The Department of Sociology at Wake Forest University is a thriving community of teacher-scholars and students devoted to the scientific study and improvement of society. We provide students with an understanding of how communities have dynamic properties that exist independently of, and that structure the beliefs and actions of, any particular individuals. The basic idea behind this perspective is that the larger social context in which we live influences our social institutions, the social groups of which we are apart, our educational and occupational opportunities as well as our most private and personal experiences.  Studying sociology is a critical part of a liberal arts education that prepares students for careers in law, medicine, education, public health, social work, business, criminal justice, non-profit organizations, and many other fields.

Our faculty conduct research and teach courses on a  range of compelling topics, including the sociology of business, criminal justice, culture, education, emotions, family, gender, health, immigration, law, politics, race and ethnicity, religion, sport, and work. Our courses offer students the opportunity to examine the complex causes and consequences of stratification by socioeconomic status, gender, race, and sexual orientation.  Students can earn certification for concentrations in three areas: crime and criminal justice; business and society; the social determinants of health and well-being.

Study abroad and transfer credit that can be applied to the sociology major/minor are limited to two courses (6h). For both study abroad and transfer credit, there is a bias against approval of theory, methods, and statistics courses, but these courses will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Where students take sociology courses abroad, they must be in Wake Forest approved programs and/or must have been certified by the department. Courses to be considered for transfer credit must be taught at an accredited college/university that offers a 4-year degree, by a faculty member who has a PhD in sociology, and the syllabus for the course must be provided for inspection. In addition, no divisional credit is given for sociology courses taken abroad or at other institutions. The sociology courses of students who are transferring to Wake Forest from other institutions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

A student who selects sociology to fulfill the Division IV requirement must take one of the following courses:

SOC 150Analyzing the Social World3
SOC 151Principles of Sociology3
SOC 152Social Problems3
SOC 153Contemporary Families3
SOC 154Social Deviance3
SOC 155Public Engagement in USA and Other Post-industrial Societies3

 No introductory-level course is required for students taking a sociology course as an elective unless specified in the course description.

Contact Information

Department of Sociology 
Kirby Hall 02A
Phone 336-758-5495