SOCIOLOGY MAJOR
at Meredith College
Sociology involves the study of human behavior and the social lives of people, groups, and societies. At Meredith, you will learn about social justice, working with diverse groups of people, and understanding how people interact and how society is organized in ways that can support and suppress its citizens.
“My faculty made me feel like I was going to be successful and built me up the entire time I was here. Dr. Macomber and Dr. Brown talked with me and influenced me and helped me find where I want to go with my life, what I want to specifically focus on, and where I want to work.”
Our Sociology Major
Meredith’s sociology program encourages you to develop your social consciousness and gain an understanding of people, both as unique individuals and as members of a particular culture and society. Our sociology courses are designed to present multiple perspectives so you have a solid foundation for employment or continued study in graduate school of sociology, social work, and other related fields.
As a sociology major, you will complete a 90-150 hour internship, which places you in the field for a hands-on, professional experience related to your area of study. You will work with the community or government agencies, where you will apply sociological theories and methods to real-world social issues.
Why Get Your Sociology Degree From Meredith?
- Students have the opportunity to double major in sociology and criminology.
- Graduates can identify and describe key concepts in sociology and compare and contrast major theoretical orientations and theories.
- Sociology majors have access to the Dedmon Sociology Research Lab. The lab offers
- Several computers for schoolwork
- A small library of sociology books and journals
- A meeting place for students to gather for study or discussions between classes
- Meredith has several student organizations specifically available to sociology majors, including a Sociology and Criminology Cub and honor societies.
- The annual Erika Woodlief Social Leadership Award is given to a senior majoring in sociology. The student should show enthusiasm for the field of sociology and encourage her fellow sociology students while in the program.
- Sociology students gain hands-on experience by completing a required internship.
- All sociology majors participate in research because of its importance in a well-rounded curriculum.
- All students are required to explore the logic of scientific inquiry from a social science perspective in SOC-374 Social Research Principles.
- All students complete a major research project that involves an internship or significant involvement in the community combined with research in criminology for SOC-496 Applied Research.
- An example of a student thriving is Caroline Garrett, ’19, an Honors student who received degrees in both social work and psychology. While at Meredith, Caroline participated in Meredith’s Autism Program and took leadership positions in several other student organizations. Caroline gained her Master of Social Work from UNC Chapel Hill and works at NeuroNav. She credits her time at Meredith for giving her the confidence never to limit herself and make her ambitions a reality.
What Can You Do With a Sociology Degree?
A sociology degree prepares students for a wide array of potential careers as well as graduate study.
- Boys and Girls Club of NC
- Interact of Wake County
- Habitat for Humanity of Wake County
- Haven House Services
- Neighbor to Neighbor
- Planned Parenthood
- Salvation Army
- Urban Ministries of Wake County
- Wake County Public Schools
- Careers with a sociology degree include learning and development specialist, social worker, HR coordinator, paralegal, urban planner, diversity manager, school counselor
- Professional positions held by recent alumnae include
- Reproductive Health Educator and Advocate, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Client Counselor, Student Financial Services, Colorado State University
- Program Technician, USDA Farm Service Agency
- Project Support Specialist, Quintiles
- Teacher, Northeast Elementary School, Kinston, NC
- Human Resources, Training and Recruitment Coordinator, YMCA Columbus
- Editorial Assistant, J&J Editorial
- East Carolina University
- Northeastern University
- NC State University
- UNC-Chapel Hill
- William and Mary Law School
Videos About Meredith’s Sociology Major
Transfer student Aspen Degler, ’22, is earning a double major in criminology and sociology with a minor in forensics. Meredith’s StrongPoints® program and faculty mentors helped her determine her strengths and explore her career interests.
Inspired by a study abroad experience and with guidance from her faculty mentor, honors student Natalya Brown, ’21, chose to pursue three majors: Spanish, criminology, and sociology.
Sociology News and Events
Dr. Sheryl Long has been named the next dean of Meredith College’s School of Education, Health and Human Sciences (EHHS). Her appointment was announced by Senior Vice President and Provost Matthew Poslusny on May 9, 2023.
Two members of Meredith’s criminal justice faculty were elected to North Carolina Criminal Justice Association roles.
Meredith students create an exhibit to raise awareness about domestic violence for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Contact Information
Amie Hess
Head, Department of Sociology & Criminology
210 Lux Hall
(919) 760-8016
hessamie@meredith.edu
Sociology & Criminology Department »
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