Sociology
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Online and On-Campus Programs
With a degree in sociology from Adams State University, you’re prepared for challenging careers that involve working directly with local communities. With the guidance of an engaged and attentive faculty, the program blends academic and practical knowledge.
In the classroom or online, you’ll learn the major sociological theories underlying social life and society. Then you’ll apply that knowledge during one or more semester-long internships in a community agency specializing either in criminal justice or human services.
Internships
The internships are designed to provide marketable skills and experiences that enhance employment and graduate school possibilities. Sociology graduates are employed in a variety of work settings; a sampling of job titles includes Colorado state trooper, child protective services caseworker, family preservation specialist, probation officer, local law enforcement officer, corrections counselor, social services coordinator for the elderly, administrative liaison for children and families, forensic social worker, community corrections officer, caseworker for troubled youth, and victim’s advocate. Upon graduation, you’ll have hands-on, marketable skills and experiences that position you for jobs in a variety of work settings and graduate studies.
Our Online Program has received awards from Learn.org, Study.com, and OnlineU.
State Authorization for Distance Learning
Sociology Program Highlights
What makes us stand out?
The Department of Sociology has newly renovated facilities, supportive faculty, semester-long internships in a community agency specializing either in human services or criminal justice. These internships are specifically designed to provide marketable skills and experiences that enhance employment and graduate school possibilities.
Sociology Program Outcomes
47%
Graduates have pursued or obtained an advanced degree
83%
Graduates are employed in a job or career directly related to their major
Sociology Conference
The Annual Undergraduate Sociology Conference gives students the opportunity to present semester long research projects.
Sociology Program Faculty
Heidi Schneider, Ph.D.
Department Chair
Stephanie Hilwig, Ph.D.
Professor of Sociology
Michael Stewart, Ph.D.
Assoc. Prof. of Sociology
Billy Ulibarri, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Sociology
Nick Van De Voorde, Ph.D.
Asst. Prof. of SociologySociology Program Curriculum
Explore Some of Our Courses
SOC 245: Criminology (3 hours)
This course is an introduction to the field of criminology with special emphasis on theories of crime, kinds of criminals, victimology, and the criminal justice system. Special topics examined include gangs, white collar crimes, property crimes, victimless crimes, and organized crime.
SOC 251: Social Problems (3 hours)
This course is designed to provide the student with a survey of selected contemporary social problems. Social problems addressed in the class may include poverty, addiction and substance abuse, mental health, violence with a focus on family violence, crime, teen sexuality and pregnancy, and health care issues. The causes, severity, and consequences of the selected social problems are explored. In addition, strategies for alleviating social problems are presented.
I am proud to be a member of the Colorado State Patrol because I love my job. It is ever evolving and impactful. Each day I go to work, I know I will have the opportunity to save lives and even impact the criminal element.
I love helping people. It is really rewarding. I can make my own schedule and determine when I’ll see my clients. I’m the one developing my clients’ treatment plans. I link my clients to community resources, so I’m in the community all day. There’s never a dull day.
I give kids a voice. In certain situations, they are too afraid to speak up about what’s going on, or they are trying to get out of a bad situation, involving when they are being abused or neglected, but they don’t know how.
Higher education is intimidating. However, I related to, connected to, and fell in love with Sociology. The classes and professors instilled a passion for learning that drove me to investigate social events. I was encouraged, motivated, and supported to participate and apply to graduate school.