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In a nutshell, sociology is the study of human behavior – from individual interactions to the influence and effects of organizations, religious groups, cultures, and institutions. Sociologists study areas such as race relations, criminal deviance, public health, education, economics, family dynamics, poverty, and gender. They trace the origin of groups and the growth of social movements & revolutions. They look at how changes in behavior create changes in society. Many students pursue sociology with the goal of making the world a better place.
If you’re interested in a career in sociology, but don’t know where to start, we’re here to help. In our guide to affordable sociology programs, you’ll find detailed info on each degree, including descriptions of coursework and a list of job opportunities. We explain what accreditation means and whether you might need to think about licensure or certification.
The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is offered by UC Irvine's School of Social Sciences. The curriculum includes a wide range of coursework such as globalization and transnational sociology, self-identity and society, race and ethnicity, and sociology of sex and gender. Students enrolled in the program can earn up to four departmental certificates in the following areas: business, economy, and organizations, diversity and equality, global and international sociology, and social problems and public policy. The school offers a nine-month Master of Arts in Demographics and Social Analysis (DASA) program, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociology degree. Continuing full-time sociology majors can apply for the Carole Creek Bailey School of Social Sciences Undergraduate Award for Excellent in Sociology ($1,000).
30,836 Students
The Department of Sociology and Anthropology at the University of Minnesota in Duluth offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Sociology that focuses on key areas in the modern study of the field. These areas include social psychology, social organization, social change, and criminology. Students admitted to the program who demonstrate exceptional academic performance may be eligible to join the Honors Program, where they can engage in independent research. The Robert Franz Scholarship in Sociology ($500) is awarded every year to an outstanding student in sociology with demonstrable financial need.
10,878 Students
The Sociology Department at Texas A & M University College Station offers both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) program in sociology. There are three undergraduate certificates available: Certificate in Global Sociology, Certificate in the Sociology of Gender, and Certificate in the Sociology of Race and Ethnicity. The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program offered by the department has the following areas of specializations: Crime, Law and Deviance, Culture, Demography, Organizational, Political and Economic, Race, Class and Gender, and Social Psychology. Student research is supported by the following institutions and research centers: Texas Census Research Data Center, Race and Ethnic Studies Institute, Howard B. Kaplan Laboratory for Social Science Research and the Stuart J. Hysom Social Psychology Laboratory.
63,813 Students
At the graduate level, the Sociology Department at Rutgers University grants a Ph.D. in Sociology with a master's degree embedded in the program, although students who have a master's already can enter the program. While students do not formally declare a specialty area, faculty research strengths include crime and social control; gender, difference, and inequality; global structures; and social networks. The department has several fellowships available for graduate students. It also awards small grants to cover costs for research or conference travel. All three Rutgers campuses have undergraduate programs in sociology leading to a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.
11,720 Students
The Department of Sociology at UNC Chapel Hill offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in sociology. There is also a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program available. Students admitted to the PhD in Sociology program can choose from a wide range of specialization areas. Some of these include the following: Advanced Quantitative Methods; Fertility, Mortality and Population Growth; Health and Illness/Medical Sociology; Life Course and Aging; and, Work, Occupations, and Labor Markets. The department's training program is supported by different research centers and institutes such as The Odum Institute for Research in Social Sciences, The Carolina Population Center, and The Kenan Institute for the Study of Private Enterprise.
29,084 Students
The Department of Sociology at UCLA offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degree with a curriculum that includes courses such as contemporary sociological theory, statistical methods for social sciences, power and inequality, and institutions and social processes. There is an undergraduate honors program that gives students the opportunity to carry out in-depth research on a wide range of topics that hold a particular interest for them, such as domestic violence or the social networks of undocumented workers. The department offers Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees as well. Areas of specialization on the graduate level are diverse and includes fields of study such as political sociology, urban and suburban sociology, ethnographic methodology, and social stratification and social mobility.
41,908 Students
Students majoring in Sociology at UIC can aim for the $500 Juris Memorial Undergraduate Student Award; it goes to exceptional seniors. The common practice is for the department to offer a teaching or research assistantship to every admitted student in the MA and PhD in Sociology programs. These come with up to four years of funding. If an assistantship isn't in the cards, the department can utilize a Board of Trustees tuition and fee waiver. Grad students can also pursue $250 travel grants to present papers at conferences.
29,048 Students
Baruch College's Department of Sociology and Anthropology offers an undergraduate major in sociology in three concentrations: multiculturalism and globalization, social Institutions, and social processes and change. Major requirements include introductory courses in sociology and anthropology and foundation courses in subjects like sociological theory, research methods in sociology and anthropology, and social statistics. The Department also offers a sociology minor that requires two 3000-level sociology courses and one 4000-level capstone course. Sociology majors have the option to complete one or two semesters of internships at human service or community organizations for academic credit.
18,433 Students
Rather than providing concentrations, Vassar's bachelor's degree in Sociology places each course into one of six thematic clusters - including Social Justice, Globalization, and Policy - which students can use to guide their registration decisions. Enrollees' chosen path may benefit them when applying to one of the many fellowships at Vassar with a sociological bent. Sociology undergrads are eligible for the Ann Cornelisen Fellowship, an up-to-$8,000 award for foreign language study. They're also frequent recipients of the Burnam Summer Fellowship, which goes to projects involving direct work with vulnerable or overlooked communities. The department itself uses money from the Leslie A. Koempel Fund to give awards for the outstanding senior thesis and help students complete fieldwork or research.
2,435 Students
UC Riverside is already the least-expensive school within the University of California system, according to College Scorecard, so the BA/BS in Sociology cuts costs at the margins. For instance, want to present research at a conference? The department's Donors Fund may cover up to $1,000 in travel and registration costs. Trying to move into a graduate program? The same fund sets aside $1,000 for application fees. Speaking of graduate programs, the PhD in Sociology aims to fund students for four years. In return, they may have to complete a teaching assistantship. Fellowships and research assistantships are also on the table, especially for students who need extra time to finish.
21,385 Students
Students admitted to the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program at UC San Diego can major in general sociology or in one of the following concentrations: American studies, culture and communication, economy and society, international studies, law and society, science and medicine, and social inequalities. On the graduate level, there is a Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology program available. A Master of Arts in Sociology degree can be earned en route to a PhD, but it is not offered as a terminal degree. Doctoral studies are organized around the following specialization areas: comparative and historical sociology, inequalities, sociology of culture, and sociology of science, technology, and medicine. First-year students can apply for the Ray and Betty Ramseyer Scholarship ($5,000/year for four years).
32,906 Students
The Department of Sociology at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities offers both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Sociology. The department offers a Public Health Minor as a joint project with the School of Public Health. The Barbara Newsome Internship Award provides financial support ($1,500) for Sociology undergraduates who wish to engage in unpaid internships related to their major. Sociology students who want to take advantage of research opportunities can apply for the Sociology Undergraduate Capstone Research Award (up to $2,000). The department's Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program provides students with the fundamentals of sociological theory as well as in-depth understanding and mastery of research methodology and policy application.
50,678 Students
The Sociology Department at Rutgers University offers an undergraduate major and minor in sociology and a sociology graduate program. Additionally, the Department offers graduate certificates in women's and gender studies and the human dimensions of environmental change. The sociology major requires 36 credits of coursework, including four core courses and seven sociology electives. The Ph.D. in Sociology is available in eight areas of specialization: crime and social control; culture and cognition; environment, technology and society; gender, difference and inequality; global structures; health, population and the life course; political and economic sociology; and social networks. Graduate students in the Sociology Department are eligible for several scholarships and grants, including the Bevier Fellowship, the Rutgers Center for Historical Analysis Fellowship and the Center for Cultural Analysis Fellowship.
6,408 Students
Buffalo State grants a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and also offers several programs for students who want a minor in the field. The sociology degree prepares students for a variety of jobs or for graduate study. To earn the B.A., students must complete 42 credits in sociology, including classes in social research, statistics, sociological theory, and social psychology. Sociology majors are also required to work an internship or take a senior seminar in sociology. The 18-credit sociology minor allows a student to choose three sociology electives. The minor in deviance is appropriate for criminal justice majors. The environment and society minor is an interdisciplinary minor looking at the interactions between humans and the environment.
10,330 Students
SUNY Oswego grants a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology that requires students to complete 36 to 39 credits in the major. All sociology majors take classes in sociological theory, social research, and statistics, as well as a senior seminar. Students also take 15 sociology electives, chosen with the help of an adviser. Sociology classes cover a wide range of subjects, from small group behavior to the development of large social systems. Sociology majors have the option of participating in an internship or working individually with a profession in an independent study course. Students who do well academically are invited to join the campus chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, the national sociology honor society.
7,937 Students
The Sociology Department at the University of California Berkeley sits atop the 2018 U.S. News list of Best Grad Schools in the field, and the department ranked in the Top 5 in five of six subcategories the magazine rated. The department grants a bachelor's degree and a Ph.D. Undergrads can declare a sociology major as soon as they take three prerequisite courses. All majors are required to take a capstone experience seminar, and several seminars with different topics are offered every spring and fall. The Ph.D. in Sociology accepts students for the fall semester, and students usually receive six years of funding. The department also has a joint Ph.D. in Sociology and Demography.
38,189 Students
The Department of Sociology at UC Davis offers two undergraduate majors - Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Bachelor of Arts in Sociology-Organizational Studies. The BA in Sociology program has four options: general, law and society, social services, and comparative studies and world development. Sociology-organizational studies majors learn about the economic, political, and social organizations in society and the methods and theories that are used in their analysis. There is also a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociology degree available. A Master of Arts in Sociology can be earned enroute to a PhD, but not as a terminal degree. Doctoral students may participate in approved Designated Emphasis areas such as justice and society, feminist theory and research, and Native American studies.
35,186 Students
The Sociology Department at Westfield State is exclusively at the bachelor's level, but covers concentrations in Social Organization and Global Sociology. Internships with government agencies and local businesses are built into the core curriculum, including the minors in Anthropology and Gerontology. Sociology Club members gather outside of class to discuss the field, and the department has been a member of the Alpha Kappa Delta honor society since 2003. The chapter hands out annual awards for academic excellence.
6,496 Students
Students seeking a bachelor's degree in sociology from Barnard College must complete at least 10 sociology courses, including three foundational courses, five electives, and a two-course senior requirement that results in a research paper or thesis. Members of the Sociology Department faculty have areas of expertise including property; gender and sexuality; social stratification and inequality; international migration; and social movements. During their sophomore year, sociology majors can apply for the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship at Barnard College, which pairs a faculty member with a student for the student's junior and senior years. The Mellon Mays Fellow works with the faculty member as a research or teaching assistant or pursues independent research under the direction of the faculty member.
2,548 Students
Sociology majors at SUNY Oneonta can choose from four tracks: liberal arts, community and environment, criminology, and human services. The human services track prepares students for graduate studies in social work, and the criminology program is suitable for students who are interested in criminal justice careers, such as law. The Sociology Department also houses a gerontology studies major and a criminal justice major. Department faulty have a range of research specialties, including aging, immigrants, and urban-rural relations. Outstanding sociology students are invited to join the Oneonta chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, the international sociology honor society. All students can join the Sociology Club, which organizes workshops and field trips.
6,119 Students
Through its Department of Sociology, Appalachian State University offers a BS in Sociology in six concentrations: applied research methods; criminology, deviance and law; families and intimate relationships; gerontology; social inequalities; and a self-designed concentration. A BA in Sociology is also available, as is a sociology minor. The BS in Sociology requires 30 credits in the sociology major and 30 credits in the area of concentration. The BA in Sociology requires the same sociology core courses as the BS, plus 15 credits of sociology electives. Students in the BS program are also required to complete an internship. The Department of Sociology offers one scholarship to its students, the Albert & Maxine Hughes Scholarship in Sociology, which is provided annually to a junior or senior sociology major.
17,932 Students
The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at UMass Amherst houses the Department of Sociology. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) program in Sociology. Most students admitted to the graduate program commit to earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. A Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology is usually earned en route to the PhD, for students who enter the program without an MA. Admitted students are automatically considered for funding by the department. Departmental funding typically includes tuition waiver, health benefits, and a stipend. Opportunity Fellowships (for minority students) are also available. Most Opportunity Fellowships only cover the cost of tuition.
29,269 Students
Through the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Saint Cloud State University students can choose from four undergraduate sociology programs: a general sociology major, a concentration in applied sociology, a concentration in interdepartmental sociology and a concentration in elective studies. The general sociology major is offered in the emphases of social problems, deviance and social justice; political economy of society; family, health and aging; and global sociology. The applied sociology concentration requires an internship and is designed for students who plan to work in the field directly after graduation. The interdepartmental sociology and elective studies concentrations are flexible programs for students with unique academic goals unmet by conventional majors. Scholarships available to sociology majors include the $250 Herbert Goodrich Scholarship and the $500 Arvid Hansen Scholarship.
16,096 Students
Wayne State College's Department of Sociology, Psychology and Criminal Justice offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in sociology, as well as a subject endorsement in sociology. The sociology major requires 36 major credits, including courses in social problems, racial and ethnic relations, social theory, social science research and the sociology of deviance. Sociology majors have the opportunity to participate in internships or co-operative education experiences with social service agencies. They can also participate in student organizations like the Psychology and Sociology Club and the sociology honors society Alpha Kappa Delta.
3,431 Students
The College of Liberal Arts at CSU Long Beach offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degree with concentrations in deviance and social control, interaction and group relations, sociology of health and medicine, and social change and global issues. The curriculum includes courses such as social trends and problems, elementary statistics, quantitative methods of social research, and classical and modern sociological theory. There is also a Master of Arts in Applied Sociology degree available with concentrations in community development and social change or the sociology of health and medicine. First-generation college students can apply for the Doug Polly and Jean Han Student Award ($1,000), which is a scholarship program open to students pursuing a major in the College of Liberal Arts.
37,446 Students
The undergraduate sociology program at Castleton University has been honored for its commitment to civic engagement, community involvement, and experiential learning. Sociology majors have completed internships for a wide range of organizations, from The Nature Conservancy to the Vermont Folk Life Center to Rutland Mental Health. Numerous faculty members have received honors for excellence in teaching. Faculty members are experts in fields such as race and ethnic relations, gender studies, and mental health. Students seeking a more rigorous program can apply for the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with Honors.
2,246 Students
Iowa State University's Department of Sociology offers sociology programs for undergraduate and graduate students. The undergraduate sociology major requires 30 credits of sociology courses in subjects like advanced research methods, social psychology and contemporary sociological theories. The MS in Sociology is 30-credit program offered in three areas of concentration: social and economic disparities, agriculture and development, and criminology and criminal justice. The PhD in Sociology requires 72 credits (including master's degree credits) and is offered in the same three concentration areas. Scholarships available to sociology students include the $2,800 Gerald E. and D. Eileen Klonglan Scholarship and the $1,000 Sadie Gardine Lasley Memorial Scholarship.
35,714 Students
The Department of Social Sciences at Ferris State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology degree. Students accepted to the program are required to complete an academic minor in another field of study, in addition to the general education requirements, the BA core, and the essential courses for the major. The curriculum includes a wide range of topics and reflects the diversity of modern studies in sociology. It includes courses in sociological statistics, world urban sociology, gender roles in society, and the sociology of deviant behavior. The department also offers a minor in the field. No more than seven credits for the minor may overlap with the student's major. A minimum of 18 credits is required for the minor.
14,715 Students
At the University of Florida, the Department of Sociology and Criminology & Law is part of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences. The department offers Bachelor of Arts (BA) as well as a Master of Arts (MA) degrees in Sociology. Eligible undergraduates can pursue a combined BA/MA in Sociology program that is also available. Sociology majors have the option of pursuing combined degrees with other University of Florida departments and colleges as well. For example, students can pursue a BA in Sociology concurrently with a Master of Science in Business Administration (with a concentration in Management) that is offered by the Warrington School of Business Administration.
50,645 Students
Berea College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and an undergraduate minor in sociology. Sociology majors are required to complete five core courses, five additional sociology courses and five collateral courses in a minor or another area that complements their career or educational goals. The capstone experience for sociology students takes place during either a sociological methods course or a field experience course. During one of these courses, students complete an independent research project that demonstrates their research, writing and critical thinking skills. The Sociology Department also offers jobs to students, such as teaching assistant positions and office assistant positions.
1,643 Students
The Social Sciences Division at Alfred University offers an undergraduate major and minor in sociology. The sociology major requires 36 credits of major coursework, including 16 credits of core coursework in subjects like introductory sociology, cultural anthropology, data analysis and statistics, social theory and research design. Additionally, students complete 20 credits of electives that cover topics such as social problems, crime, race, sex and gender, magic and religion, and social welfare institutions. Students can also complete independent studies, field work or seminars to fulfill some of their elective requirements. The sociology minor requires 20 credits of coursework, including required courses in introductory sociology, social theory and research design.
2,286 Students
Binghamton University's Department of Sociology offers a BA in Sociology, a 5 year BA/MA program and a PhD in Sociology. Undergraduate sociology majors must complete 10 sociology courses, including required courses in social change, social theory and social research methods. The 5 year BA/MA program is a combined degree program that allows undergraduate students to take graduate level courses their senior year to complete both a BA and an MA in an accelerated time frame. The PhD program in sociology is a 64-credit program (Including MA requirements) that has an emphasis on world-historical social science.
16,913 Students
Through its Department of Sociology, Michigan State University offers a BS, BA and PhD in Sociology. Both the BA and BS require 33 major credits in courses like social psychology, development of sociological theory, methods of social research and social issues in contemporary societies. The PhD in Sociology provides students with a foundation in sociological theory and methodology, while also providing more in-depth training in an area of specialization. The PhD is offered in five areas of specialization: community and urban, environment, family, health and medicine, and migration. Scholarships available to sociology students include the $200 Ruth Hamilton Award for a junior sociology major and the Charles Hayden Kelley Scholarships for undergraduate students enrolled in the College of Social Sciences.
50,538 Students
Big Data is a growing field of employment, and the Queens College Sociology Department's master's program in Data Analytics and Applied Social Research prepares students for those jobs. Candidates must select from five concentrations: market research, data science, program evaluation and policy analysis, media and marketing, or applied social research. All program participants take classes in data analytics, research process, methods, and professional writing and communication. They also produce a thesis or capstone project. For undergraduates majoring in sociology, the program requires at least 32 departmental credits. Queens College has a chapter of the International Sociology Honor Society that brings in guest speakers, sponsors student research paper contests, and provides funds for student travel to regional sociological meetings.
19,520 Students
Students interested in studying sociology through the Department of Sociology and Social Work at Brigham Young University-Idaho can choose from an undergraduate major or minor in sociology. The BS in Sociology includes five required core courses in subjects like sociological explorations, sociological theory, research methods and sociological analysis. BS students are also required to either complete a senior thesis or complete an internship. The sociology minor requires 21 credit hours of coursework in subjects like social problems, social psychology, criminal justice, family interaction and social stratification. The Department also offers a criminology certificate, which requires five courses in the field of criminology.
43,803 Students
City College of New York grants a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Sociology. Undergrads must complete 10 courses in sociology, including seven electives. If desired, undergrad sociology majors can choose a specialization in Urban Issues, Politics, and Policy, which requires them to take their electives from sociology classes focused on those subjects. Master's candidates must complete 33 credits, with 21 credits in required courses and 12 elective credits. In their final semester, master's students complete a capstone project that could include research or be based on an internship or work experience. Students seeking an academic career have the option to write a thesis. Grad students must also pass a written comprehensive exam.
15,778 Students
Students in the Sociology Department at Hunter College may choose an area of concentration that meshes with the areas of study faculty members specialize in: urban sociology and immigration; research methods, demography, and applied sociology; crime, law, and deviance; policy and institutions; family, education, health, and social work; comparative, cross-cultural, and global studies; inequality and social movements; gender, race, class, sexualities; or culture, media and social psychology. The department offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Science in Applied Social Research, plus a five-year B.A./M.S. program. Classes in the master's program are held in the evenings, and Hunter is one of the few universities in the U.S. to offer a graduate program in social research.
22,918 Students
The Department of Sociology & Social Work at Texas Woman's University offers a Bachelor of Science in Sociology (on campus and online), a Master of Arts in Sociology, and a Ph.D. in Sociology. A degree in sociology prepares students for further study that leads to professional or graduate degrees or a variety of career pathways. Sociology students are able to join Alpha Kappa Delta, the international sociology honor society. Students may qualify for Charles Rodney Albert Endowed Memorial Scholarship, the Roy A. & Maria Gabriella Miller Endowed Scholarship, the Maureen Gallagher Memorial Scholarship, and more.
15,286 Students
Students seeking a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology from SUNY Polytechnic Institute can specialize in criminology or social services. The criminology specialization is appropriate for students who are interested in a career in criminal justice. The social services specialization provides a background for students interested in the social services, and includes courses in topics such as social policy, displaced people, and gerontology. To earn the B.A., students must complete at least 10 courses in sociology, including classes in statistical methods and a senior seminar. To achieve a minor in sociology, students must complete at least 17 credits in sociology classes. Similarly, the department offers a minor in anthropology that requires at least 17 credits in anthropology classes.
2,779 Students
Students interested in sociology can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology or a social studies teacher B.A. from Brooklyn College, which also grants a Master of Arts in Sociology. The department offers minors in Business and Society, Consumer Behavior, Criminal Justice, Human Resource Development and Management, Human Resource Management and Diversity Studies, Law and Society, and Urban Policy. The master's program prepares candidates to pursue a Ph.D. or work as a social researcher. Dedicated facilities include the Mayer Lab, a computer lab that is used as a classroom for methods courses and research seminars and is open for student use at other times. Departmental scholarships include the Charles Lawrence Memorial Award, given to a "deserving student majoring in sociology."
17,410 Students
5,718 Students
The Department of Sociology at the University of North Texas offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, a Master of Arts in Sociology, a Master of Science in Sociology, and a Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology. The goal of the degree programs is to provide students with a comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of the research methods and social theory that will prepare them for various careers in human services. Students may take courses such as Sociology of Work, Sociology of Religion, Social Psychology and Behavior in the Social Environment, and Sociology of Culture.
37,299 Students
Cal Poly Pomona's Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program gives students the option of specializing in one of three areas: criminology, social work, or general sociology. Students are given the opportunity to explore a wide range of topics, including ethnic relations and minority communities, social organization and stratification, criminology and juvenile delinquency, gerontology, and the family and religious and political institutions. As part of the College of Letters, Arts, and Social Sciences (CLASS), qualified BA Sociology majors are considered for the Sharon and Megan Daseler Scholarship Endowment and the Dean's Scholarship, both of which award $1,500 each to full-time freshmen or new transfer students. The Behavioral Sciences Endowed Scholarship ($500) supports continuing students with a sociology, psychology, or behavioral science major.
23,717 Students
An associate’s degree in sociology is a 2-year undergraduate program that provides an introduction to the field of sociology. Associate degrees are often offered at a reasonable price from community colleges. A high school diploma or GED is required to apply.
Most students earn an associate’s degree in order to transfer to a bachelor’s degree. If you’re thinking of doing this, make sure your associate course credits will be transferable to the undergraduate program of your choice.
The curriculum for an AA in sociology is made up of general education requirements (e.g. English composition, math, social science, etc.) and core courses in sociology. These core courses might include statistics, marriage & family, social deviance, psychology, alcohol & drug abuse, race & ethnic relations, and/or and an introduction to social work. You’ll usually be able to pick and choose 4-6 sociology classes that interest you.
There aren’t many careers opportunities available for AA graduates. With relevant work experience, you may be able to apply for jobs such as:
A bachelor’s degree in sociology is a 4-year undergraduate program that grounds students in the theory and practice of sociology. Bachelor’s programs are available from a wide range of regionally accredited universities and colleges. A high school diploma or GED is required to apply.
Like other liberal arts or BS degrees, the curriculum for a bachelor’s in sociology will contain general education requirements (e.g. composition, math, fine arts, history, etc.), coursework in science or humanities, and electives in sociology. Many schools will also give you the opportunity to work on a capstone project and/or take part in internships.
As a sociology major, you may be required to take prerequisites such as family & society, research methods, sociological theory, history of social movements, race & ethnicity, social deviance, and social systems. In your third and fourth years, you’ll have more freedom to focus on your area of interest (e.g. birth control, poverty, domestic violence, media studies, etc.).
As a graduate with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, you have options. You may wish to go to apply for a professional program (e.g. law, business, medicine, etc.), pursue a master’s degree in a special area of interest (e.g. K-12 teaching, social work, etc.), become a sociologist by earning a PhD, or apply for jobs in related fields. For example, a sociology graduate may find work as a:
Talk to your university professors and mentors about your options. The American Sociological Association (ASA) also has a set of useful Career Resources for Undergraduates.
A master’s degree in sociology is a 1-3 year graduate program that gives students the chance to explore advanced studies in human behavior, interactions, and relationships. A bachelor’s degree in sociology or social science, or a relevant major (e.g. anthropology, psychology, economics, political science, etc.), is required to apply.
Many master’s degree programs in sociology are split into two categories:
To become a sociologist, you will need to earn a master’s or – preferably – a PhD.
You have options when it comes to the master’s degree. The two most focused choices are:
However, you may also wish to investigate related programs such as:
And so on. Talk to your mentors and graduate adviser about your options. If a specialty degree seems too focused, you may wish to earn a master’s in sociology with a specialization/concentration in your area of interest (e.g. race relations).
The curriculum for a master’s degree program in sociology involves a great deal of quantitative and qualitative research. That means you will probably be taking core courses in social theory, statistics, data collection & analysis, and sociological research methods. However, in tandem with these classes, you’ll also have the freedom to explore advanced areas of sociology (e.g. social psychology, globalization, urban education, class structures, etc.).
If you’re in a traditional master’s program, you will be expected to write a master’s thesis based on original research. If you’re in a professional program, you may be required to complete a capstone project.
When combined with relevant work experience, a master’s degree in sociology can prepare you for a wide variety of careers. Common fields for sociology graduates include healthcare, social work, education, law enforcement, business, and the government. Also remember that a master’s degree can be a big plus when you apply for higher administrative positions (e.g. manager, director, etc.).
Along with the jobs we listed under the bachelor’s degree, you may wish to explore titles such as:
The American Sociological Association (ASA) has a set of useful Career Resources for Graduate Students, including the ASA Job Bank.
A doctorate in sociology is a 3-7 year program intended for students who wish to become sociologists and/or pursue high-level research. It is the highest academic qualification one can achieve. Unless you enroll in a combined master’s/PhD program, you will be required to earn a master’s degree before you can apply. In addition to sociology, some schools will accept master’s degrees in related fields (e.g. anthropology, history, social sciences, etc.).
The most common pick for aspiring sociologists is the:
But, depending on your career focus, you might also wish to consider related subjects such as:
In the first few years of a PhD in sociology, you will often be required to take core coursework in advanced sociological research and theory. You may also need to pass a comprehensive exam to prove that you have a firm understanding of these subjects. Once you’ve jumped these hurdles, however, you’ll be able to concentrate on an area of original sociological research (e.g. criminology) and writing your doctoral dissertation.
Two common career choices for PhD graduates are:
It’s important to note that sociology is a small field, and competition for research sociologist jobs can be fierce. In order to get ahead, you may find that you need to supplement your PhD with work experience and further credentials in your field (e.g. public policy, law, human services, etc.).
A certificate in sociology is non-degree program, roughly equivalent to a minor in a degree, that takes ~6 months – 1 year to complete.
They come in two major flavors:
If you wish to apply your certificate credits towards a degree, be sure that your credit hours will be transferable to the program of your choice.
When it comes to choosing a school, we recommend you attend a regionally accredited college or university. Regional accreditation is a “seal of approval” granted to institutions by one of 6 regional accrediting bodies (e.g. North Central Association of Colleges and Schools).
You can learn more about the difference between national accreditation and regional accreditation in: Accreditation: Understanding the Difference Between Real Schools and Diploma Mills.
We make this recommendation for a few reasons. By attending a regionally accredited school, you will find it easier to:
Regional accreditation is given to an overall institution. If you’re interested in applied sociology, you may also wish to look for CAPACS accreditation.
CAPACS stands for the Commission on the Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology. This Commission was was established in 1995 as a joint initiative of the Society for Applied Sociology (SAS) and the Sociological Practice Association (SPA). It accredits bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in applied sociology, clinical sociology, engaged public sociology, and sociological practice.
In order to be accredited, these programs must
The answer to this question depends on your choice of career. If you’re interested in teaching high school, you must be licensed as a teacher by your state. We talk more about the licensing process in our article on K-12 Education. If you’re interested in working in a social agency or in fields such as clinical social work, you may be required to earn a specialty license or certification. Please check with your career mentors and the relevant state department for details on licensure requirements.