Sociology

Overview

Sociology is the study of how people and groups behave in a society.

Students learn how cultural and social forces shape human behavior. They also learn how to do social research on current issues.

Sociology programs include topics such as:

Sociological theory
Sociological research methodology
Statistics
History of social institutions
Social psychology
Political science
Specific topics including urban sociology, religions, population control or sociology of education

Schools

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in sociology. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Most colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in sociology. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Many universities offer graduate degrees in sociology. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers Directly Related to this Program of Study

Other Careers Related to this Program of Study

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

For this program, schools recommend that you know how to use a computer and the Internet.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Advanced English Composition courses
Advanced U.S. History courses
Anthropology
Economics
Probability and Statistics
Sociology

Graduate Admissions

Admission to graduate programs is competitive. You need a bachelor's degree, good grades, and good test scores.

Additional requirements at some schools include:

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General
Letters of recommendation
Writing sample

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

Introduction to Sociology
Research Methodology
Social Problems
Sociological Theory
Sociology of the Family
Statistics

In addition, students choose elective sociology courses to fulfill the major requirements. Courses include:

Deviant Behavior
Gerontology (Aging)
Population Studies
Social Change
Social Course and Stratification
Social Inequality
Sociology of Race
Sociology of Religion
Sociology of Sex and Gender
Sociology of Sport

Graduate Program Courses

Graduate study in sociology typically includes:

Required courses
Thesis (master's degree)
Preliminary exams (doctoral degree only)
Dissertation and dissertation defense (doctoral degree)

Things to Know

Some schools combine sociology and anthropology into a single bachelor's degree program.

Programs in sociology can be used as preparation for future study in law, business, medicine, criminal justice, or social work.

People who study sociology have many job choices. Many sociology majors go to graduate school so they can teach in a university and do research full time. Others work as policy-makers for nonprofit groups or government agencies. Many others become social workers, market researchers, or counselors.