In This Section

Programs and Degrees

B.A. Sociology

Sociology involves the study of human social behavior – specifically organizations, institutions, stratification, and social change in human societies. Sociology also involves the analysis of society as a whole and applies theoretical and practical solutions to modern social problems. Sociologists may study poverty, crime, family relations, aging, medical and mental health issues, demography, environmental sociology, and other societal systems and problems.

The Student Experience

  • Sociology is a broad-based field of study that prepares students for entry-level positions throughout the criminal justice, business, social service and government worlds or for further study in law, social work, counseling and other graduate programs. 
  • Students have the opportunity to participate in internships with various local agencies, including those dealing with spousal and child abuse, law enforcement, care of the elderly, community recreation programs, and alcohol and drug programs. 
  • Sociology majors can present their research and report on their internship experiences at local and regional meetings and conferences. 
  • Sociology majors may pursue a general course of study or opt for more concentrated study in one of three sociological tracks: criminology, health and aging, or social justice.

Areas of Study

Sociology Minor

A minor in sociology offers students majoring in other fields a foundation in core areas of sociology through course work in introductory sociology as well as upper level courses such as demography, social structures, and sociological theory. A total of 21 credit hours in approved course work is required to complete the minor.

Social Justice Minor

The social justice minor offers undergraduate students the opportunity to both theorize about the meanings of social justice and to practice "doing" social justice work in the community on social inequality as it relates to the intersection of class, race and ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, religion, etc. The social justice minor seeks to inspire and instill in students majoring in other fields a commitment to democracy and action around principles of equality and justice and is intended to prepare them for positions in education/research, teaching, advocacy, public service, and other positions where they may serve as agents of social change. We foster the personal and professional growth of our students by offering extensive and varied opportunities for integrative experiential learning, including faculty/student collaborative research and community-based internships. A total of 18 credit hours in approved coursework are required to complete the minor.

Criminology Minor

A criminology minor offers students majoring in other fields a foundation in core areas of criminology which are grounded in social theory and use scientific research methods to explore criminal behavior as well as the criminal justice system. Students examine current scholarship on social inequality and criminal behavior. Students will also consider innovative means to alleviate disparate justice outcomes in diverse communities. A total of 18 credit hours in approved coursework is required to complete the minor. The criminology minor requires at least 18 credit hours of approved coursework.

Gerontology Certificate Program

This interdisciplinary program is designed to provide students with a foundation of knowledge and skills in the study of aging. The 21-credit (seven-course) undergraduate certificate program is open to any degree-seeking student currently enrolled in a degree program at the Coastal Carolina University, and individuals holding a baccalaureate degree who desire specialized studies. The multi-disciplinary nature of the program allows individuals of different interests and backgrounds to develop specializations in line with their unique needs that are applicable in a rapidly growing market segment.

INFORMATION

Robert Jenkot, Ph.D.
Department Chair
843-349-2274
rjenkot@coastal.edu