Apr 02, 2026  
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog

Sociology Major, B.A.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Majors A-Z

Department Information


Department of Sociology and Anthropology
PO Box 70644
Phone: (423) 439-4370
Visit the Department of Sociology and Anthropology website.

Sociology is the study of people interacting with others individually, in social groups, and in social systems. The discipline is extremely diverse, including areas such as: community, religion, theory, collective behavior, environment, health, demography and aging, and much more. Students who major in Sociology will have the technical and analytic skills and the global perspective needed to succeed in a variety of careers, such as: social services/public services; program support; management; education; marketing research; social science researcher.

This major requires a total of 30 credit hours in SOCI/SOAA courses, a GPA of at least 2.0 in the major, a grade of C or above in each required course in the major, and a minor. This major also requires a Major Field Test prior to graduation, which is coordinated and administered by Sociology faculty usually during the student’s final semester.

Note: Students who major or minor in anthropology and sociology cannot apply credit from one field to the other. All cross-listed sociology and anthropology courses (identified as “SOAA”) can be counted toward either field, but cannot be counted toward both.

Advising

Contact College of Arts and Sciences Advisement (CASA) to schedule an appointment with your advisor. Visit the CASA website and call (423) 439-5602.

Transfer Students

Transfer students majoring in sociology should contactContact College of Arts and Sciences Advisement (CASA) for advising as soon as possible. This will ensure that the student’s previous work will be coordinated efficiently with ETSU requirements. Transfer students must meet the specific requirements for the sociology major. There is no predetermined maximum number of credits that a transfer student may apply to the sociology or anthropology curriculums. The final decision will be made by the department chair.

Degree Requirements: 120 credits


Compass Core Curriculum

40-43 credits
Total Major Requirement 30 credits
     Major Core    (18 credits)
     Advisor Approved Electives    (12 credits)
Foreign Language 3 credits
Minor 18-24 credits
Free Electives 20-29 credits
TOTAL 120 credits

Sociology Major, B.A. Suggested Four-Year Program of Study  


College of Arts and Sciences : Visit link to view the complete list of B.A. degree requirements.

  • Completion of a foreign language course numbered 2020 or above with a grade of C- or better. Students may be required to take courses numbered 1010, 1020 and/or 2010 based on a placement test or equivalent.


Compass Core Curriculum  

These requirements include earning 40-43 credits in Strengthening Foundations, Understanding Natural and Social Worlds, Exploring Connections, Cultivate Artistic Awareness, and Growing as an Individual and Global Citizen categories.

Total Requirements for Sociology Major: 30 credits


Course grade minimum: Must earn a grade of “C” or above in each required course in the major.

Advisor Approved Electives: 12 credits


  • SOCI or SOAA Electives (12 credits)1

1 Must be chosen in consultation with Sociology advisor.

Minor: 18-24 credits


Free Electives: 20-29 credits


Major Field Test


A major field test is required for graduating students. Contact the department for more information.

Additional Information


Click here to view Degree and Graduation Requirements  for all ETSU students.

For students considering a minor, check with your advisor to make sure a minor will fit within your intended program of study.

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Majors A-Z