Department of Sociology

Understanding people changes everything

Ever wonder what makes people act the way they do, or why some social systems create opportunities while others create barriers? Sociology explores these questions (and many more!) and gives you the tools to analyze the forces that shape human behavior and the imagination to envision something better. 

As a sociology major, you’ll explore how social systems influence daily life, uncover the stories behind the data, and question the assumptions that shape our world. You’ll learn to look deeper, think critically, and recognize how even small acts can spark change. Along the way, you’ll prepare for a career that connects knowledge to action, such as research, education, human services, policy, marketing, or law. 

Why study Sociology at NAU

At NAU, sociology comes to life through inquiry, connection, and discovery. You’ll explore topics like social movements, youth culture, consumer behavior, spirituality, and family life in ways that connect theory to the world around you. Faculty bring research and real-world perspectives into every discussion, helping you uncover patterns and see how even small changes can ripple through communities and cultures. 

There are three main paths you can follow as a student in the Department of Sociology at NAU. 

• Bachelor of Science in Sociology: Dive into how people, groups, institutions, and cultures interact. You’ll have the option to specialize in areas like social justice, health, sustainability, and global or community studies, shaping your degree around what inspires you most.  
• Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies: Design a degree that connects sociology with your broader goals. This is a flexible degree path that allows you to build on completed coursework, integrate studies from multiple disciplines, and complete a capstone or internship that ties it all together. (This degree option is offered online and at the Flagstaff Mountain Campus.) 
• Master of Arts in Applied Sociology: Build advanced research and analytical skills with optional concentrations in Culture, Community & Health or Environment, Sustainability & Globalization. An accelerated plan allows you to start your master’s while finishing your bachelor's, saving you time and money! 

Learning outcomes

As a Sociology major at NAU, you will: 

• understand the role of theory in sociology and apply theories to social realities with a global context. 
• apply basic concepts, such as social change, sustainability, and social structure to analyze social trends, conflicts, and social policies. 
• produce research proposals, presentations, and reports individually and in research teams. 
• analyze and evaluate data to inform the explanation of the phenomenon being studied and apply data-driven insights to academic, industry, and professional settings to enhance career readiness.  

Experience of Difference

Step outside the classroom and apply sociology in real-world contexts. As an undergraduate sociology major at NAU, you’ll complete an Experience of Difference program where you’ll examine culture and community from new perspectives. This can take the form of an internship, research project, or study abroad experience.  

Student clubs and organizations

Join the Society of Student Sociologists to connect with alumni, faculty, and professionals through guest speakers, networking events, and service opportunities that expand your classroom learning and community impact. 

Dedicated support

At NAU, you’re supported by a department that values curiosity and connection. From your first course to your capstone, you’ll have access to faculty mentors, career guidance, and resources that help you grow with purpose and confidence. 

Caring faculty

Department of Sociology faculty are teachers, researchers, and mentors who care about your success. They’ll challenge you to think critically while guiding you through course planning, research, and career preparation, and support you every step of the way.

Career readiness

With a degree in sociology, you’ll be equipped to pursue a career in education, public health, nonprofit leadership, community outreach, disaster relief, policy development, marketing, research, and so much more. Skills like being able to interpret data, understand people, and analyze the systems that influence our world translate to every industry and empower you to make an impact wherever your path leads. 

Scholarships and assistantships

As a sociology major at NAU, you’ll have access to departmental scholarships and financial awards that recognize academic achievement. Graduate students may also qualify for assistantships that offer both teaching experience and financial support.