Sociology Degree
Criminology | Sociology
Focus Areas
Academic Focus
Co-Curricular and Engagement
Career Development
Milestone
First Year: Explore
Academic Focus
- Meet with your academic advisor and build your academic plan
- Complete foundational courses, like SOC 1004 and FYE
- Enroll in Pathways courses aligned with your interests
- Explore potential minors or second majors
Co-Curricular and Engagement
- Go to Gobblerfest and join student organizations related to your interests, like Criminology and Sociology Club or CCIS VT
- Visit the Student Success Center for support services
- Begin exploring study abroad and VT Engage or service learning opportunities
Career Development
- Begin developing your professional resume
- Create a Handshake account
- Attend a career exploration workshop or event
- Explore career options with Career and Professional Development, consider enrolling in a career exploration course (e.g., UNIV 1004)
Milestone
- Identify initial academic interests and potential career paths
- Establish a connection with at least one faculty member
Middle Years: Focus and Connect
Academic Focus
- Update your academic plan with your advisor
- Take CRIM 3414 if majoring in Criminology
- Go to a college or departmental info session on research opportunities and engage in undergraduate research or a faculty-led project
- Declare a minor or second major, if applicable
- Take upper-level major requirements, like SOC 3204 and SOC 3104
- Review your Degree Audit Report (DARS) and apply for your degree in Hokie Spa
Co-Curricular and Engagement
- Attend lectures and guest speaker events
- Begin undergraduate research or join a faculty-led research project
- Serve in a leadership role with a student organization
- Join honors societies, such as AKD and APS
- Consider the Police Academy and other internships
- Consider presenting at Dennis Dean UG Research Symposium
- Study abroad or participate in a global experience, if aligned with academic plan
Career Development
- Update your resume and have it reviewed; complete mock interviews
- Reach out to a VT alum for an informational interview
- Pursue a summer job or internship related to your major or career goals
- Attend a career fair(s) and build your LinkedIn profile
- Plan for grad school applications (research programs, review requirements, prepare to request letters of recommendation) or postgrad job search
- Apply for competitive internships or fellowships
Milestone
- Gain first professional experience
- Declare any second majors or minors
- Make a connection with a VT alum or professional in your career path
- Complete an experiential learning opportunity (internship, study abroad, research) and add to your resume
Last Year: Launch
Academic Focus
- Consider attending a conference or pursuing publication of research in an undergraduate research journal
- Complete 4000-level classes, like a senior seminar
- Ensure all remaining degree requirements in DARS are planned and completed
Co-Curricular and Engagement
- Serve on executive board for Criminology and Sociology organizations
- Help plan department events or alumni panels
- Present research at Sociology Symposium
Career Development
- Update resume and LinkedIn profile with experiences; follow Sociology LinkedIn groups
- Apply to jobs, grad programs, or fellowships
- Reflect on experiential learning and leverage it in interviews
- Attend college and university professional development events
- Complete First Destination Survey
Milestone
- Graduate with a clear plan and a professional network
- Engage with alumni association in your hometown
Finding
Your Future
in Sociology
Our graduates have the skills to:
- Understand how social systems, institutions, and inequalities shape behavior, crime, and justice
- Analyze, research, and effectively discuss issues surrounding society, communities, law, and social change
- Think critically, evaluate sources, and communicate findings
Common job titles include:
- Social worker
- Non-profit program coordinator
- Political campaigns specialist
- Police officer
- Counselor
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent
Top Employers & Graduate Schools:
- Virginia Tech
- George Mason University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Federal Government
- Amazon
- Guidepost Solutions
Personalize Your Path
Every student’s path is unique. Use this resource as a guide and work with your academic advisor, faculty mentor, and career advisor to customize your experience.