Interested in how groups within society interact and change? Then Northern’s sociology program will be a great fit for you! You’ll study the interactions and relationships among human groups and institutions, learning how behavior is shaped by these relationships. Through your coursework, you’ll examine how society maintains stability and how it changes, investigating both consensus and conflict among social groups.

As a sociology major at Northern State University, you’ll hone your skills in analysis and problem solving, comparative thinking, writing, and critical inquiry. Equipped with these skills, you’ll have a strong foundation for a career in social work, law, social justice, nonprofit organizations, administration, government, business, or medicine. In addition, your sociology coursework will provide the theoretical and methodological training you’ll need for advanced graduate work in all the behavioral sciences. 

Offered On Campus, Online, Huron Community Campus, and Hyflex

120 Credit Hours

Estimated Time to Complete: Four Years

Seamlessly Transition to a Master's Program

As a graduate of Northern's sociology program, you’ll have a strong foundation to continue your education at the master's level. Northern's master's in counseling degree is offered on campus and through HyFlex. In addition, a collaboration with the University of South Dakota allows Northern students to enroll in our 3:2 program where you will earn your degree in sociology in three years and then seamlessly transition into the master of social work program through the University of South Dakota.

Sample Coursework

Social Problems

Introduction to Sociology

Social Science Capstone

Social Work Practice II

Socio-Cultural Theory

Introduction to Social Work

Field Experience

Social Stratification

Related Minors

Communication Studies

Criminal Justice

Geographic Information Sciences (GIS)

Health

Government

Legal Studies

Native and Indigenous Studies

Public History

Similar Programs

Psychology

Criminal Justice

Communication Studies

History

Social Science Education

Biochemistry

Environmental Science

Chemistry

Learning Through Internships and Traveling Classrooms

Northern sociology students will immerse themselves in hands-on learning. Through Northern's traveling classrooms, you will engage in experiential learning that will support your development, understanding and growth. Previous traveling classrooms have provided students an in-depth exploration of the correctional and social services systems in South Dakota. The upcoming traveling classroom will engage you in hands-on learning on the Standing Rock Reservation. You will learn the history, culture and current issues happening in Indian country, in the state of South Dakota and particular to the Standing Rock reservation and then be immersed in the community for one week, learning about the richness of the Lakota people and provided a glimpse into the life on the reservation.  

Through our internships, Northern’s sociology program will help you build relationships in the Aberdeen and South Dakota communities and cultivate career opportunities. You'll observe professionals at work and gain hands-on knowledge during the program's field experience component, providing you with a competitive edge in the job market after graduation

Get Involved on Campus

Build skills outside the classroom and get involved with the Aberdeen community with clubs and organizations.

 

Student Involvement and Leadership