Sociology

Bachelor of Arts

Minor

Sociology involves a scientific study of social groupings, institutions, occupations, education, personal experience and several other areas. Binding every item on that list is a fearless commitment to responsible scholarship.

Did You Know?

In 2008, Wake Forest surprised many of its fellow research institutions by becoming the first Top-30 National University to go test-optional in admissions. The guidance for this decision came in large part from the work of Dr. Joseph Soares, whose research indicates performance in high school – not on standardized tests – best predicts college achievement.
The Sociology major offers concentrations in crime and criminal justice; business and society; and social determinants of health and wellbeing.

Courses

Sample courses for students studying Sociology include:

Contemporary Families
Social Statistics
Sociology of Religion
Conflict Management in Organizations
Sociology of Sports and Art Worlds

View official major requirements »

Practical Experience & Skills

The Sociology program at Wake Forest is particularly strong in the subject areas of stratification, race, gender, gerontology, economic organization, education, religion, culture, research methods and theory.

Students in this program will develop the following skills:

Knowledge of social facts
Understanding of the logic of social research
Appreciation of social science as a collective and public minded vocation
Knowledge of statistics including regression analysis
Familiarity with ethnographic and historical research
Familiarity with organizational and institutional dynamics
Knowledge of racial, gender, and class disparities
Knowledge of the history of social theory
Analytic and critical cognitive skills
Extensive verbal and written communication skills
Capacity to conduct and report original research

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Clubs & Organizations

Sociology students participate in the following clubs and organizations:

Certified Peer Education Program
Hydrating Humanitate
Campus Life Advisory Council
Residence Life and Housing
Lam Museum of Anthropology

Career Outcomes

Careers that often interest Sociology majors include:

Adoption Agency Case Worker
Attorney
Case Manager
Clinical Assistant
Consultant
Counselor
Criminologist
Employment Recruiter
Hospice Coordinator
Human Resources Specialist
Lobbyist
Mental Health Assistant
Peace Corps Volunteer
Physician
Prevention Educator
Probation Officer
Psychologist
Public Relations Specialist
Recreation Specialist
Residential Counselor
Social Worker
Volunteer Coordinator

Among the distinguished alumni of Sociology at Wake Forest: Brig. Gen. (Ret.) Pat Foote (’52), the first woman officer to command an Army brigade in Europe.

Other Sociology graduates include banking executives; epidemiologists and other medical doctors; police commanders; attorneys; and leaders in several other sectors.