Are you a researcher? An activist? A born leader? A bachelor's degree in sociology from Ball State prepares you for a career dedicated to improving society and making an impact on the world.
Sociology is the study of the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of organized groups of human beings. Through research, data analysis and study of conventional social standards and societal norms, you’ll be immersed in a well-rounded program that prepares you for graduate study or for a career in fields that involve investigative skills and working with diverse groups.
You’ll start with our required foundation of research, theory, statistics, and knowledge, which prepares you to venture out on your own in exploring electives on the topics that fascinate you most.
What It’s Like to Major in Sociology at Ball State
When you major in sociology at Ball State, you’re eligible to participate in our Degree in 3 program — a condensed degree track that allows you to complete your sociology degree in three years rather than the standard four.
In this program, you will take a full class load each fall and spring semester and during two or three summers. An academic advisor will guide you through your studies, monitoring your progress and helping you avoid scheduling issues. After you obtain sophomore status, you’ll be assigned a faculty advisor from our department.
Our students acquire the ability to think critically, situate issues in a larger (macro) context, and make informed decisions through strong preparation in research and training in data analysis skills. You will also develop a greater appreciation and understanding of diversity in society.
You will receive a set of transferable skills, such as the ability to see multiple sides to an issue, to use scientific data to make hard decisions, to comprehend group dynamics and processes, to understand social phenomena from a macro perspective, to understand and value diversity in social backgrounds, and more. These skills are applicable in many employment fields such as health, human resources, labor relations, social services, marketing, and others.
During your studies, you’ll have multiple opportunities to apply what you learn and engage in the community through immersive learning and internships.
Our department integrates intensive career preparation through Ball State University’s Career Center. This essential preparation will help you successfully enter the workforce after graduation.
Sociology Major Requirements
Our major in sociology consists of 37 credits in sociology courses, plus the required University Core Curriculum. These courses prepare you for a career after graduation, or to begin graduate study in our master’s program in sociology.
Credits
Total: 120
- Required Core Curriculum: 83
- Sociology Major: 37
Courses
A few of the classes you will take include:
- SOC 100 Principles of Sociology
- SOC 200 Sociological Thinking
- SOC 380 Sociological Research Methods
- SOC 382 Applied Social Statistics
- SOC 402 Sociological Theory
- SOC 492 Capstone Course in Sociology
We offer a wide range of electives, including coverage of sociology of health and medicine, family, law, gender, race and ethnicity, and more. For a complete list of all courses and their descriptions, please see our Course Catalog.
View Catalog
Accelerated Master's Program (AMP)
Our Accelerated Master's Program (AMP) in Sociology allows you to begin your graduate studies at Ball State while still an undergraduate student. With this option, you start taking classes for your master's degree while completing your bachelor's degree and double-count your courses toward both, saving time and money as you pursue an advanced education in your field of interest.
AMP PROGRAM INFORMATION
Additional Requirements
Computer and Technology Specifications
Students entering the Department of Sociology will need to possess a personal computer. Please view information about College recommendations for the specifications for your device.
Good Minors for this Major
A degree in sociology pairs well with a second degree or minor in:
- journalism
- political science
- business
What Can You Do with a Degree in Sociology
A degree in sociology provides you with a strong foundation for entry-level positions in business, social service, and government, as well as for professions that require further study, such as:
Explore More Career Options
Paying for Your Education
In addition to the dozens of funding options offered through Ball State’s Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, the Department of Sociology also awards scholarships to our own students. Find a scholarship.
Apply to Ball State
Admission to Ball State is selective, and we carefully evaluate all applications on an individual basis. Applying is easy. Use our convenient, comprehensive, and secure online application.
Want to Learn More?
The best way to get a true feel for Ball State is to spend some time here, so we encourage you and your family to schedule a campus visit. Take a tour, attend an information session, meet with a professor in our area, and ask plenty of questions. Or, if you’d like to know more about this program or Ball State, complete our online form to request more information.