The objective of the sociology major is to prepare students for occupations in business, industry, government, and human service. The major is appropriate preparation for graduate study in the social sciences and law. The focus of sociology is on social forces, institutions, organizations, and how individuals interface with society. The student's personal growth can be achieved through understanding of the rich diversity of the modern world.
Skills can be developed in oral and written communication, critical thinking, scientific research methods, statistics and computerized data analysis.
Family science is the scientific study of families and close interpersonal relationships. The Family Science concentration within the sociology major is designed to prepare students to serve and work with families across communities by offering preventative programs and identifying resources to promote healthy, resilient families. The Family Science concentration is designated by the National Council on Family Relations as a Certified Family Life Educator curriculum. This distinction allows students who complete the program an abbreviated path to becoming Certified Family Life Educators and gives them a competitive edge in pursuing careers working with families.
Current Longwood students with a GPA below 2.00 will not be accepted as Sociology majors. Students may reapply after their GPA has increased to 2.00.