B.A. Applied Sociology (extended major)

This degree combines a liberal arts foundation with a focus on applying academic skills and sociological knowledge in a professional setting. For this degree, you choose an emphasis in applied research or family studies.

 

To earn this degree, you must complete at least 120 units of coursework, which we describe in the sections that follow:  

Be aware that some courses required for your degree may have prerequisites that you must also take. Check the courses in the appropriate subject.  (You may be able to count these prerequisites toward your liberal studies or general elective credit.)  

 

Please note that you must complete NAU’s diversity requirements by taking two 3-unit courses, one in U.S. ethnic diversity and one in global diversity awareness. These courses may be used to meet other requirements within your academic plan if you choose them carefully. Click here for a list of the available diversity courses.

 

Also be aware that NAU requires that at least 30 units of the courses you take for your degree must be upper-division courses (those numbered 300 and above).  

 

Finally, please note that you may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement; however, you must still meet the total of at least 120 units to graduate. Contact your advisor for details.  

Major Requirements  

To complete this degree, you take the following 54 units with a grade of C or better in each course:  

Please note that you must take at least 9 of the 54 units required for this major at NAU.  

 

In addition, we recommend that you take no more than 6 units of sociology courses as web-based courses. Engagement with the community of sociology majors and faculty is a critical component of your education, and participation in the sociology learning community is best achieved by participating in face-to-face NAU courses.  

Applied Research Emphasis  

If you are interested in a career involving research in public agencies, businesses, or other organizations, this emphasis helps you to learn research and related technical skills essential for conducting a wide range of social research and to gain research experience through an internship or practicum.  

 

For this emphasis, take the following 18 units:  

Family Studies Emphasis  

This emphasis provides you with a basic understanding of the institution of the family and its role in societies and allows you to examine the dynamics of family life with emphasis on transitions in this institution.  

 

For this emphasis, you take the following 18 units:  

Language Requirement  

You must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English that is equivalent to four terms of university coursework in the same language. You may satisfy this requirement by taking language courses or by testing out of all or part of it by taking CLEP exams arranged by Center for Business Outreach.

General Electives  

Additional coursework is required, if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.  

 

You may take these remaining courses from any academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you. (Please note that you may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren’t used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.)  

 

Click here for more information about Sociology undergraduate courses and faculty.