Sociology concerns the national, cultural, and institutional factors that influence people's life experiences and decisions. This broad field of study involves multiple subjects, such as religion, education, law, and social movements. Sociologists analyze events and trends within these and other subjects to draw conclusions and make predictions.
Students pursuing an online bachelor's in sociology benefit from an analytical mindset and strong research, communication, and interpersonal skills. The major's relevance to multiple jobs makes it an attractive option for degree-seekers unsure about a career path.
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Top 10 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Sociology Programs 2021
FAQ
Career and Salary Outlook for Sociology
Online sociology bachelor's programs prepare learners for diverse career paths. College and university career counselors can help degree-seekers explore their interests, develop a resume, and prepare for a job hunt.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects many sociology-related careers to grow significantly between 2019-2029. The following four positions represent just a few of the many careers open to graduates from online bachelor's in sociology programs. However, some opportunities require additional education or training.
| Career | Median Annual Salary | Projected Growth Rate (2019-2029) |
|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analyst | $63,790 | 18% |
| Human Resources Specialst | $61,920 | 7% |
| Social and Community Service Managers | $67,150 | 17% |
| Social Workers | $50,470 | 13% |
Source: BLS
Accreditation for Sociology Programs
Students considering the most affordable sociology bachelor's online programs should always verify a potential school's accreditation status. Accreditation indicates that a school meets high standards with respect to factors like student learning outcomes, faculty qualifications, and academic rigor. Schools may hold regional or national accreditation, with regional accreditation generally considered the more prestigious of the two.
Postsecondary institutions that educate online students should also hold accreditation from the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC accreditation indicates that an online program meets the same academic standards as on-campus programs.
Programs within a school may also hold accreditation. Sociology programs may hold accreditation from the Commission on the Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology.
Students can verify a school or program's accreditation status through the U.S. Department of Education's database.
Courses in Online Sociology Programs
Online sociology bachelor's programs emphasize content knowledge and the transferable skills students need to pursue entry-level careers and graduate study. The following sample curriculum represents courses commonly found in online bachelor's in sociology programs.
[tabs][tab-item title="Introduction to Sociology"]Introduction to sociology exposes students to the questions that sociologists consider when studying people and culture. Course topics include social change, social systems, and social norms. The course also challenges learners to evaluate their own beliefs. Degree-seekers can use the course to decide which aspects of sociology they want to study more in depth. [/tab-item][tab-item title="Sociology of Social Problems"]Many regions encounter social problems such as racism, sexism, and environmental degradation. This course introduces students to these and other social problems. Students often conduct research and write reports to examine various social problems and potential solutions. [/tab-item][tab-item title="Sociology of the Family"]In this course, students analyze different family structures and responsibilities across cultures. They may study topics like how recent cultural changes, such as same-sex marriage and the rise in divorce, affect family dynamics. [/tab-item][tab-item title="Methods of Social Research"]Sociologists must know how to perform original research and interpret the results. In this course, degree-seekers use technology, research design, and the scientific method to complete research projects. [/tab-item][tab-item title="Introduction to Statistics"]Sociologists use statistical analysis to interpret the data they collect. This course provides students with the mathematical tools they need to understand large data sets. Learners study topics like sampling distributions, linear regression, and probability concepts. Learners also practice using statistical software applications. [/tab-item][/tabs]Scholarships for Sociology Students
Students in online bachelor's in sociology programs can explore financial aid opportunities to help offset the cost of college, such as loans, grants, and scholarships. The following list outlines several scholarship opportunities for online bachelor's in sociology students.
Boren Scholarship for International Social Study
Who Can Apply: The scholarship funds undergraduate degree-seekers studying abroad in an approved country for at least 12 weeks. Candidates' study abroad curriculum must contain a significant foreign language component.
Amount: $12,500-$25,000
Udall Undergraduate Scholarship
Who Can Apply: Undergraduate sophomores with a history of public service to the Native American community can apply. Applicants must be members of a Native American tribe and submit a faculty recommendation.
Amount: $7,000
Society Farsarotul Financial Awards
Who Can Apply: The scholarship supports undergraduate sociology students specializing in the Balkans. Application requirements include a minimum 3.0 GPA, recommendation letters, and Society Farsarotul membership.
Amount: $1,000
Most Affordable Online Bachelor's in Sociology Programs 2021
The following list ranks the most affordable online bachelor's in sociology programs for 2021. It also provides important information such as typical courses, student support services, and admission requirements.
