BACHELOR OF ARTS or SCIENCE IN SOCIOLOGY

“Neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both.”
C. Wright Mills

“The Department of Sociology at Sam Houston State University is committed to furthering knowledge of social life, social change and the causes and consequences of human behavior using the context of globalization. While in the program, students develop the "sociological advantage," or the ability to examine interpersonal relationships and relate them to the larger social world.”   - C. Wright Mills
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. The subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob, from organized crime to religious cults, from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, and from the sociology
of the environment to the sociology of sports. Because sociology addresses the most challenging issues of our time, it is a rapidly expanding field whose potential is tapped by those who craft policies and create programs.
Mission
The Department of Sociology’s mission is to acquire and disseminate knowledge on social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. SHSU Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts. The primary objective of the curriculum is to provide students with the scientific tools to understand the functioning of society and study and understand social phenomena. The Department focuses on the study of Change, Economy and Society; Culture and Social Institutions; and Inequality and Society
Academic Programs
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sociology
Highlights
• The Sociology Department is considered one of the prominent departments for the study of Globalization in the nation.
• Members of the Sociology Department regularly publish in important scientific journals
• Members of the Sociology Department occupy leadership positions in professional organizations domestically and internationally
Suggested Minors
• Psychology
• Political Science
• Criminal Justice
• English
• History
• Communication Studies
• Health Education
• Middle Eastern Studies [please note that this minor is in part offered by the Sociology Department and its description is available under the Department of Foreign
  Languages.]
Career Opportunities
Sociology graduates find successful employment in the private sector (management, human resources, public relations), public sectors (Federal, State and Local Government agencies) and in non-profit organizations (NGOs) particularly in the areas of social services and analysis of social trends.
Student Organizations and Activities
Students in the Sociology Club are introduced to the profession of Sociology through activities including research opportunities, volunteer work, organization of special events, participation in professional meetings, and programs highlighting speakers of note in the many interest areas of Sociology. The Sociology Club also actively supports the Sociology Scholarship fund.
Internships and Study Abroad
Students with an interest in Sociology may take courses abroad through the SHSU Field School in Italy. Further information is available at the website: www.shsu.edu/~soc_www/italy/. Internship possibilities include work with the City of Huntsville, the TX Department of Agriculture, and social services organizations throughout the area.
Scholarships
The department offers the Sociology Scholarship. For information contact the department or visit the departmental website.