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What You'll Learn

Sociology provides students who are interested in exploring the social and cultural influences on society and the individual an opportunity to do so using theory and the scientific method. The sociology program at Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp provides a variety of courses and classroom experiences that guide students in applying the knowledge they gain to real life situations. According to the American Sociological Association, sociology majors should highlight the following on their resumes as major skill sets. Visit MAjoring in Sociology: A Pathwayto opportunity for resources and more information regarding what you can do with your undergraduate degree in sociology

• Conduct Research and Analyze Data: Learn both qualitative and quantitative research methods. This will allow you to recognize trends and patterns and produce social statistics such as those used in market research, opinion polling, sales, and countless other applications. 
• Communicate Skillfully: Learn how to convey your ideas effectively in writing and presentations.
• Practice Critical Thinking: Learn to look beyond the surface of issues to discover the "why". Build your analytical skills. Solve problems and identify opportunities.
• Gain a Global Perspective: Learn about different cultures and how to analyze the interactions of groups and societies through a global and historical perspective. 
• Prepare for Graduate School: An undergraduate major in sociology provides an excellent foundation for graduate study in a wide range of fields including law, business, social work, medicine, public health, public administration and, of course, scociology. 

Where You'll Go

Sociology graduates have a lot of flexibility in what they do with their degree. A sample of sociology-related careers include social services, nonprofit work, mental health & counseling, program development, policy writing & analysis, social science research, consumer & marketing research, social statistics, demography, education, law enforcement, administration & management, human resources, public relations, sales, training, and more. NOTE: An advanced degree may be required for some of the listed professions. Talk to a sociology faculty member in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology for more information. 

Next Steps

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A degree in sociology will give you a foundation of critical and analytical thinking that can start your career in a variety of job industries, or prepare you for graduate studies. Sociologists have diverse occupations working in education, human services, criminal justice, government and a number of private sector disciplines. Western Carolina University’s Bachelor of Arts, or Science, in Sociology will teach you the theories and scientific methods necessary to understand and address social issues in your community and beyond.

More Ìð¹ÏÊÓƵapp Our Sociology Program

In WCU’s Sociology program, you’ll investigate social problems like inequality, crime, and family dynamics through theory and data. You’ll build critical thinking, research, and communication skills used in careers in government, nonprofits, education, law, and beyond. As a sociology major, you also gain practical experience through community engagement and faculty-led research.

Admission Requirements 

Students gain a strong foundation in social theory, research methods, and applied sociology. Electives and experiential learning opportunities allow students to tailor their studies toward careers in social services, community development, public policy, or research.

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Admission Requirements 

The Sociology B.A. & B.S. programs prepares students to analyze social structures, cultural diversity, and human behavior, equipping them for careers in social services, research, public policy, and more.

The Courses

Requires 120 total hours, including Liberal Studies, Sociology major courses, and electives.

The Process

Admission follows standard WCU undergraduate procedures. Students submit an application, transcripts, and meet the university’s academic standards.

Undergraduate Admissions

Why Study Sociology?

Sociology at WCU equips students to understand society and the individual, develop key career skills, and prepare for a wide range of professional paths or graduate study.

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Why Study Sociology?

If you’re curious about the social causes of issues like poverty, crime, inequality, and community change, Sociology at WCU offers the tools to explore these topics.

The program emphasizes applying theory and research methods to real-world situations.

The Courses

Learn qualitative and quantitative research methods to analyze data and recognize trends.

Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Prepare for graduate study in law, business, social work, medicine, public health, and more.

Career & Skills

Sociology students graduate with career-ready skills: written and oral communication, critical thinking, equity and inclusion, and teamwork.

Opportunities for research projects, community engagement, and experiential learning help students apply knowledge to real-world situations.

College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)

The College of Arts & Sciences empowers you to explore your interests while preparing for a meaningful career. Whether you're drawn to scientific inquiry or creative expression, CAS provides the academic rigor and practical experiences to help you thrive.

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College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)

At WCU’s College of Arts & Sciences, you’ll build a strong foundation through interdisciplinary study, hands-on research, and global experiences—all while working closely with dedicated faculty mentors.

What You Study

Majors in humanities, social sciences, and STEM disciplines (Anthropology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English, Criminology, History, Languages, and more)

Interdisciplinary programs in areas like environmental science, international studies, and forensic science

What You Do

Gain hands-on experience through research projects, internships, and study abroad.

Receive personal mentorship from faculty in small class settings

Develop critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills across disciplines

Degree Requirements 

Whether you choose the B.A. or B.S., the sociology program provides a rigorous curriculum that combines theory, data analysis, electives, and experiential learning. 

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Degree Requirements 

Explore the catalog requirements and degree plans for WCU’s Sociology B.A. and B.S., including minor options and projected course rotations.

What You’ll Need (BA / BS)

Both B.A. and B.S. Sociology degrees require 120 credit hours.

B.A.: Requires 39 major hours including foundational courses + electives.

B.S.: Similar core requirements, but does not require a foreign language, and allocates more hours to general electives.

Additional Degree Plans

Sociology Minor: Catalog requirements available; includes core SOC 103 and upper-level electives.

Eight-Semester Plans: Structured course sequences for both B.A. and B.S. degrees.

Projected Course Rotation: See future sociology course offerings and engaged learning experience options.

Clubs and Organizations

Participation in these clubs and professional organizations enhances leadership, research, and career readiness while connecting students to sociologists locally and globally.

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Clubs and Organizations

Sociology students at WCU can engage with the field outside the classroom through clubs, honor societies, and professional associations.

These opportunities support networking, professional development, and active involvement in sociological research and social issues.

Student Organizations

Sociology Club: Open to all sociology majors, minors, and those interested in sociological thought and social issues. Contact Dr. Kathleen M. Brennan at kbrennan@wcu.edu.

Alpha Kappa Delta (AKD): Honor society for Sociology majors. Contact Dr. Yiqing Yang at yyang@wcu.edu

Professional Associations:

 

Tuition & Fees

Students in the Sociology B.A. program develop key skills in research, data analysis, critical thinking, and communication. Coursework, community engagement, and applied projects prepare graduates for careers in social services, government, business, education, and for advanced study in sociology or related fields.

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Tuition & Fees

The Sociology B.A. & B.S. programs provides students with a comprehensive understanding of society, culture, and social behavior. Students gain skills in research, critical thinking, communication, and applying theory to real-world situations.

The Courses

Requires 120 total credit hours, including Liberal Studies, Sociology core courses, and electives in social theory, research methods, and applied sociology.

All Degree Requirements & Courses

The Process

Undergraduate admissions follow standard WCU procedures. Tuition is approximately $354 per credit hour for in-state students and varies for out-of-state students.

Undergraduate Admissions Tuition & Fees

Learn More

The deadline for the Fall 2026 term is August 1st.

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Get In Touch

Kathleen Brennen

Professor, Program Director

College of Arts and Sciences

kbrennen@wcu.edu

828.227.3832

Contact Information

107B McKee
Cullowhee, NC 28723

828.227.3828

kbrennen@wcu.edu