Sociology, BA
Creating meaningful change in the world starts with examining how groups, organizations, and societies shape everyday life. Through flexible coursework and thoughtful discussions, the BA in sociology provides students with an in-depth understanding of everyday social behavior and the societal structures that contribute to social injustices. If you’re passionate about understanding society and driving positive change, then this degree is for you.
Program Overview
The Sociology, BA equips students to analyze and understand the forces that shape society and human behavior through rigorous discussion and analysis.
Our program stands out for its uniquely versatile course options and flexible pathways. With concentrations in criminology and criminal justice, environmental sociology, and critical race and ethnic studies, students will learn to understand societal behavior from a variety of perspectives. You’ll take courses in law and society; race, ethnicity, crime, and justice; or even environmental justice and political economy and natural resources.
Plus, with our flexible degree options, including an Honors pathway, an accelerated combined BA/MA option, and the opportunity to complete your degree entirely online, you’ll find no shortage of opportunities that meet your unique academic and career needs.
Concentrations
Our program offers four concentrations in sociology. Whether you’re interested in a general degree in sociology, crime and law enforcement, race and ethnic studies, or environmental challenges, our concentrations help you gain specialized knowledge in some of today’s most pressing social topics. Our concentrations help you deepen your expertise and pursue your passions.
Our current available concentrations include:
- Sociology, BA (general)
- Criminology and Criminal Justice concentration
- Critical Race and Ethnic Studies concentration
- Environmental Sociology concentration
Honors
If you’re interested in pursuing more advanced, rigorous coursework, our Honors pathway would be a great fit. You will take Honors-specific courses and complete an Honors thesis under the guidance of a faculty mentor, all while receiving one-on-one mentorship. Honors students must maintain a 3.3 overall GPA, and a 3.5 GPA with no grade less than a B+ in sociology courses.
Our program offers Honors for all four concentrations, and for those interested in the accelerated combined BA/MA program.
- Honors – Sociology, BA
- Honors – Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Honors – Critical Race and Ethnic Studies
- Honors – Environmental Sociology
Minors
A minor in a sociology-related field can enhance any degree field, no matter what your primary field of study is.
Our current available minors include:
- Sociology minor
- Environmental Sociology minor
- Global Studies minor
Accelerated Combined BA/MA Program
Our program also offers an accelerated combined BA/MA program that allows students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in sociology in five years. Undergraduate students take up to 9 credit hours of graduate coursework that counts towards both their BA and MA degrees. Students must have an overall 3.4 GPA for admission to the program.
Our program offers the accelerated combined BA/MA program for all four concentrations. Honors pathways are available for all of the BA/MA programs.
Online Programs – Vols Online
The Sociology, BA and the criminology and criminal justice concentration are also offered through Vols Online, UT’s distance education program, which has been ranked #10 nationally for online bachelor’s programs. This unique option allows you to earn your bachelor’s degree completely online.
Why Study Sociology?
The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology helps you develop a clear path forward by deepening your knowledge of sociology through our program’s four available concentrations, allowing you to explore everyday social behavior from multiple perspectives.
Plus, our excellent network of faculty and small class sizes means you’ll have ample opportunities to receive one-on-one mentorships and challenge yourself through rigorous coursework.
Whether you want to pursue graduate studies, or hit the ground running in a career, our program equips you with the analytical and critical thinking skills needed to make a greater impact and prepare you for how work is done today.
What Can You Do with an BA in Sociology After Graduation?
Whether you’re interested in pursuing graduate studies, or entering the workforce, a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology can take you both far and wide. With opportunities in higher education, you can work as a leading professor or researcher at top universities, or for more career-oriented students, you can enter government and law careers with positions as social workers, policy analysts, or legal assistants.
For students more interested in environmental sociology, many graduates have gone on to positions in wildlife preservation, urban planning, or environmental policy. Others have focused in criminology with positions as lawyers, campaign managers, and victim advocates.
The BA in Sociology equips you for a plethora of job opportunities and prepares you for any career pivot that might come your way.
Featured Courses
SOCI 321 Sociological Theory
This course includes a survey of contemporary issues and problems in sociological theory with an emphasis on their historical development and their importance for the field. Students are required to form critical appraisals of the topics addressed.
SOCI 456 Punishment and Society
This course examines the theories and practices of punishment, including imprisonment, capital punishment, transnational penal trends, and social policy alternatives.
SOCI 463 Community, Sustainability and Justice
This course examines social, economic and ecological factors that impact the health and well-being of communities and the bridges and barriers for realizing sustainable, healthy and just communities in the future.
SOCI 472 Civil Rights Movement
Topics covered in this course include the origins and development of the civil rights movement throughout the 20th century, with special emphasis on civil rights litigation of the 1930s–1950s and key events of the years 1954–1965.
Complementary Majors, Minors, and Certificates
Looking for ways to enhance your sociology degree pathway and develop news skills in areas of interest?
- Philosophy Minor
- Africana Studies minor
- Political Science minor
Looking For More Options?
The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the broadest range of academic programs and opportunities for research and creative activities at the University of Tennessee, powered by faculty expertise across every discipline.
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