Undergraduate Program
Sociology
Sociologists research rules of group behavior, how they are created and shared, and how they affect our behavior.
By studying sociology you can learn about such unspoken rules as standing an arm's length away to create proper social distance; and more formal rules governing race, gender, and age, and the distribution of wealth and power.
Degree Program
The department offers a Bachelor of Science degree as well as two degree options (Africana and Women's & Gender Studies) and several minors. Sociology majors can follow emphases in crime/deviance or social inequality.
Training for a Career
The Wall Street Journal rated Sociology among the top ten best jobs in the nation. And surveys show that employers often seek sociology majors to fill positions in administration, supervision, management, public relations, social services, law enforcement and social research.
Key factors in job market success include: oral/written communication skills, critical thought, and understanding of human behavior and diversity. Courses in Sociology and affiliated programs (Africana, American Indian, and Women's & Gender Studies) provide opportunities to acquire those skills.
For more information about careers in the social sciences see The Department of Labor's Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Major and Minor checksheets:
University Catalog and Forms
General Education forms:
Admission
Students not yet admitted to Virginia Tech may apply through the Undergraduate Admissions Office.
Contact: John Ryan (Chair),
Email: johnryan@vt.edu
Department of Sociology
560 McBryde Hall (0137)
Blacksburg, VA, 24061
phone: (540) 231-8971
fax: (540) 231-3860
Advising
Students wishing to change majors should contact Ms. Brenda Husser, 560 McBryde Hall, Email: bhusser@vt.edu.
Sociology Advising office (McBryde 504)
Phone: 231-6878