Sociology Major Course Sequencing
Soc 2001 Sociological Pathways is a required course for all sociology majors. This one credit course is designed to provide baseline advising and help students prepare for post-graduation, whether that involves seeking a career or attending graduate school. Documents needed for the major will be introduced during the course. Ideally, this course should be completed during semester four, five, or six.
All new majors are also strongly encouraged to take Soc 3885 Research Methods and Soc 3950 Classical Sociological Theory by or during their first semester of junior year. As a reminder, ALL core courses (Soc 1000, Soc 3885, Soc 3895, Soc 3950, Soc 3960, Soc 4390, and Soc 4450) require a grade of “C” or higher to move onto the next course in the sequence. A grade of “C-”or below will have to be retaken prior to taking the next level course and in order to meet graduation requirements.
NOTE: Core courses (with the exception of Soc 1000) are not offered during the summer semesters. In addition, these courses are prerequisites for the next course in the sequence, and are therefore not permitted to be taken at the same time. Again, Soc 2001 Sociological Pathways should be taken during semester 4, 5, or 6.
Sociology Internships
Internships are a requirement for the Bachelor of Science in Sociology degree and an option for the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degree. Internships can be completed with qualified organizations anywhere around the country and many international internship opportunities are offered through the Office of International Education and Development.
Internships can be completed in fall, spring, or summer semesters. The fall and spring semesters offer a full 15 weeks for students to complete the required on-site hours, while summer sessions only offer either 5 or 10 weeks to complete required on-site hours. Students should be aware of the reduced number of weeks to complete required on-site hours in summer sessions. The number of on-site hours required is determined by the number of student credit hours that the internship will earn.
NOTE: Students cannot begin an internship until they have completed at least 18 hours in sociology courses and have senior standing (earned 90 credit hours overall). They also must hold a minimum overall and major GPA of 2.0, and have successfully completed SOC 4390: Applied Sociology Seminar with a minimum final grade of “C”. All proposals must be reviewed and approved by the
Internship Proposal Committee, which is composed of the Internship Coordinator, the Undergraduate Programs Director, and the Department Chair.
General information regarding the internship process, requirements, and guidelines for finding positions with qualified organizations can be found on the internship pages of the Department of Sociology website:soc.appstate.edu/academics/internships
Information regarding international internships through the Office of International Education and Development can be found on the OIED internship website:https://international.appstate.edu/education-abroad/starting-process/internships
Graduation and Commencement
Graduation occurs once a student completes all degree requirements (Gen Ed, major(s), minor(s), certificate(s), internship, incomplete grades, etc.). Graduation only occurs in May, August, and December each year.
Commencement is the ceremony where students celebrate their achievements. Commencement occurs in May and December each year.
Students must apply for graduation for the term in which they will graduate, NOT the term in which they will participate in commencement. This should be done at least one semester before planning to graduate to ensure any shortages are identified and can be met on time.
Students must complete 120 hours, all required coursework with the requisite grade, and have an overall and major GPA of 2.0 in order to graduate.