Sociology Degrees Online

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.