Sociology is an academic program in the liberal arts tradition that emphasizes the development of essential skills (such as writing, communication, analysis, and research) in the context of in-depth study of human social behavior and the dynamics of human societies. A bachelor's degree in Sociology provides you with the flexibility to focus on special areas of interest, and internships are available to add to your interests in a variety of settings.
How does social context affect how you think and how you act? How do we shape social change? How does a society become religious or secular, liberal or conservative? How do communities organize? Why do humans usually follow the “rules” of society? If these questions interest you, then you are interested in what C. Wright Mills has called the “Sociological Imagination.” This “Sociological Imagination” allows you to grasp the intersection of both your own personal biography and the historical/social context of the society.
The sociology program at Northern Arizona University will help you learn to apply sociological theory and methods to the study of issues in contemporary society and culture. You'll sharpen your critical thinking skills and gain knowledge about diversity, individual behavior, and group dynamics. Whether your career takes you into public service, private industry, or a non-governmental organization, the university's sociology program will help you understand-and act effectively-in the world around you.
To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | 2.0 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan | Optional |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The Bachelor of Science in Sociology program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to enter the world of social and government services, business, industry, and organizations. The sociological perspective is essential for succeeding in today’s multiethnic and multinational work force. Our sociology major stresses an awareness of social factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, education, and social class that both influence and are affected by social structures. This perspective is an excellent preparation for a wide variety of occupations.
This degree builds a strong foundational knowledge in the study of social life, social change, diverse communities and their interactions. Our curriculum is designed to ensure that students have a strong substantive understanding in one of our concentration areas: social justice and inequality; culture and community; environment, globalization, and sustainability; or, health. Our curriculum further ensures that students can use scientific methods to find empirical answers to complex social questions. In addition, they will be able to make clear and effective demonstrations of their work orally and in writing. Students will leave this program with an ability to make sense of the shifting social world and contribute solutions to difficult social problems.
The faculty of this department are innovative teachers and researchers who engage students in and out of the classroom. Our students are encouraged to participate in independent research projects with faculty, study abroad programs, internships, and student clubs and learning communities.
Sociology graduates are critically informed, value diversity and equality, and use their knowledge of sociology to pursue careers that promote these ideals.
Student Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of the BS in Sociology, students will have demonstrated competency of the following:
This major requires 54 - 60 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 54 - 60 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
Sociology Content Course Requirements (36 units)
*You may take additional individualized study coursework including up to 6 units of SOC 408, up to 6 units of SOC 485, or up to 6 units of SOC 497. You may not exceed 12 units of additional individualized study.
**As part of their degree program students will complete an experience of difference. This requirement can be met through 3 units of internship (SOC 408), 3 units of undergraduate research (SOC 485), or through having completed at least 3 units while studying abroad (SOC 497).
You must complete a minor of at least 18 units from those described in this catalog. In consultation with your advisor, you should select a minor that is appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. Your minor advisor will advise you about this part of your academic plan.
Please note that you may substitute a Northern Arizona University certificate plan of at least 15 units for this minor requirement.
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.
While completing the Bachelor of Science in Sociology, students can start a Master of Arts in Applied Sociology at NAU.
OR
While completing the Bachelor of Science in Sociology, students can start a Master of Arts in Sustainable Communities at NAU.
Students accepted into one of the accelerated Programs should complete the appropriate requirements below.
Students in the Accelerated Bachelor to the Master of Arts in Applied Sociology complete the following requirements:
Major Requirements
This major requires 54 - 60 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 54 - 60 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
Sociology Content Course Requirements (36 units)
*You may take additional individualized study coursework including up to 6 units of SOC 408, up to 6 units of SOC 485, or up to 6 units of SOC 497. You may not exceed 12 units of additional individualized study.
**As part of their degree program students will complete an experience of difference. This requirement can be met through 3 units of internship (SOC 408), 3 units of undergraduate research (SOC 485), or through having completed at least 3 units while studying abroad (SOC 497).
Minor Requirement (18 - 24 units)
You must complete a minor of at least 18 units from those described in this catalog. In consultation with your advisor, you should select a minor that's appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. Your minor advisor will advise you about this part of your academic plan.
Students in the Accelerated Bachelor to Master of Arts in Sustainable Communities complete the following requirements:
Major Requirements
This major requires 66 - 72 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 66 - 72 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
Sociology Content Course Requirements (48 units)
*You may take additional individualized study coursework including up to 6 units of SOC 408, up to 6 units of SOC 485, or up to 6 units of SOC 497. You may not exceed 12 units of additional individualized study.
**As part of their degree program students will complete an experience of difference. This requirement can be met through 3 units of internship (SOC 408), 3 units of undergraduate research (SOC 485), or through having completed at least 3 units while studying abroad (SOC 497).
Minor Requirement (18 - 24 units)
You must complete a minor of at least 18 units from those described in this catalog. In consultation with your advisor, you should select a minor that's appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. Your minor advisor will advise you about this part of your academic plan.
Please note that you may substitute a Northern Arizona University certificate plan of at least 15 units for this minor requirement.
Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.
You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.
We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.