Why Study Sociology?

The Radford University Department of Sociology provides students with a wide variety of courses designed to promote critical thinking and further understanding and perception of social processes, social problems and differing cultures. 

Through rigorous coursework, students learn how to gather, analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data. Through research-in-service and internships, students learn how to apply their knowledge and skills to problems and needs in businesses, organizations and communities.

A central part of our mission is to provide opportunities for independent student research, as well as faculty and student collaborative research.  We teach from the philosophy that active engagement in real-world research enhances employment opportunities and opens doors to graduate school. Our department engages in sound career planning and preparation with each major.

Consider these key features of this program:

  • The curriculum focuses on the application of knowledge and skills, offering students multiple opportunities to apply what they have learned in preparation for graduate school, careers, and life-long learning.
  • Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees offered.
  • We have a chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociology Honor Society, offering students a variety of professional opportunities.
  • The Sociology club provides opportunities to get together outside the classroom setting.
  • All Sociology majors are requires to complete a 3 credit hour practice experience in the form of a practicum or an internship.
  • Sociology students are encouraged to get involved in collaborative research with faculty and community through the Center for Social and Cultural Research as interns, work-study research assistants, and volunteers.

Career Options

Graduates of the sociology program at Radford University will find career opportunities in a variety of areas, some of these may require additional education. Typical sociology careers may include:

  • Researcher. Our graduates become researchers who study human behavior, interaction, and organizations for the public, private and nonprofit sectors.
  • Data analyst. Graduates may become data analysts who collect, organize, and interpret statistical information for business in a variety of industries, as well as the public sector.
  • University admissions counselor. Graduates of our program become college admissions counselors and review applications for admissions to determine if the applicant is prepared to enter a college or university. This often involves analyzing test scores.
  • Human resource assistant. Graduates can find careers in human resources who maintain personnel records, hire new employees and offer various trainings to employees
  • Case manager. As a case manager, our graduates work with clients managing services, programs and coordinating services for people who are dealing with difficult issues.
  • Commodity buyer. Graduates of our sociology program may take on the role of a commodity buyer who procures items for companies, working in the supply chain.
  • Recruiter. Graduates are employed as recruiters who find candidates to meet specific job requirements for a variety of industries.
  • Activities director. Sociology majors are employed as activities directors in various kinds of  residence programs from the elderly to children, and a variety of special populations.
  • Outreach advocate. A sociology graduate who becomes an outreach advocate often works in the non-profit sector working with businesses advocating for their cause and working to leverage resources.
  • Community development/urban planner.  A sociology graduate may work for a non-profit organization in the field of community development or in a town or city government as an urban planner.
  • Environmental specialist. Our sociology graduates may specialize in environmental issues and concerns and work in non-profit and governmental agencies that focus on the environment.
  • Public relations specialist. A sociology major who works as a public relations specialist must communicate with the public on behalf of a company, organization, or government.
  • Government relations specialist. A sociology major who becomes a Government Relations Specialist will monitor aspects of employee performance and well-being.

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