Sociology, BA
Customize your studies through interdisciplinary coursework linking sociology with psychology, anthropology, communication, political science and social justice. Prepare for careers spanning government, nonprofits, social services, criminal justice, business and health fields.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
or any math course that meets the MATH designation
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Sociology degree description
Sociology is the study of the organization and development of societies and the institutions within them. The sociology program helps you better understand the development, structure, interaction and collective behavior of organized groups.
You explore the theories, practices and policies underlying the issues of social change, inequality and diversity. The Bachelor of Arts program in sociology provides you with training in important research skills used to describe, interpret and evaluate evidence across diverse settings important in the economy.
In this flexible program, you have opportunities to work collaboratively with faculty on intellectual and policy issues, and you develop the research skills necessary for the analysis of complex social issues.
The BA program requires a qualitative methods course, and the Bachelor of Science program requires a quantitative methods course.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| SOC 101 Introductory Sociology |
| SBS 302 Qualitative Methods |
| SBS 304 Social Statistics I |
| SOC 426 Social Inequalities |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Evaluate social inequality using sociological theory.
- Apply a qualitative research method to investigate a sociological question.
- Evaluate a global social process using a sociological perspective.
Evaluate social inequality using sociological theory.Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Studying abroad enables students in the sociology program to enhance their understanding of societal structure and human interaction through a global lens.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their specific interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships around the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in a study abroad program provides students with the heightened cultural competency and strengthened leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Behavioral Health Specialist | 2.3% | $71,900 | Learn more |
| Counselor (General) | 5.9% | $50,860 | Learn more |
| High School Teacher | -0.2% | $72,040 | Learn more |
| Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) | 13.5% | $66,940 | Learn more |
| Mediator | 4.7% | $75,530 | Learn more |
| Probation Officer | 3.0% | $66,270 | Learn more |
| Social Services Director | 7.2% | $80,390 | Learn more |
| Social Worker | 4.4% | $59,550 | Learn more |
| Sociologist | 3.8% | $106,030 | Learn more |
| Substance Abuse Social Worker | 10.3% | $60,280 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this sociology degree prepares you for
Graduates are prepared for employment in corporate or governmental organizations or to continue their studies in graduate programs in sociology or social science, or in professional schools. They are able to apply the sociological perspective to a wide variety of jobs in:
- business and management
- the criminal justice system
- government
- health professions
- social services
Sociology coursework provides graduates with valuable preparation for careers in:
- journalism
- law
- nonprofit sector
- politics
- public administration
- public relations
These are all fields that involve investigative skills and an ability to work with diverse groups.
Graduates with an advanced degree in sociology may become:
- community activists
- community developers
- criminologists
- demographers
- gerontologists
- organizational advocates
- research analysts
- statisticians
- survey researchers
- urban planners
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
|
FAB N101
SBSadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
