Whether you’re interested in politics, social change, poetry, or art, majoring in sociology invites you to find meaningful engagement with the larger world.
Why Study Sociology at UNC Asheville
Student and Alumni Spotlight
What is the impact of visual art on public grief? How does it affect perceptions of stigmatized loss? How can visual art be an assistive artifact in personal grieving? Guided by these questions, sociology major Gillian Maurer explored the implications and impact of the Into Light Project, an organization engaging through art with those who have lost loved ones to the opioid epidemic. Gillian’s project helps to establish baselines for how work at the intersection of art and grief affects people, as well as assists the Into the Light Project in achieving desired outcomes at future exhibitions.
“I absolutely loved my experience at UNC Asheville. The professors were supportive and shared a wealth of resources as many transitioned out of UNC Asheville. One of my favorite experiences were “Chocolate Tuesdays” otherwise known as a workshop where information on the Sociology field including career opportunities, graduate school, and pathways were discussed.”
Flo Jacques, Class of ’20
“I wanted to go into a field that would teach me about different types of people and the relationships that they have whether it be their relationship due to race/ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, class, etc. I wanted to know more about how people’s specific group identities differ and how they can be affected in society as a result of their group identity.”
Sierra Ross, Class of ’22
Sociology and Psychology major Jordan Lor, Class of ’19 and a and 2019 Teach for America Corps Member in Eastern North Carolina, was named a Fulbright finalist to teach in Thailand in 2021
“My journey through the sociology department profoundly influenced my current passion for researching and understanding social patterns, health behaviors, and inequality…More than just academic knowledge, these faculty members, and many others, fostered a nurturing environment that supported my personal and academic growth.”
Jordan Jurinsky, Class of ’16
Outside the Classroom
Sociology majors at the University of North Carolina Asheville can look forward to engaging with the community in many ways, including student events, clubs, internships, and professional networking opportunities.
Chocolate Tuesdays
Chocolate Tuesdays are special events for sociology and anthropology students to learn more about topics within their discipline and to network with others. Topics vary from session to session, but the department always provides free chocolate. Past events included bystander intervention training, grad school info sessions, and “Health Policy in a Time of Crisis: Ethnography of Austerity and Abortion,” a talk given by Medical Anthropologist Bayla Ostrach, Ph.D.
Clubs for Sociology Students
Students can also enjoy student clubs and organizations like the Honor Society of Sociology and Anthropology, an honors group for students who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement. The Honors Society is free to join and brings added value to a résumé or graduate school application. There is also the student-run Sociology and Anthropology Club, which often hosts guest speakers, facilitates advising sessions, fishbowl discussions, interest meetings, and more.
Sociology Internships
Internships are built into the sociology bachelor’s degree program, giving you the opportunity to hone the skills you’ve developed in your coursework. Exploration of your interests and networking play a key role in your internship experience. While you are encouraged to take an active part in securing your internship position, meetings with advising faculty, the Career Center, and on-campus career fairs support your search and familiarize you with local agencies and opportunities.
Meet the Faculty
UNC Asheville has a diverse and interdisciplinary group of sociology faculty who have carried out research on five continents and are dedicated to helping students find ways to understand and engage with the world’s complexities. We believe disciplines within the Department of Sociology & Anthropology are intimately related, yet distinct, with each involved in documenting and understanding the varieties of human experience.
Megan R. Underhill, Ph.D.
Chair & Professor of Anthropology and Sociology
| Office: 215 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6976 |
| Email: munderhi@unca.edu |
Marcia Ghidina, Ph.D.
Professor of Anthropology & Sociology; Interim Chair of Business
| Office: 206 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6975 |
| Email: ghidina@unca.edu |
Paige Ambord, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Sociology and Anthropology
| Office: 206 Zageir Hall |
| Email: pambord@unca.edu |
Jessica Cooper
Administrative Assistant
| Office: 203 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6426 |
| Email: jncooper@unca.edu |
Carla Hung
Assistant Professor of Anthropology
| Office: 213 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 686-5007 |
| Email: chung@unca.edu |
Heidi Kelley, Ph.D.
Professor of Anthropology
| Office: 225 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6980 |
| Email: hkelley@unca.edu |
Lee Anne Mangone, J.D.
Adjunct Instructor of Sociology
| Office: 214 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 251-6058 |
| Email: lmangone@unca.edu |
Caitlin Meagher
Lecturer in Psychology, Health & Wellness, and Public Health
| Office: 219 Zageir Hall |
| Phone: (828) 250-3868 |
| Email: tgeorge2@unca.edu |
Sociology Degree Careers & Outcomes
Graduates with a sociology background often find themselves well-suited for roles that involve understanding and analyzing social dynamics, conducting research, and working with diverse populations. Students majoring in sociology are particularly well-prepared for careers in social work, criminal justice, non-profit agencies, business, and government, as well as graduate study in sociology, anthropology, criminology, social work, law, and various other fields.
UNC Asheville sociology graduates have entered distinguished graduate programs as well as found employment in a number of related industries.
Related Programs
Observe, Analyze, and Transform in UNC Asheville’s Sociology Major
The Bachelor of Science in Sociology program at the University of North Carolina Asheville empowers you with the tools to navigate societal complexities and drive meaningful change in your career or academic endeavors. Here, we help you reach your full potential as you engage with renowned faculty, explore real-world issues, and conduct original research across diverse disciplines.
Contact Us
| Department of Sociology & Antrhopology |
| Phone: 828.251.6426 |
| Email: socanth@unca.edu |
