Sociology

Understanding society and our place in it.

It is a complex, challenging, and fascinating time to be alive. The sociology program at Piedmont University provides students with an understanding of the relationship between society and people’s lived experiences during this key historical moment.  

Sociology majors develop a greater understanding of the human condition and explore their relationship to it.  By locating their experiences within the various social forces and conditions that characterize the contexts in which we live, students become aware of and learn to think critically about these structures.  Students develop analytical and research skills to gain empirical knowledge about the social world.  Students cultivate empathy and appreciation for the wide range of experiences within our diverse society.  Students confront the injustices, inequalities, and systems of oppression that characterize contemporary U.S. society.  By developing their sociological imaginations, students conceptualize alternative possibilities and cultivate their own unique perspectives about how to best reshape our institutions and the architecture of society. 

For sociology majors, learning extends beyond the walls of the classroom.  Internship opportunities enhance a student’s academic experience by presenting “real world” implications of sociological concepts.  These experiences provide a hands-on perspective into working in a given field while also enhancing professional and/or graduate school prospects.  During their senior year, students work with a faculty member to develop a research question and conduct their own, independent sociological research project.

Sociology majors cultivate a broad, robust collection of knowledges and skills that prepare them well for a wide range of career pathways in the ever-changing contemporary occupational landscape.  Graduates understand how to think critically, evaluate the quality of information, and draw meaningful conclusions from data.  Graduates understand social dynamics and how differences such as race, class, and gender impact people’s experiences.

The sociology program is offered on our Demorest campus only. Transfer students can complete this 30 credit hour program in as little as one year.

What classes will I take?