Northern Arizona University

What you'll study

The Sociology degree combines core sociological theory and methods with topical electives that examine institutions and social groups. Early coursework normally covers introduction to sociology, sociological theory, and research methods and statistics for social sciences. Key topics you will encounter include social stratification, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, family, crime and deviance, communities and urban sociology, work and organisations, and social change.

Programme structure typically includes a sequence of quantitative and qualitative methods courses, a practicum or internship option, and a senior capstone or research project where students apply theory and methods to a substantive social question. Electives allow exploration of applied areas such as community development, public policy, juvenile justice, health and society, environmental sociology and data analysis for the social sciences. Opportunities for directed reading, independent study and participation in faculty-led research help students tailor the degree to career or graduate study goals.

Entry requirements

Admission to Northern Arizona University for a bachelors in Sociology follows the university's undergraduate entry standards. Typical expectations include a completed secondary school diploma (or equivalent) with a record of academic achievement. Strong preparation in English and social studies is recommended; competence in mathematics or statistics is useful because of the research methods component.

Applicants transferring from other institutions should provide official transcripts and information about completed coursework; transfer credit policies follow university guidelines. NAU has provisions for test-optional admissions, so applicants should consult current university guidance about standardised tests. International applicants will need proof of secondary completion comparable to U.S. standards and evidence of English language proficiency where required.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Sociology bachelors develop skills in critical thinking, social research, data analysis, writing and interpersonal communication that are valued across sectors. Common entry-level roles include case worker or client support in social services, community outreach coordinator, research assistant, programme support in non-profit organisations, probation or juvenile services, advocacy and policy assistant, and human resources or customer research roles in the private sector.

Many students use the degree as a foundation for further professional training in social work (MSW), public administration, public health or for academic routes such as master's and doctoral study in sociology or related social sciences. The quantitative and qualitative research training also prepares graduates for roles in market research, data analysis and programme evaluation.

Why study at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University offers a sociology programme with opportunities for applied learning through internships, community-engaged research and practicum placements in the Flagstaff area and surrounding communities. Faculty combine disciplinary expertise with active research in areas such as inequality, environmental and rural sociology, Indigenous studies and social policy, providing options for students to join projects or pursue independent research.

The university emphasises small-group teaching within the major, access to research methods resources and support services such as academic advising and career development. The programme benefits from NAUs location near diverse mountain, rural and Native communities, which supports fieldwork and community partnerships, and from campus resources that help prepare graduates for employment or graduate study.