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Welcome to the Department of Sociology at Appalachian State University. On July 1, 2008, after four years of planning, what was the Department of Sociology and Social Work became two separate departments -- the Department of Sociology and the Department of Social Work. This academic year marks first time since the 1980s we have not been a combined department. However, the strong collaborative relationship that has developed over those many years will continue and we wish our social work colleagues well as they face the challenges and opportunities that lie before them.
The Department of Sociology currently serves approximately 185 undergraduate majors in seven BS concentrations - Applied Research Methods; Criminology and Social Control; Family Development; Gerontology; Social Inequalities; Legal Studies; and an Individualized concentration. We also offer a BA degree, a BS concentration in social science teaching and a minor in sociology. Along with our undergraduate offerings, our department is also the academic home of the Graduate Gerontology Program offering both an MA degree in gerontology and an on-line graduate certificate in gerontology. In all, there are 2,615 students enrolled in our classes this fall representing majors from across the university.
As you probably know, much has changed at Appalachian in a relatively short period of time. Many of these changes are highly visible, such as completion of the new Belk Library and construction projects that seem to emerge on a daily basis. Others, such as implementation of the new General Education requirements starting in the fall of 2009, are not so visible. However, despite the many changes that have - and will - take place on our campus, our goal remains simple - to offer the best educational experience possible.
I hope this web page answers questions you may have about our department, its faculty, its programs, and its role within the larger university. However, whether you are a student, a parent, or someone who just interested in Appalachian I hope you will feel free to contact me or any of our faculty members regarding anything related to our department. My e-mail address appears below and you can reach other faculty members by following the "faculty" links from this page.
W. Edward Folts, Ph.D.
Professor and Chair
foltswe@appstate.edu
By the way -- Our web pages are undergoing major revision and some may not be up-to-date. Please bear with us while we make the changes.
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