Online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Lead Change Through Evidence-Based Justice

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

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At a Glance

Advance your career with the University of Oklahoma’s online Sociology degree. Explore social structures, human behavior, and cultural dynamics while building research, analytical, and communication skills that open doors to careers in social services, policy analysis, human resources, and nonprofit leadership.

Offered through OU’s Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences, this flexible, 100% online degree provides a clear pathway to graduation and preparation for graduate study in sociology, public policy, and related fields.

100% Online

Time to Complete:

24 to 48 months

Credit Hours:

120

Time Commitment:

10 to 15 hours weekly

start dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

cost

OU’s online BA in Sociology is an investment in your future — and OU Online is committed to making that investment accessible and transparent.

Tuition and fees for the program are $550 per credit hour.

Books and additional materials are not included.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

About the Online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

The University of Oklahoma’s online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is a 120-credit-hour degree completion program designed for transfer students and working professionals who want to finish what they started and advance their careers. Offered through OU’s Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences, this flexible, 100% online program combines sociological theory with practical research skills to prepare graduates for meaningful roles in social services, nonprofit organizations, public policy, human resources, and community advocacy.

Students gain a deep understanding of social structures, cultural dynamics, and human behavior while developing expertise in research methods, statistical analysis, and analytical writing. The curriculum emphasizes real-world application, empowering learners to interpret data, evaluate social problems, and communicate insights that drive evidence-based solutions. With asynchronous courses and transfer-friendly policies, OU Online provides a clear, efficient pathway to graduation—without putting your life or career on hold.

What Can You Do with a Sociology Degree?

OU’s 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology prepares graduates to analyze social trends, interpret data, and communicate insights that drive meaningful change. Whether you’re advancing in your current role or exploring new opportunities, this degree equips you with versatile skills for careers in social services, nonprofit management, public policy, human resources, and research. Job opportunities with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology include:

Social Services Coordinator
Case Manager
Policy Analyst
Nonprofit Program Coordinator
Research Assistant or Associate
Grant Writer

Community Outreach Specialist
Human Resources Specialist
Market Research Analyst
Social and Community Service Manager
Advocacy Coordinator
Urban Planning Assistant

With a sociology degree, you’ll gain the analytical, research, and communication skills employers seek across industries—opening doors to roles that make a real impact in communities and organizations

Industry Insights: Sociology Workforce Outlook

Professionals with strong research, analytical, and communication skills are in demand across social services, nonprofit organizations, public policy, and business sectors. OU’s online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology prepares graduates to meet this need by equipping them with the ability to analyze social trends, interpret data, and develop evidence-based solutions.

Median Pay:

Social and Community Service Managers: $74,240 annually
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Social and Human Service Assistants: $45,120 annually
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

The median pay figures reflect earnings for professionals working in these occupations and may represent mid-career compensation. Entry-level salaries vary based on role, employer, experience, and geographic location.

Job Outlook: Community and Social Service Occupations: 5% projected growth through 2033.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Job Opportunities: Thousands of openings annually due to workforce transitions and growing demand for social services and policy support.

As communities and organizations face complex social challenges, the need for professionals who can research, analyze, and communicate effectively continues to rise. A sociology degree provides the flexibility to work in diverse roles—from social services and nonprofit leadership to policy analysis and human resources—making it a smart investment for long-term career growth.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Program Outcomes: Sociology Expertise for Career Growth

OU’s online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology equips graduates with the research, analytical, and communication skills needed to thrive in diverse professional settings. You’ll graduate ready to interpret data, analyze social trends, and apply evidence-based solutions to real-world challenges.

Through this program, you’ll learn how to:

Apply Core Statistical and Analytical Methods
Understand and conduct basic statistical procedures to analyze social science data, and present findings for community, business, and nonprofit audiences.
Conduct and Evaluate Professional Social Science Research
Design, implement, and critique research studies using surveys, interviews, and observational methods—while adhering to ethical standards.
Compare, Contrast, and Apply Major Social Theories
Use classical and contemporary sociological theories to explain inequality, social structure, and cultural change, and apply these frameworks to real-world cases.
Demonstrate Analytical Writing and Communication
Produce clear, well-structured reports, research papers, and executive briefs that synthesize data, theory, and practical insights for professional audiences.
Analyze Contemporary Social Issues
Examine pressing challenges such as family dynamics, crime, health disparities, and community change using sociological frameworks and evidence-based approaches.

Whether you’re advancing in your current role or preparing for graduate study, this degree provides the foundation for careers that make a meaningful impact.

Course Details

OU’s online bachelor’s degree in Sociology empowers students to understand society and apply evidence-based solutions to real-world challenges. The curriculum blends flexibility with rigor through 100% online, asynchronous, 8-week courses designed for working professionals. Each course builds research, analytical, and communication skills that employers value across industries.

Students complete 120 credit hours, including 33 major hours, and finish the program with a capstone experience that synthesizes theory, research, and applied learning.

Introduction to Sociology

Credit Hours: 3

Fundamental concepts of sociology; foundations of group life; social change, processes, and problems. Foundation for understanding social institutions, inequality, and sociological perspectives on crime and deviance.

Methods of Social Research

Credit Hours: 3

Basic elements of scientific method applied to study of human social life. Examines conceptualization, hypothesis formulation, research designs, and techniques for assembling and ordering data. Prepares students to conduct and evaluate criminological research.

Criminology

Credit Hours: 3

Study of the nature and causes of various forms of deviant and illegal behavior, especially serious personal injury and property crimes. Primary focus on sociological theories attempting to explain crime, criminality, and victimization in modern societies.

Sociology of Aging

Credit Hours: 3

The point of departure is the notion that to talk meaningfully about one aspect of aging requires consideration of its other dimensions.

Sociology of Gender

Credit Hours: 3

Sociological analysis of the reinforcement of gender roles by the major institutions of society. Examine the effects on gender roles of education, mass media, economics, public policy, law, religion, and society.

The System of Criminal Justice

Credit Hours: 3

An analysis of the sociological literature on the American system of criminal justice, viewed as a system of social control. Emphasis is on the functional significance of the system in relation to the various interests represented in the law. Attention given to special problems in each of the major components of the system: law enforcement, the administration of justice and corrections.

Social Statistics

Credit Hours: 3

Descriptive and inferential statistics as applied to sociological and criminological data analysis. Problems of research design and interpretation of analysis. Essential quantitative skills for criminal justice research and evidence-based practice.

Sociological Theory

Credit Hours: 3

Major theoretical perspectives in sociology and their application to understanding social phenomena including crime, deviance, and social control. Critical examination of classical and contemporary theories.

Sociology of Family

Credit Hours: 3

The sociological study of the family as an institution; the origin and development of the family; the interrelationships of the family and the larger society; the environmental conditions which seem to favor the development and continuance of the major family forms; the rise of the modern democratic family; characteristic patterns of change in the contemporary family.

Wealth, Power and Prestige

Credit Hours: 3

Examines the systems in which the central elements of class stratification—wealth, power, and prestige—are created and distributed and addresses the issue of "who gets how much and why?" Topics include a review of the theories and evidence in current stratification studies and an assessment of the racial, ethnic, and religious correlates of inequality.

Capstone in General Sociology

Credit Hours: 3

Integrate knowledge from across the program in a culminating project that demonstrates research, analysis, and communication proficiency.

Why OU Online: Your Fast Track to a Sociology Degree That Opens Doors

OU Online delivers high-quality, career-focused programs built for working professionals—combining the flexibility of a 100% online format with the academic excellence of a flagship public university. Offered through the University of Oklahoma’s Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences, the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology prepares students to analyze social trends, conduct research, and communicate insights that drive meaningful change.

With a curriculum grounded in theory and practice, this degree equips you to navigate complex social challenges and apply evidence-based solutions in diverse professional settings. OU Online’s student-centered approach ensures you receive personalized support, expert instruction, and a flexible learning experience that fits your schedule and goals.

Why OU Online stands out:

Transfer-Friendly Pathway: Maximize your existing credits and finish your degree faster.
Flexible Format: 100% online, asynchronous courses designed for working adults.
Career-Ready Skills: Gain research, analytical, and communication expertise employers value across industries.
Academic Excellence: Learn from faculty with real-world experience in social research, policy analysis, and community development.

Whether you’re completing your degree or preparing for graduate study, OU Online gives you the tools to succeed—on your terms.

Faculty Expertise: Real-World Insight Meets Academic Excellence

The University of Oklahoma’s Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences brings together faculty with deep expertise in social research, policy analysis, and community development. These educators combine academic scholarship with practical experience, ensuring every course reflects current trends and real-world applications.

OU faculty are recognized for their ability to translate complex sociological concepts into actionable knowledge for professionals. Many have conducted research on pressing social issues—such as health disparities, family dynamics, and community change—and bring that insight into the classroom. Their mentorship helps students develop critical thinking, research proficiency, and communication skills that employers value across industries.

What sets OU faculty apart:

Extensive experience in applied sociology and social research
Active engagement in policy analysis and community initiatives
Commitment to student success through personalized guidance and support

With OU Online, you’ll learn from experts who understand today’s challenges and prepare you to make an impact on your career and community.

Robust Student Support

OU Online offers comprehensive student support services tailored to the needs of working professionals. From academic support and online tutoring to mental health counseling and career development resources, students in the BA in Sociology program receive the guidance they need to succeed. The program’s flexible format accommodates the needs of working professionals, allowing you to expand your skills while maintaining full-time employment.

Global Alumni Network

As a student in the BA in Sociology program, you’ll join a global network of more than 250,000 University of Oklahoma alumni. OU graduates lead across industries—from business and nonprofit to government and education—creating a powerful community of professionals who share your drive to lead and make an impact. Becoming a Sooner means gaining access to mentorship, career connections, and leadership opportunities that can accelerate your career.

Flexible Format

The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is delivered 100% online in a format built for busy professionals. Courses are asynchronous and offered in 8-week sessions, allowing you to study on your schedule without putting your life or career on hold.

Program highlights:

Complete your degree from anywhere—no campus visits required
Balance coursework with work and family commitments
Engage with faculty and peers through interactive online platforms
Finish faster with transfer-friendly policies and year-round start dates

OU Online makes it possible to achieve your goals without sacrificing what matters most.

Tailored Experience

OU’s online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology offers flexibility to align your education with your career goals. Elective options and upper-division courses allow you to focus on areas that matter most to you—such as social research, health, family dynamics, or policy analysis. The program’s structure supports working professionals, providing an adaptable learning experience that fits your schedule while building skills employers value across industries. With OU Online, you can personalize your degree and graduate with a competitive edge.

Cost & Financial Aid

Earning your Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is an investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment accessible and transparent.

Tuition and fees for the program are $550 per credit hour.

Books and additional materials are not included.

Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help offset the cost. For questions about financial aid for your online program, contact the Online Aid office at onlineaid@ou.edu or call 405-325-2929.

*Please be aware that tuition and fees may change, as determined by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education.

Take the Next Step

Admissions Requirements

Admission to the online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is designed for students ready to finish their degree and advance their careers. Whether you’re completing your education or preparing for graduate study, applicants should demonstrate a strong academic foundation and a commitment to achieving their goals.

To be considered, applicants must:

Complete the online application and submit the $50 application fee
Have at least a 2.5 GPA and at least 24 post-high school, non-remedial credit hours; completion of an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science at an accredited Oklahoma community college; OR a GPA of 2.0 and and at least 60+ post-high school, non-remedial credit hours
Submit official transcripts from all previous institutions

Start planning your future today—connect with an enrollment coach to discuss your qualifications and next steps.

Application Timeline

OU Online uses a rolling admissions process, reviewing applications as they are received. Admissions typically remain open until two weeks before classes begin, though some programs may have earlier deadlines. Most applicants receive a decision within two weeks of submitting a completed application.

Step 1

Contact an Enrollment Coach to discuss your qualifications and interest in the program.

Step 2

Complete the online application.

Step 3

Provide undergraduate transcripts for all prior institutions.