Bachelor of Arts in Sociology - Sociology Major

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for SOCIOLOGY

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement Requirements

• Submit the letter of intent after at least 15 credit hours are earned at the VCCS, prior to graduation from the VCCS, and prior to applying for admission to CNU;

• Earn a transfer associate degree;

• Earn a minimum GPA of 3.2 for your associate degree;

• Complete all associate degree requirements (Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, College-Level Examination Program, and Cambridge are permissible) at the VCCS;

• Have at least one semester (fall/spring) with full-time enrollment (min. 12 credits);

• Maintain continuous enrollment in all non-summer terms from the point of registering their intent to transfer until the associate degree has been conferred;

• Transfer to Christopher Newport in the semester designated on this Intent; and

• Formally apply for admission to Christopher Newport and follow all admission processes, requirements, and established deadlines (transfer.cnu.edu).

• Please note that CNU has many different agreements with VCCS schools, so please review our website for agreements with your specific school: https://cnu.edu/admission/transfer/agreement/

• See the VCCS Transfer Programs page for more details in our Guaranteed Admission Agreement.

• This transfer guide shows an optimal path to a bachelor's degree in sociology at CNU. Completing the coursework above will position you to transfer to CNU in sociology with junior standing and the potential to graduate in two years. If you complete the associate degree but haven't taken all of the recommended courses, you may still be able to pursue a sociology degree at CNU, but your time to graduation may be impacted.

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: https://cnu.edu/admission/transfer/

• Register Intent to Transfer: After 15 credits are earned at the community college but prior to graduation through Letter of Intent

• Admission Application: By late July for Fall or mid-December for Spring here.

• Financial Aid: https://cnu.edu/financialaid/

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: Priority date of March 1 at studentaid.gov

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and CNU within your first year. College Connect is available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• A BA in Sociology is right for you if you:

• are curious about how societies, cultures, and institutions shape human behavior;

• enjoy analyzing social issues like inequality justice and human rights;

• want to develop skills in critical thinking, research, and data analysis;

• are passionate about making a positive impact on your communities; and.

• seek career opportunities in fields like social work, education, public policy, or research

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: Completion of a Virginia Community College System (VCCS) transfer-oriented degree program (Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts & Science) will satisfy the CNU general education component of the undergraduate curriculum with the exception of the Second Language (foreign language) Literacy Requirement.

• Dual Enrollment -- Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Same as above.

• Credit for Prior Learning: https://cnu.edu/admission/transfer/credit/ Credit previously awarded at another college or university for AP examinations does not automatically transfer to Christopher Newport. AP scores should be submitted directly to the university from College Board for evaluation. Scores are evaluated according to the CNU Undergraduate Catalog in place at the time of the student's initial matriculation at Christopher Newport.

• Catalog Year: 2025-2026; Catalog year is assigned to each student upon matriculation to CNU.

Is This College Right For Me?

• We think 5,000 students is just the right size. We're large enough to offer a wide variety of opportunities, but we're small enough that you won't feel like you are just a number

• 90% of our faculty have the highest degree in their field but more important is their passion for engaging and advising students inside and outside the classroom

• More than half of our classes have 19 or fewer students and less than 5% have 50 students or more! Professors know our students by name and expect them to be engaged each class

• We enjoy a wonderful sense of community here, and our Honor Code is taken very seriously. We have a speaking tradition and you'll find that students and faculty here will hold the door for you and look you in the eye as you walk by

• Learn more about our college at www.TransferVirginia.org

Did You Know That…

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements, with the exception of foreign language, and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree?

• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at CNU?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• 95% of Sociology graduates find employment, are admitted to graduate programs, or engage in military service within six months of graduation.

• This academic department is home to the Center for Crime, Equity, and Justice, and the Center for Education Research and Policy.

• SSWA professors have recently won numerous awards, including the Virginia Outstanding Faculty Award, the CNU Alumni Society Award for Excellence in Teaching and Mentoring, and multiple CNU Faculty Excellence Awards.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• We feel that a holistic review that encompasses all aspects of your background and application is the most effective method for finding students for whom Christopher Newport is the right fit. Typically, competitive transfer applicants present at least 12-15 credit hours of college-level credit and an earned cumulative GPA of 2.8.

• We strongly encourage completion of one college-level mathematics and English course. Standardized test scores are encouraged but not required.

• CNU has many different admission agreements with different GPA requirements/minimums for students from the Virginia Community Colleges so be sure to review them here: https://cnu.edu/admission/transfer/agreement/

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org

Do More With Your Degree!

• Students are encouraged to participate in an internship while pursuing their degree.

• Students are encouraged to study abroad while pursuing their degree.

• Student are encouraged to engage in independent or guided sociological research while pursuing their degree.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• None