Degrees in Sociology

If you're interested in pursuing a degree in the study of human behavior and society, you will need to enroll in a sociology degree program from an accredited college or university. Sociology degree programs are available at the bachelors, master's and doctorate degree levels and many include a good amount of research studies and fieldwork. You might also be able to get a sociology degree online, and this option can give you some more flexibility with your schedule. An alternative would be to take library and information science courses in order to obtain a library science degree, which might also interest you. Sociology degree programs do vary significantly by area of specialization and even by school, so take some time to learn about all of the different options available to you.

Sociology Degree Programs

Most sociology degree programs at the bachelor's level take about three to four years to complete. A master's degree in sociology may take two to three years to complete after the bachelor's degree level, and a doctorate degree will take about two or more years after that. Many colleges and universities are now offering an online degree program which can offer several benefits for students who don't live near an accredited facility that offers sociology degree programs, and for those who prefer to work independently.

Types of sociology degree programs available at most accredited colleges and universities include:

  • Bachelor's Sociology Degree
  • Master's Degree in Sociology
  • Doctorate Degree in Sociology
  • Sociology Degree Online

Since sociology is such a broad subject, it's likely that your sociology degree program will be comprised of several core subjects and a series of elective or specialized courses that focus on some very specific topics. A sociology degree can also be engineered for a specific industry such as government organizations, women and gender studies, social advocacy, environmental policy or academic research. Speaking with an career counselor or academic advisor at the beginning of your college career can help you decide which type of sociology degree program you want to pursue, and what your options may be for a long-term career in this field.

Getting a Sociology Degree Online

Whether you plan on completing a bachelor's degree in sociology or an advanced degree in the field, your college or university may give you the option of getting your sociology degree online. An online sociology degree offers a flexible format for students who may be working full time and going to school, or those who have young children and are responsible for taking care of the household while they complete their degree program.

Online sociology degree programs typically offer students the same set of courses as an offline program, including introductory sociology courses, social research design and methodology, statistics, sociology theory and in-depth studies in human behavior. However, the online sociology degree is set up so that students can communicate with instructors and classmates via online message boards, participate in discussion groups, collaborate on group projects over the web, and also complete some assignments and quizzes or tests through an online platform. The final exams or midterm tests may need to be taken at a proctored location, but the majority of all coursework for an online sociology degree is completed entirely online.