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Sociology (BS) - Power and Social Change

Undergraduate Program
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Important dates and deadlines for undergraduate admissions

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Location

Boone campus
Hickory campus

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Discover how power dynamics shape society.

Sociology is the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies and how people interact within these contexts.

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sociology - Power and Social Change degree program at App State examines how power serves to structure human relationships and how the contestation of power leads to a variety of social changes.

You will learn about institutionalized power relationships, such as those pertaining to elections, political parties, policymaking, social movements and war.

  • Department of Sociology

  • College of Arts and Sciences

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A ‘Best College’ for 2025

The Princeton Review named App State among the best schools in the U.S. and Southeast for 2025.

Top 3 in innovation, undergraduate teaching

U.S. News & World Report has recognized App State as a top three school for innovation and the high quality of its undergraduate instruction for eight consecutive years.

A ‘Best College’ for value

App State’s quality, affordability and student outcomes place it among the nation’s 2024 best schools for value, according to Money.com

Learn more about App State’s accolades

Elevate Your Education

Courses

    • Students pursuing this major explore Social Problems in American Society, Political Sociology, Social Movements and more.
    Program of Study
    View the Program of Study

Minors

A minor is optional. Suggested minors include:

  • Anthropology
  • Community and Regional Planning
  • Global Studies
  • History
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • Philosophy
  • Political Science
  • Psychology

View all minors

Transferring Credits

Learn about App State’s credit transfer process, and use our Transfer Equivalency Course Search tool to determine how your courses may transfer to App State.

Related Programs

  • Sociology (BA)
  • Sociology (BS) - Applied Research Methods
  • Sociology (BS) - Families and Intimate Relationships
  • Sociology (BS) – Sociology of Health and Aging
  • Sociology (BS) - Individually Designed
  • Sociology (BS) - Social Inequalities

General Education

With courses in history, natural and social sciences and humanities, App State’s General Education Program will reshape your outlook on learning and provide a foundational skill set that will prepare you for any career.

Gen Ed Program Info

Accelerated Master’s

You can begin your graduate studies as an undergraduate and earn your master’s degree in as little as one year.

Accelerated Master’s Info

Careers and Mountaineers

Where can an App State degree take you? Anywhere you want to go! Our passionate and engaged alumni become leaders in their communities and chosen professions.

Careers

  • Community Organizer
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • County Manager
  • Corporate Governance
  • Lobbyist
  • Lawyer
  • Public Administrator
  • Elected Official
  • Non-Profit Administrator
  • Social Worker
  • Social Movement Organizer
  • Political Researcher

Some of these roles may require education beyond a bachelor’s degree.

Career information resource

App State’s Career Development Center
Services provided by the Career Development Center include resume reviews, career coaching, job and internship search assistance, and other tools for you to achieve life and professional success.

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Pavel Osinsky
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Pavel Osinsky

    Sociology professor Dr. Pavel Osinsky joined App State’s Department of Sociology faculty in 2008 and regularly teaches courses in Sociological Theory, Global Sociology, and Sociology of War. He is co-author of the book “War: Contemporary Perspectives on Armed Conflicts around the World,” which examines various arguments about the causes and consequences of war — with chapters on how culture shapes meanings of war, military participation and its consequences, and more. Learn more

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Brad Nash
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Brad Nash

    Dr. Brad Nash, professor in the Department of Sociology, teaches courses in areas that include Sociology of Work and Organizations, Sociological Theory, and Social Movements. His research focuses on labor union, political policy and comparative-historical analysis. In 2019, Nash was selected to chair the American Sociological Association’s History of Sociology section’s Distinguished Scholarly Publication Award Committee. Learn more

  • Faculty Profile: Dr. Johnnie Lotesta
    Faculty Profile: Dr. Johnnie Lotesta

    Dr. Johnnie Lotesta, a political and cultural sociologist, joined App State’s Department of Sociology as a professor in fall 2021. Her interests include political parties, labor and social movements, public policy and American politics. As part of a recent project, Lotesta is working with a team of social scientists to understand how youth organizers in the U.S. think about and work toward social change. Learn more

    More sociology faculty

More to Explore at App State

Fund Your Education

Numerous scholarship and financial aid opportunities are available to help fund your App State education. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid.

International Experience

Work outside your cultural boundaries. Learn more.

Hands-on Research

Conduct cutting-edge research alongside faculty mentors. Learn more

Real-world Internships

Gain firsthand experience while earning your degree. Learn more

Find Your Community

Get inspired and get involved by joining App State clubs and organizations, such as the Sociology Club. Learn more

Honors College

Develop high-level creative thinking and research skills. Learn more and check out the departmental honors program.

Apply

Are you ready to become a Mountaineer? Take the next step, apply for admission to App State and elevate your future success.

Start Your Application

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Program Contact

Dr. Cameron Lippard
Department Chair
[email protected]
828-262-6396

Dr. Amy Dellinger Page
Program Director
[email protected]
828-262-2201

College of Arts and Sciences

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