ll be able to think analytically and critically about the nature of social life. This means learning how to avoid the trap of drawing simplistic conclusions, resisting common-sensical shallow thinking, and overcoming pervasive ethnocentric visions of the world.
Common Career Paths
When you obtain a Sociology degree, you can begin your career in a number of different areas including, but not limited to, social worker, learning and development specialist, paralegal, human resources coordinator, urban planner, community health worker, market research analyst, and so much more.
Common Salary Ranges for Graduates
There’s a long list of career opportunities for those with Sociology degrees. But, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average annual salary for the following positions (which may require additional education) in North Carolina in 2021:
- Social workers: $62,450
- Paralegal: $49,470
- Human resources specialist: $66,000
- Urban and regional planner: $69,060
Average Tuition Cost
The average cost for an incoming residential freshman to attend MU is less than $18,000 – similar to the cost of attending one of the big-box public schools, but with the enhanced value of a highly-regarded private school with a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio.
While tuition varies, depending on a student’s financial aid package, it’s important to know that the average financial award for an incoming residential freshman at MU is more than $34,000.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
More than 97% of MU students receive some form of financial aid, with the University offering more than $24 million annually to students for scholarships. If a student is active military, family of active military, or a veteran, they may also qualify for MU’s military education benefits.
Sociology Graduate Success
Have a look at what recent graduates of the Sociology program are doing!
- Christopher Ansley, Class of 2022
Senior Military Science Instructor, The University of Scranton ROTC Department - Naelli Pearson, Class of 2019
Incentives Proficiency Data Analyst, Threat Tec - Emilli Rauch, Class of 2020
Law Student, Cecil C. Humphrey School of Law at The University of Memphis
Interested in Methodist University’s Sociology program?
If you have questions, see the FAQ below or reach out to Dr. Paul Knudson using the contact info at the bottom of the page. If you’re ready to apply today, click the button below!
Frequently Asked Questions
When you obtain a Sociology degree, you can begin your career in a number of different areas including, but not limited to, social worker, learning and development specialist, paralegal, human resources coordinator, urban planner, community health worker, market research analyst, and so much more.
You can use any of the following resources to help you find Sociology jobs:
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious traditions; from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture.
The Sociology major consists of 45-56 s.h. distributed as follows:
Core sociology courses:
- SOC 1510 Principles of Sociology (3 s.h.)
- SOC 2530 Global Social Problems (3 s.h.)
- SOC 3320 Methods of Social Research (3 s.h.)
- SOC 4500 Research Seminar (3 s.h.)
Select one (3 s.h.) course from the following:
- SOC 4310 Classical Sociological Theory (3 s.h.)
- SOC 4200 Contemporary Sociological Theory (3 s.h.)
Select one (3 s.h.) Statistics Course from the following:
- SOC 2200 Applied Statistics (3 s.h.)
- PSY 2500 Statistics for Psychology (3 s.h.)
- MAT 2200 Applied Statistics (3 s.h.)
- BUS 2160 Statistics for Business and Economics (3 s.h.)
Select an additional 24 s.h. in Sociology electives
- HIS 2170 and HIS 3820 may be counted as elective s.h. towards the major in sociology.
Bachelor of Arts Requirements
- Foreign language courses in one language through the 2020-level or demonstration of competence.
Bachelor of Science Requirements
- An additional 6 s.h. (two courses) in a social science other than sociology (Economics, Psychology, Political Science).
*All students must receive a grade of C or higher in all core courses taken in the Sociology major.
Minor & Associate of Arts Concentration Requirements
The Sociology minor and A.A. concentration consist of 18 s.h. in sociology, including SOC 1510.
Goals
- Sociology majors will demonstrate mastery of skills to critically evaluate research findings.
- Sociology majors will conduct original research by collecting data and producing a research report.
- Sociology majors will demonstrate skillful application and communication of sociological concepts and theories.
- Sociology majors will apply a global perspective to every aspect of social life.
Sociology Resources
Contact
Paul Knudson, Ph.D.
