Sociology (B.S./B.A.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • Employers often seek sociology majors to fill positions in administration, supervision, management, public relations, social services, law enforcement and research.
  • An anthropology major will be available soon.
  • The Sociology Honors Program is available to exceptional students who desire an in-depth research or investigative experience.
  • We offer a minor in anthropology, which is ideal for students wishing to increase their understanding of cultural diversity and globalization.
ABOUT.

As a sociology major you’ll delve into topics such as social class and poverty, race and ethnicity, gender, criminal justice, marriage and families, culture, religion, education and developing societies. We offer both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in sociology. Whichever degree path you opt to follow, your courses will give you tools to understand the social causes and consequences of interpersonal and group behavior. Our faculty members are from the sociology, anthropology, criminal justice and social work disciplines, but all are interested in studying the social dimensions of human behavior and developing ways to improve and enrich quality of life. 

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

Students who choose to receive the Bachelor of Science degree in sociology will take additional science and math electives. Students who choose the Bachelor of Arts degree will take more foreign language courses. With either option, students will graduate with a broad-based education with a focus in a chosen concentration area, which will contribute to proficiencies in communications and interpersonal skills — necessary attributes in any occupation — as well as in methodological training.

General Sociology Concentration
A focus on social institutions and social processes allows you to take courses covering the broad range of topics addressed in the discipline.

Criminal Justice Concentration
This concentration encompasses criminology, deviance and law enforcement, which will prepare you for a range of career options from policing to the U.S. Marshals Service.

Social Services Concentration
This concentration includes an internship component that introduces you to local social service institutions.

Community Studies Concentration
Take courses that hone your insight into the social forces and processes that shape and affect small and large, rural and urban communities. You will also take on an internship that puts you into communities and gets you involved in community issues.

Curriculum:

Popular Minors:

  • Anthropology
  • Business
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Public Policy
  • Religion

Similar Majors:

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

As a sociology major you’ll have ample opportunities to enrich your classroom education by participating in study abroad trips that allow you to work on projects in other countries; by working alongside peers in community service projects; and by engaging in research activities with faculty members.

Internships and Research Projects:

PERU:
Each summer, a group of students and anthropology professor Melissa Vogel travel to Peru to continue excavating an ancient city. The archeological site, El Purgatorio, is three square miles and is estimated to have been home to 40,000 people.
CZECH REPUBLIC:
The Czech Republic study abroad trip allows students to explore Central Europe through Czech culture. Visit historic sites and museums, meet Czech citizens and connect to the culture.
DOMINICA:
Travel to Dominica with professor Brenda Vander Mey to study issues surrounding food security, youth, and community and environmental sustainability.
ANTHRO CLUB:
The Anthropology Club participates in community service projects around Clemson, including a mapping and preservation effort at a local cemetery.
SOCIOLOGY CLUB:
The Sociology Club provides the opportunity to explore career options and engage in community service with organizations such as Coaches4- Character, which focuses on teaching at-risk youth the value of education and character development.

Connect with Other Students:

CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

28%

Employed

24%

Grad School

30%

Seeking Employment

8%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • Market America, Inc. — Paralegal
  • Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, S.C. — Sheriff Deputy
  • Children’s Museum of the Upstate — Michelin YES! Coordinator

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • Stanford University — Ph.D.
  • Tulane University — Ph.D.
  • University of Utah — Master’s

Common Career Areas**

  • Human Services
    • Case Management
    • Advocacy
    • Mental Health Services
    • Administration
  • Criminal Justice
    • Corrections
    • Rehabilitation
    • Law Enforcement
  • Education 
    • Teaching
    • Research
  • Government
    • Public Administration
    • Policy Analysis
    • Research
    • Program Development
    • City Planning
  • Social Science Research
      • Business
      • Human Resources
        • Training and Development
        • Recruiting
      • Management
      • Sales
      • Marketing
      • Public Relations
      • Office Administration
    *Represents only Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin® Career Center surveys from 2009 to 2011.
    **Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
    FIND OUT MORE.

    Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

    Sarah Winslow, Undergraduate Coordinator
    864-656-3819 — swinslo@clemson.edu