[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Sociology Degree Online[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s degree in sociology helps students develop a deep understanding of human behavior, society, and social groups. Earning a sociology degree online develops skills in statistical analysis, quantitative reasoning, and complex problem-solving. These skills qualify learners to work in [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/sociologists.htm?view_full#tab-8/” target=”_blank”]sociology-related fields[/hen-ui-link] and other fields that rely on the same versatile skill set.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide contains advice on how to capitalize on a sociology degree. It offers an overview of the discipline and ranks some of the best online sociology programs. It also addresses frequently asked questions, career prospects, and earning potential.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Bachelor’s in Sociology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-is”]What Is An Online Bachelor’s in Sociology Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An online [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/sociology-degree/”]sociology degree[/hen-ui-link] introduces learners to the history, development, and contemporary expressions of the field. Degree-seekers receive broad-based instruction in the liberal arts with a special emphasis on the social factors, norms, and values that influence collective human behavior over time. Most programs also explore how to analyze individual instances of social behavior and relate those findings to broader issues like race, gender, class, family structures, and national identity.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most students pursue this degree immediately following high school, although some programs prefer learners with some college experience. Graduates often find entry-level positions or pursue a [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/masters/”]master’s degree[/hen-ui-link].[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”choosing”]Choosing an Online Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Choosing an appropriate program depends on factors like tuition, career goals, curriculum, and delivery method. Click the link below to learn more about how to select the right online sociology degree for you.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”How To Choose Your Major” href=”/resources/how-to-choose-your-major/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-else”]What Else Can I Expect From a Bachelor’s in Sociology Program?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Schools offering an online sociology degree tend to have similar learning objectives. Some programs may also offer concentrations or specializations, which let learners explore additional interests and develop skills that align with their professional goals.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The section below looks at some common courses in a typical online sociology degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Bachelor’s in Sociology Curriculum[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Sociological Theory[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”]This course covers the philosophical roots of social theories and how they have developed over time. Other topics include approaches to human nature; the structure and functioning of social groups; conflict, cohesion and social control; and the articulation of the individual and society.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Research Methods in Sociology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”]This course introduces students to research design and measurement techniques that they may need for future sociology careers. Students evaluate existing research, design a research project, collect data, and analyze the data using SPSS Statistics.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]Social Inequality[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”]This course examines major theoretical approaches to the study of social inequality and empirical research on wealth, income, race, and gender stratification. Lectures and assignments cover classical and contemporary sociological theories; comparative analyses of the structure of inequality; the U.S. class structure; and global perspectives on poverty, wealth, and social mobility.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”careers”]Sociology Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Below are three careers that require the technical knowledge and applied skills that students develop during an online sociology degree. These are just a few example careers; there are many other options that sociology graduates can pursue.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Training and Development Specialists”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]These professionals plan and implement programs designed to improve employee efficiency and productivity. Training and development specialists often assess needs through targeted surveys and evaluate existing programs based on their organization’s needs and preferred outcomes.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Training specialists normally work full time during regular business hours and sometimes travel to training sites or to meet with potential clients. Most work for larger business and organizations, though some provide services as independent consultants.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Sociologists”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sociologists use behavioral analysis and research skills to address pressing social issues. They often generate research projects to test theories, using deductive and inductive reasoning techniques to interpret data and draw conclusions. These professionals often collaborate with other scientists, researchers, and policy experts to develop solutions that enhance society and cultural institutions.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sociologists typically work full time within nonprofits, colleges and universities, and other socially-minded organizations. Most sociologists need a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in sociology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Survey Researchers”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Survey researchers are typically employed in government, business, and social services, where they conduct surveys and use statistical software to analyze data, including demographic information and public opinion polls.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some survey researchers enter the field with only a bachelor’s degree in sociology or another social science that includes statistics training. However, many positions require advanced training and a graduate degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How Long Does It Take to Complete a Bachelor’s in Sociology Program?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Most degree-seekers complete their online sociology degrees in four years. Part-time learners may take a bit longer, while students with [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transferring-credits-and-school-accreditation/”]transfer credits[/hen-ui-link] or an associate degree can finish in two years.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s in Sociology?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates often pursue careers working in socially-oriented businesses, health services, and social work. It is also common to pursue a master’s or Ph.D. in sociology, which opens the career path to becoming a sociology professor.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is It Hard to Get a Job With a Sociology Degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]While a sociology job is not guaranteed, there is plenty of opportunity: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/OOH/life-physical-and-social-science/sociologists.htm#tab-6/” target=”_blank”]5% increase[/hen-ui-link] in the number of sociology jobs between 2022 and 2032.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is Sociology a Dying Field?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]No. In addition to careers as sociologists, graduates with an online sociology degree can find work in education, business, and criminal justice.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What Does a Sociologist Do?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sociologists analyze society and collective behavior by studying how cultures, groups, and institutions develop over time. They accomplish these tasks by gathering data and presenting research.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-xs text-right”]Image Credit: Tom Werner | Getty Images[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Learn more, do more.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h5″]More topic-relevant resources to expand your knowledge.[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”slider” ids=”8990,6087,6077,368,343,204″][/hen-ui-article-row] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]