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West Texas A&M
Sociology Program

Major Code 122

Minor Code M122

Students Walking

Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious traditions; from the divisions of race, gender, and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. (21st Century Careers with an Undergraduate Degree in Sociology, 2014)

Sociology students and faculty often hear the question, “What are you going to do with a sociology degree?”  The answer is that a sociology degree serves as an excellent springboard for a variety of careers in many diverse fields.

Interested in learning more or declaring your major? For additional information or to declare the major, please contact any sociology faculty member or Dr. Lisa Garza (lgarza@wtamu.edu), Department Head.

Sociology Faculty: Available for Advising and Questions

About Sociology

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Health Services
  • Family planning
  • Substance abuse
  • Rehabilitation counseling
  • Health planning
  • Hospital admissions
  • Insurance companies

Publishing, Journalism, and Public Relations

  • Writing
  • Research
  • Editing

Government Services

  • Federal, state, and local government jobs such as
  • Transportation
  • Housing
  • Agriculture
  • Labor

Teaching

  • In elementary and secondary schools, in conjunction with appropriate teacher certification

College Settings

  • Admissions
  • Alumni relations
  • Placement office
Social Services 
  • Rehabilitation
  • Case management
  • Group work with youth or the elderly
  • Recreation
  • Administration

Community Work

  • Fundraising for social service organizations, non-profits, child-care or community development agencies
  • Environmental groups

Corrections

  • Probation
  • Parole
  • Other criminal justice work

Business and Advertising

  • Marketing and consumer research
  • Insurance
  • Real estate
  • Personnel work
  • Training
  • Sales

Source:  American Sociological Association. Job Prospects for the BA Graduate.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

    • How sociological theory helps us understand social issues 
    • What part culture plays in shaping social relations
    • The impact of environment on children's socialization
    • How social problems are related to social structure
    • How groups and organizations affect communication
    • How cliques and gangs affect deviance
    • How the American Dream is affected by social stratification
    • How the economic structure is affected by gender
    • The role of the family in society
    • How education and religion influence society
    • The intertwining of politics, the economy, and the media
    • The issues of health care and disability in society
    • The effect of migration on cities
    • How collective behavior and social movements change society

DEGREE OPTIONS/FUTURE ACADEMIC PATHS

Graduates are awarded a B.A./B.S. in Sociology. WTAMU does not offer a Master's in Sociology; however, a student may designate Sociology as one area of the M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies.

CAREER CLOSE-UP

Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2010:  Sociologists. Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

Number of Sociologists: (US) 3,710 (TX) estimate not released

Median wage (TX) -$54,787

Median wage (US) - $72,363

United States Bureau of Labor Statistics

Prerequisites

  • Mathematics to solve problems.
  • Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
  • Ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

PROGRAM COSTS

 
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