The basic requirements of the sociology major and minor are outlined below. Additional information regarding the sociology major can be found in our Wake Forest College Bulletin Entry and elsewhere on this department website.

To graduate from Wake Forest with a major in sociology:

  • A student must complete 31 total hours in sociology.
  • A student must complete four core courses: one 100-level SOC course, SOC 270, 271, and 272. Majors are required to earn at least a C- in each of these four courses.
  • Students should take one of the following courses, SOC 151, 152, 153, 154, or 155, in the freshmen or sophomore year prior to declaring their major in sociology. Any one (but no more than two) of these 100-level courses will count towards the major.
  • No 100-level sociology course taken by seniors can count towards the major.
  • Students are strongly encouraged to complete SOC 270 and 271 in the fall of their junior year, and 272 in the spring of their junior year.
  • A minimum average of 2.0 in all sociology courses is required at the time the major is declared.
  • A minimum grade point average of 2.0 in all sociology courses is required for graduation.

Students who would like to declare a major in sociology should contact Erica Talley, the department’s administrative assistant, by e-mail or stop by the department office, 02A Kirby Hall to complete a major declaration form.


To graduate from Wake Forest with a minor in sociology:

  • A student must complete 15 total hours in sociology.
  • The 15 total hours must include at least one of SOC 270, 271, or 272 and at least one of (but no more than two) of the following courses: SOC 151, 152, 153, 154, or 155.
  • No 100-level sociology course taken by seniors may count towards the minor.
  • A minimum grade point average of 2.0 in sociology courses is required at the time the minor is declared.
  • A minimum grade point average of 2.0 in sociology courses is required for certification as a minor.

Students who intend to pursue a sociology minor are encouraged early in their junior year to contact Erica Talley, the department’s administrative assistant, by e-mail or stop by the department office, 02A Kirby Hall to complete a minor declaration form.  Minors are invited to participate in all departmental functions.