Program Details
Program Details
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Bachelor of Arts
Virginia Wesleyan University
Program Details
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of Arts in Sociology
Virginia Wesleyan University
The sociology program provides real-life occasions and intellectual resources that can help students understand the social and cultural dimensions of human behavior. By focusing on the concepts, theories and techniques of inquiry employed by sociologists, the Department hopes to foster the sociological perspective. The department offers a major in sociology and provides a great number of courses that serve other major programs and the general goals of a liberal arts education.
Program Overview & Guidance
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
| Doing More With Your Degree | |
| Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements
Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.
The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio
and the requirements for the selected program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
128
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
To earn this degree, students must earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA, complete a minimum of 34 credits at VWU, and not exceed 64 credits in any one discipline.
BA in Sociology
128
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
To earn this degree, students must earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA, complete a minimum of 34 credits at VWU, and not exceed 64 credits in any one discipline.
General Education Requirements
52
Wesleyan Seminar
12
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Transfer students may have seminar I and/or II waived pending credits transferred.
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth Requirements
24
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Courses must be completed from 6 different departments and must be outside your major department.
Breadth: Creative Arts
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Upper-Level Humanities
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Mathematical Sciences
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Natural Sciences
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Social Science (Birdsong)
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Social Science (Birdsong or WattsSPS)
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category list:
English Composition
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
English 001 may be required prior to ENG 105. A grade of C or better is required in ENG 105.
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Options for satisfying the language requirement can be found at https://www.vwu.edu/academics/general-education/foreign-language-proficiency.php . Students with prior language experience, transfer students, and evening/weekend students are encouraged to review the options. Students satisfying the language requirement through other options will complete these 12 credit hours through completion of other courses related to their program plans.
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Major Requirements
20
Introduction to Sociology
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Foundations of Sociology
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Introduction to Social Research
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Applied Sociology
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Senior Capstone
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Major Elective 300/400 Level
8
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Elective Choice - Students complete 2 courses at the 300 and/or 400 level. SOC311 and SOC 308 are recommended. Exclusions: SOC 430, SOC 480, SOC 489
Earn 8 credits: Complete the following
Earn 8 credits: Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Subject:
AND
Course(s) of level 400
OR
Complete the following
Use the following rules
Complete courses from the following Subject:
AND
Course(s) of level 300
But NOT
courses from the following Course list:
Allied Group Electives
12
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Elective Choice - SOC 110, SOC 235, and ENVS 106 recommended.
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
General Electives & Internships
36
Internship Option
36
Internship Preparation Course
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Internship in Criminal Justice and Sociology
8
Earn 8 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Elective Courses
26
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Complete credits to fulfill the 128 semester hours of academic coursework. Elective courses may be taken in any subject matter or discipline to complete the required elective credits. They provide an opportunity to explore freely across the richness of the liberal arts curriculum at Virginia Wesleyan. Students may choose to complete a minor or a second major.
Earn 26 credits by completing any available course
Electives Only Option
36
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Complete credits to fulfill the 128 semester hours of academic coursework. Elective courses may be taken in any subject matter or discipline to complete the required elective credits. They provide an opportunity to explore freely across the richness of the liberal arts curriculum at Virginia Wesleyan. Students may choose to complete a minor or a second major.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Wesleyan University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | The Fair Transfer Guarantee helps Virginia community college graduates save credits, save time, and save money by assuring that those with an associate of arts, associate of fine arts, or associate of science will enter Virginia Wesleyan with junior-class status. All lower-level general education requirements—including foreign language—will be deemed complete, allowing students to focus on courses for their major and upper-level elective credits necessary for their bachelor’s degree. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | First-time college students arriving with conferred Associate's degrees get transfer credit for all acceptable coursework.They are not exempted from any breadth requirements. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | Transfer credit is considered on the basis of an official transcript or transcripts from institutions accredited by regional accreditors. Official transcripts must be sent directly to Virginia Wesleyan University from all colleges previously attended. The results of the transfer evaluation of credit are recorded on the student’s “Transfer Evaluation Report†on WebAdvisor. A formal transfer credit evaluation is completed after admission to the University. The evaluation is completed only by the Office of the Registrar. Transfer grades are not included in the Virginia Wesleyan University grade point average. Amount of credit is determined in terms of the appropriate number of semester credit hours. Criteria for the acceptance of transfer credit include the following: Transfer credits are awarded for courses from colleges/universities accredited by regional accreditors and that are comparable in content and quality to those offered within the academic programs at Virginia Wesleyan University. |
| Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information
Number of Transfer Students
119
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
For the Fall 2020 recruitment cycle, 63% of transfer applicants were admitted. Average GPA 3.06
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | First year students who do not have parents in the local 7 cities are required to live on campus. Transfer students can choose to live on or off campus. Residential students are permitted to live on campus if they are under the age of 24. Average class size is 14. Our location is your advantage. With approx. 1.7 million people in the area we have excellent access to internships and research opportunities. All students can and are encouraged to get involved on campus through civic engagement and clubs/organizations. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at VWU based on academic year (ex: fall 20-spring 21 entrants use same catalog) |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at VWU based on academic year (ex: fall 20-spring 21 entrants use same catalog) |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | There is no specific date as to when a student needs to let us know their intent. However, it is in their best interest to do so early so they can take advantage of all the perks. Read more here https://www.vwu.edu/enrollment-aid/transfers/fair-transfer-guarantee.php |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
This section displays degrees most closely related to this program
and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the
next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to
visit that program page.
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern Mennonite University | Bachelor of Arts Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Arts in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Averett University | Bachelor of Science in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Hollins University | BA in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Eastern Shore Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate in Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in Social Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Art | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | General Studies, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Social Sciences, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Psychology/Social Work Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Science in Social Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | Online |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - Social Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Science Degree Social Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Major in Anthropology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Major in Criminology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Christopher Newport University | Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Major in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Science, Major in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| James Madison University | Bachelor of Arts, Major in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Sociology BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Sociology BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Sociology: Community Health BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Sociology: Community Health BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Sociology: Family Science BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Longwood University | Sociology: Family Science BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| University of Lynchburg | BA in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Social Science, Major in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| George Mason University | Sociology, BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Norfolk State University | Bachelor of Arts in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| William & Mary | Sociology - Bachelor of Arts | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Old Dominion University | Sociology-BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Old Dominion University | Sociology-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| University of Mary Washington | BA in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bridgewater College | Sociology Major - BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Shenandoah University | Bachelor of Science Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph College | Bachelor of Arts in Sociology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Sociology, Bachelor of Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Applied History Social Sciences (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | History (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Interdisciplinary History and Integrative Social Sciences Teacher Preparation (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Interdisciplinary History and Social Sciences Teacher Preparation (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Interdisciplinary Mathematics & Teacher Preparation (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | RN-BSN Nursing (BSN) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science Nursi | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Sociology Health and Human Services (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Sociology (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Emory & Henry University | Sociology: Inequality (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Randolph-Macon College | Sociology/Anthropology (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11-9199.11 | Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9199.02 | Compliance Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9199.08 | Loss Prevention Managers | Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9199.00 | Managers, All Other | All managers not listed separately. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9199.01 | Regulatory Affairs Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures. | Management Occupations |
| 19-4061.00 | Social Science Research Assistants | Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-3041.00 | Sociologists | Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 25-1067.00 | Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in sociology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 11-9199.10 | Wind Energy Development Managers | Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects. | Management Occupations |
| 11-9199.09 | Wind Energy Operations Managers | Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning. | Management Occupations |
Cost To Complete