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Sociology ,BA

Sociology, BA

Age, Class, Community, Diversity, Economy, Ethnicity, Gender, Globalization, Healthcare, Inequality, Race, Statistician, people, social, sociology

Do you want to better understand intimate relationships, friendship groups or families? Explore these areas and investigate why people groups behave the way they do in regard to politics, economics, law, inequality and public health crises.

Program 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.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
  • First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
    or any math course that meets the MATH designation
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Curriculum

What If: See how your courses can be applied to another major and find out how to change your major.

Concurrent program options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options

This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their 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:

Learn more about this program
Graduate advisor
Mitchell Lawson
602-496-1745
mitchell.lawson@thunderbird.asu.edu
General contact
602-496-7100

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.

Admission requirements

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Transfer options

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunities
Global experience

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.

Career opportunities

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

Example job titles and salaries listed below 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.


Career *Growth *Median salary
3.9%
$71,900
12.6%
$50,860
-1.6%
$72,040
12.6%
$66,940
4.3%
$75,530
2.6%
$66,270
6.4%
$80,390
3.4%
$59,550
3.6%
$106,030
9.7%
$60,280
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information

Program term definitions

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.

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