Sociology Major
Sociology is the study of society and the social forces that affect human behavior. It provides insight into how our lives are influenced by the social relationships around us.
500+
BOOKS PUBLISHED BY FACULTY
18
In-Major Electives
64
COURSES TO CHOOSE FROM
34
FACULTY MEMBERS DEDICATED TO TEACHING
Total Credit Hours: 120
Sociology Core Requirements (21 hours)
Sociology Electives (18 hours)
General Education (45 hours)
Electives (36 hours)
What You’ll Study
Some classes are required, but for most of your time, you'll choose from over 60 courses to design a degree based on what interests you. Requirements for the sociology major include:
- 120 credit hours for a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, including Virginia Tech's Pathways
- 21 core credits in Sociology, including:
- Introductory Sociology
- Social Inequality
- Sociological Theory
- Social Research Methods
- Senior Seminar
- Statistics for the Social Sciences
- 3 credits in Africana Studies, American Indian Studies, or Women's and Gender Studies
- 18 credits of Sociology electives
Curious how the degree requirements will fit into your experience at Virginia Tech? See the roadmap below for a recommended four year schedule. Students have the opportunity to individualize their roadmap and can collaborate with their academic advisor to determine the best course plan based on credits completed, interests, and involvement on campus.
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What Is a Major in Sociology?
Sociology attempts to understand important social phenomena, like the values and beliefs societies share and the ways we're affected by race, class, age, and gender. Since all human behavior is social behavior, the subject matter ranges from two-person relationships up to global communities. The diverse course topics and social science background give you analytical skills that will help you see the world from entirely new perspectives.
Why Study Sociology Here?
A sociology major provides experience and critical thinking skills that you can bring to almost any field. You'll learn rigorous research methods and how to work and communicate successfully with diverse types of people. In addition to preparing for a wide range of careers, sociology also gives you a strong foundation for graduate school or a professional degree in fields like law, business, health care, social work, or public administration.
Beyond the Classroom
Join Alpha Kappa Delta Sociology Honor Society, or join the Criminology and Sociology Club; they sponsor guest speakers and go on field trips related to their field. Many of our majors also take part in social or cultural student organizations, where they learn about the roles individual and group identities play in society.
Many students discover the sociology major when they take a class with our faculty and find out how interesting social research can be. Our professors have a reputation not just for their scholarship, but also for being friendly, caring, and passionate about making the world a better place. They've won local and national awards for both research and teaching.
Many of our students have the opportunity to explore their own questions by taking part in undergraduate research. These projects ask the hard questions about society and provide real research experience that is directly applicable to the workplace. Our students undertake a wide variety of projects, including: how job and home stressors affect drug and alcohol disorders; the effects of bullying and cyberbullying; policing and urban social control; or how racial and gendered knowledge is institutionalized in American culture.
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Our centers and programs help you design research projects and take courses specifically tailored to your interests. You can do research with our Center for Race and Social Policy, Center for Peace Studies and Violence Prevention, or the Laboratory for the Study of Youth Inequality and Justice.
What Our Students Are Saying
"I chose Sociology because I was looking for a program that I can intrinsically relate to. Sociology frames our existence, ideologies, relationships, and behaviors. As a person who is absolutely curious about the interconnectedness of humans, it was a great fit. It allowed me to explore my inner thoughts about how the world was, is, and what it should be."
— Zo Williams, '12
“The sociology department has taught me so much about people, society, and why individuals do what they do from a theoretical approach. I adore the professors who have supported me endlessly through my courses and career goals.”
Amber, '23
Careers and Further Study
Alasia Washington, '15
While majoring in human development and sociology, Alasia interned with agencies in DC to explore access to higher education. After receiving a master’s in public administration, Alasia's work has focused on training under-resourced youth and now serves as the Relationship Manager of the Fund II-UNCF Stem Scholars Program at the United Negro College Fund.
Melanie Kendrick, '19
While studying criminology and sociology, Melanie completed internships with Community Housing Partners and Senator Mark Warner’s Roanoke office. Both provided valuable experiences to support her as she continues her education at Mississippi College School of Law.
Hannah Lee, '19
Hannah credits her campus leadership opportunities and study abroad experience in South Korea as preparation for a summer internship with Amazon. Her internship experience with the operations team has led to a full-time position with Amazon after graduation.
Savannah Nelson, '20
While studying criminology, Savannah worked at Cranwell International Center on campus and studied abroad in Israel. These experiences allowed her to engage with many people from different backgrounds and prepared her for her job with the Marine Corps at Quantico. Savannah believes the college offers so much variety for you to tailor your education to your interests and ultimate career goals.
Alyssa Marshall, ‘20
Alyssa pursued many academic opportunities while at Virginia Tech, including majors in criminology and sociology, in support of her career goal to become a criminal defense attorney and guardian ad litem. She had an internship with a local criminal defense attorney and on-campus student conduct in addition to completing many research projects. Alyssa is currently drawing from those experiences as she completes her Masters of Social Work and will go on to law school at the University of Virginia.
Bobby Ferante, '21
Bobby graduated with majors in criminology and sociology, and minors in biology and peace studies and violence prevention. He had an internship with his local coroner’s office, which led to a part-time position as a transporter. This role included tracking COVID-19 deaths that occurred in the county, assisting in death investigations, and undertaking a research project on accidental drug overdoses. He will transition to full-time as a death investigator/deputy coroner and plans to pursue a master’s in forensic medicine.
Ashley Kohl, '21
Ashley completed majors in sociology, criminology, and psychology. She had several internships as she explored career opportunities, including working with Team Adam at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children where she wrote case summaries. She also interned with the AMBER alert program to collect information on missing children. Ashley is pursuing a Master's in School Counseling at William & Mary.
Thomas Miller, ’21
While studying sociology, Thomas had an internship with the VT Women’s Center, completed two independent research projects, and studied abroad in Switzerland with the Presidential Global Scholars Program. He also served as an undergraduate fellow in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. In this role, he helped develop the Foundations Program—a program designed to bring students together to discuss issues of race and served on the committee charged with transforming the Student Governance Association into the new Undergraduate Student Senate. Thomas is pursuing a master’s degree in Sociology at Virginia Tech.
What can I do with a sociology major?
Our sociology degree prepares you for jobs that require research skills, cultural and diversity awareness, and a deep understanding of human behavior. Many students also go on to graduate school to get an advanced degree.
Here are some common careers our graduates go into, according to Virginia Tech Career Services:
- Social work and social services
- Family therapy and counseling
- Criminal justice, law, and law enforcement
- Political campaigns specialist, civic leadership
- Non-profit program coordinator
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