Sociology


Your Future in Sociology

Are you curious about people’s behavior? Are you interested in how diverse groups interact? Do you like collecting data and conducting statistical research? If so, you should pursue a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology at the University of North Texas.

A Sociology degree can prepare you for numerous careers in human services and corporations or for an entry-level research job as an interviewer or statistician. You can work as a social worker, career or family counselor, parole or probation officer, or in a community service area. Related careers are available in:

  • Advertising agencies and manufacturing corporations
  • Consulting firms
  • Government agencies, corporations and nonprofit organizations
  • Hospitals
  • Religious and youth organizations
  • Universities

Some Sociology majors enter law school or pursue other graduate or professional training.


What we offer

We provide you a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of social theory and research methods. This is accomplished through a combination of required and elective courses taught by recognized scholars in their field.

Our faculty members have authored publications and research reports, presented research at national conferences and received research grants from the Fulbright Program, the March of Dimes, the National Science Foundation and the National Center for Health Services Research. They have also conducted research in Ghana, Guatemala, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Malawi, Sweden and Togo. Their research interests include:

  • Applied gerontology
  • Demography
  • Economic sociology
  • Environmental sociology
  • Medical sociology
  • Sociology of development
  • Sociology of disasters
  • Sociology of the family
  • Sustainable societies

We provide opportunities for you to apply classroom learning to real-world situations through a capstone course, internships and other research- related projects. Our capstone course focuses on data collection, data analysis and community outreach. The internship helps you address issues in developing countries such as fertility, birth control and recovery from natural disasters. Previous research projects have involved community-based clinics, family dysfunction, interracial marriage and the shifting roles of women and men in our society.

Our faculty members and students have been instrumental in improving health and social services in communities with high rates of illness, crime, substance abuse and teenage pregnancy.

A Residents Engaged in Academic Living Community brings together students who live on campus and want to make a difference in their community. The community enhances the students’ academic and social experiences. More information about the UNT SERVES community is at reslife.unt.edu.

Scholarships are available to help you pay for your education. These scholarships are awarded based on academic performance in sociology classes. Scholarship information is available at pacs.unt.edu/soci using the Undergraduate Scholarships link.


What to expect

You will complete 39 semester hours in sociology, including six required courses. Some of your course work will focus on developing societies, gerontology, medical sociology, race and ethnic relations, research methods and statistics, sex and gender, and sociological theory.

You will be trained to understand the practical applications of sociological principles.

Our Career Center and professional academic advisors are among the many valuable resources that are available to you at UNT. The Career Center can provide advice about internships, future employment opportunities and getting hands-on experience in your major. Academic advisors will help you plan your class schedule each semester.


How to enroll at Unt

High school students

We encourage you to fulfill the graduation requirements for the Texas Recommended or Distinguished Achievement Program or the equivalent in high school.

In your junior year, take the SAT or the ACT and have your scores sent to UNT.

In your senior year, apply for admission at www.applytexas.org by March 1 and request that your high school transcript be sent to the UNT admissions office.

Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate courses can count toward college credit at UNT. For details, visit www.unt.edu/credit.


Transfer students

If you’re attending a Texas community college, you should consult our Transfer Articulation web page, the UNT Undergraduate Catalog and an academic counselor/advisor to review your degree plan. Proper planning will help you receive the maximum amount of transfer credits.

Our Transfer Center will help you make a successful transition to college life at UNT by connecting you with a peer mentor and other campus resources. More than 3,500 students transfer to UNT each year. The center is in the University Union, Room 320. More information is at transition.unt.edu.