Sociology & Political Science

Develop skills for competing in the 21st century job market

High expectations are the norm in the Sociology and Political Science Department. Students can expect an exceptional background of critical information. The Department prepares them to think critically, analyze data, and communicate clearly. We aim to work with students to help them prepare themselves professionally and personally for a productive career upon graduation. To prepare our students for a highly competitive job market, we provide opportunities for them to intern with any of a number of highly-regarded local, regional, and national agencies, participate in and present their research at professional conferences and symposiums, work with faculty directly through independent studies to provide focused professional development, and participate in service-learning project within the community.

Find personalization and specialization

The Department of Sociology and Political Science is staffed with a faculty committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service, and prepared to serve the needs of students through traditional instruction on campus and through non-traditional instruction methods by participating in the TN eCampus. The Department has faculty available to assist students in any professional capacity in their pursuit of higher education and beyond. Students benefit from specialized programs and individualized attention designed to help them identify and prepare for a career upon graduation. Our faculty are committed to student success by mentoring students within the classroom, through major advising, and through one-on-one, personalized attention. The department provides the following two pathways towards degree completion.

Prepare to Work

The Sociology and Political Science Department opens avenues for students in a wide range of fields and career paths. Graduates have used their degree to jump start careers in social work, politics, state and local government, international relations, criminal justice, as well as to prepare them for graduate school. Many of our majors have attended law school and pursued advanced degrees in sociology and political science. Students are immersed in classroom lectures and training, and internship opportunities are also abundant in fields related to sociology, criminal justice, social work, and political science.

The Sociology curriculum has three main purposes: (1) to aid students in understanding the roles of social forces and ideas in shaping modern society; (2) to provide a well-rounded education preparing the student for a wide range of occupations, particularly those which work directly with people or with categories or groups of people; and (3) to provide a sound academic background for graduate study in sociology or for such professions as law or the ministry.

Criminology & Criminal Justice Concentration

Contact Dr. Lauren Wright, Coordinator: Email

The department offers a baccalaureate (B.S.) in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology and Criminal Justice. The B.S. concentration involves a major in Sociology with a proportion of course work in criminal justice. Those who complete the B.S. degree will have a sound foundation that prepares them to compete for careers in law enforcement, corrections and social service agencies, and for admission to graduate studies in areas such as criminal justice, criminology, and law.

Social Work Concentration

Contact Ms. Shelley Brown, Coordinator: Email

The Department of Sociology and Political Science offers a social work concentration for those students interested in a career in social work. Social work is a "helping profession" that assists people who face difficult problems. Some social workers do their work in family service agencies dealing with marriage, health and child welfare problems. Others work in a medical setting providing assistance to patients and their relatives during a health crisis or a death. Still others work in the area of corrections assisting juvenile and adult law violators in rehabilitation. Social workers can also be found in public welfare agencies assisting the poor and disabled and in industry assisting employees with chemical abuse problems.

A Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science is offered with courses in each of the six main areas of specialization within the discipline: International Relations, Comparative Politics, Political Theory, American Government, State and Local Government, and Public Administration. A student who majors in Political Science at Tech is provided a broad liberal arts education with adequate specialization in the major and ample opportunity to take elective courses in related areas. Graduates are well-prepared for a number of options: graduate studies, law school, employment in government or private business.

Legal Studies Concentration

Contact Dr. Lori Maxwell, Department Chair: Email

The Political Science program offers a legal studies concentration for those students interested in law school. The concentration involves a major in Political Science with a large proportion of course work focused on the legal process, courtroom procedures, and the politics of law.

The philosophy courses offered in the Department of Sociology and Political Science are taught by our resident philosopher, Dr. Carlton. The courses are designed to help students acquire appreciation for the values and modes of reflection appropriate for the philosophical mind. They seek to stimulate interest in the ultimate human questions and to help students understand the proposed answers to those questions given by thinkers across the centuries.