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Program Description


Students who major or minor in sociology ordinarily begin by taking the introductory course in either sociology or anthropology, but there are several other 200-level courses students may take to begin with such as social problems, cultural anthropology, criminal and deviant behavior, among others.

The advanced courses in sociology deepen the student’s understanding of the discipline. The development of sociological theory explores the broad range of ideas which have been developed over the centuries by social thinkers and which gave birth to sociology in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Social research provides an overview of how sociologists collect and analyze data and requires students to carry out an actual research project. Finally, the capstone course gives students an opportunity to work closely with the sociology faculty in doing research and reviewing what they have learned in the major.

Other advanced courses examine disciplinary specialties, including several courses in anthropology such as ecological anthropology and medical anthropology. There are also opportunities for independent study and special topics courses from a sociology faculty that has wide interests.

Career Possibilities

A major in sociology can prepare students for a variety of careers. Wofford sociology majors are now lawyers, police officers, businesspeople, social workers, counselors, ministers, soldiers, teachers, urban planners. They also include the former academic dean of Wofford and other college professors.