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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? In this research-based program, you'll 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 students better understand the development, structure, interaction and collective behavior of organized groups.

The program explores the theories, practices and policies underlying the issues of social change, inequality and diversity. This BA degree program in sociology provides students with training in important research skills used to describe, interpret and evaluate evidence across diverse settings important in the economy.

This flexible program provides opportunities for students to work collaboratively with faculty on intellectual and policy issues and helps them develop the research skills necessary for the analysis of complex social issues.

The Bachelor of Arts program requires a qualitative methods course, and the BS program requires a quantitative methods course.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: West Valley campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. Students should click the link for more information and eligibility requirements of the WUE program.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: No
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
    or any math course that meets the MA designation
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map)
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 master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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

Students are able to enhance their understanding of societal structure and human interaction through a global lens by studying abroad, and programs with unique cultural experiences can be found around the world. Students can gain heightened cultural competency and acquire communication and critical thinking skills while exploring a new and exciting part of 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

Coursework in sociology 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

Career example titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience, geographical location, and required advanced degrees or certifications may affect pay scales.


Career *Growth *Median salary
6.6%
$61,420
17.2%
$43,390
1.0%
$62,360
14.9%
$56,570
5.0%
$64,030
2.5%
$59,860
9.1%
$74,240
5.3%
$50,820
4.5%
$98,590
10.6%
$51,240
* 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
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

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. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. 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.
What are concurrent programs?
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.
What are joint programs?
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.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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