The NCSA was founded in 1969 by Joseph Himes and other sociologists throughout the state as a means of bringing together sociologists who were working in a variety of settings, both academic and applied. The founders of the NCSA were particularly concerned to provide a meeting place for those sociologists who might otherwise find themselves isolated in one-person departments located in smaller liberal arts colleges or community colleges. The annual meetings have provided a forum for the exchange of ideas and the discussion of issues affecting the discipline rather than just as a place to present papers and research. Throughout its history, the association has encouraged and nurtured student sociologists by including their work in the sessions of its annual meetings and by honoring outstanding student papers with an annual award.

The archives of the NCSA are currently housed on the campus of North Carolina State University.