Sociology Degrees Online

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Sociology Programs

Sociology programs explore human populations and cover topics such as oppression, social change, human behavior, and diversity. Sociology students also examine the roles that individuals play in families, jobs, communities, and society. Individuals earning a bachelor's degree in sociology develop transferable communication, research, analysis, and problem-solving skills. Sociology degree-holders often work in governments, schools, nonprofits, and businesses.

A sociology degree can lead to a variety of careers, often focused on researching social issues and implementing positive social initiatives. After earning a sociology bachelor's degree, many learners pursue related graduate studies and become sociologists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these professionals earn a median annual salary of $83,420. The BLS projects employment for sociologists to increase 4% from 2019-2029. The following sections explore common benefits, goals, and requirements of sociology degrees.

FAQ

Most Affordable Bachelor's in Sociology Programs

What Are the Goals of a Sociology Degree?

Sociology degrees prepare individuals to pursue careers and graduate programs related to societal issues. Students can pursue a BA or BS in sociology. BA programs often feature interdisciplinary curricula and include more liberal arts coursework. Alternatively, BS in sociology programs usually require more sociology courses, such as classes in data collection and analysis.

Most sociology bachelor's programs require core coursework in statistics and probability, marriage and the family, organizational sociology, and social theory. Additional core classes may include sociological research methods, the sociology of power, and social change. Some programs offer curriculum concentrations in areas such as world development, law, gender, and human services. Common elective courses explore topics including crime and violence, environmental ethics, popular culture, and aging.

Why Get a Sociology Degree?

Sociology bachelor's degree-seekers often prepare for diverse careers, explore interesting research, and develop useful skills. A degree in the field can also qualify holders for career advancement and increased earning potential. The list below highlights a few common benefits of earning a bachelor's degree in sociology.

1. Diverse Career Opportunities

   Sociology graduates often secure positions as researchers, teachers, human services workers, and business professionals. Common work settings include community organizations, governments, and schools.

2. Interesting Research

   Sociology students often receive opportunities to research interesting social phenomena in various subfields.

3. Useful Skills

   Learners in the field develop versatile skills in research, analysis, and communication. Sociology students also learn how to think strategically and design creative solutions to social problems.

4. Salary Increase

   Many working professionals pursue a bachelor's degree to qualify for promotions, salary increases, career transitions, and graduate programs. Individuals with a BA in sociology earn an average salary of $61,550 per year, according to March 2021 PayScale data.

5. Understanding Human Behavior

   Sociology students gain an understanding of human behavior based on research and theory. These insights often prove useful in graduates' personal and professional lives.

What Are the Requirements for a Sociology Degree?

The best sociology bachelor's programs typically require applicants to hold a minimum 3.0 GPA and sufficient SAT or ACT scores. Some schools waive standardized test requirements for applicants with prior college credit or relevant professional experience. Application materials may also include official transcripts, essays, and recommendation letters.

Sociology bachelor's degrees usually require about 120 credits, including general education coursework. The best bachelor's in sociology programs typically feature an internship and/or capstone research project requirement. Some capstone projects emphasize research and theory, while others involve applied projects at approved sites.

Professional Organizations for Sociology Students

The three nonprofit professional organizations below provide networking, professional development, research, and education to sociology students and professionals. Many organizations also host special events, such as conferences and training courses. Some associations offer professional certifications and job-search tools. Student members may benefit from scholarship opportunities and student chapters.

Scholarships for Sociology Students

Many nonprofits, schools, governments, and companies offer scholarships. Students can qualify for awards based on financial need, academic performance, identity group, and field of study. The scholarships below represent a sampling of the financial awards available to sociology bachelor's students. Recipients do not need to repay these funds.