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US News World and Report Best Bachelor's Program 2024

Sociology, B.S.

Study the complex social, economic, political, and technological challenges facing our society today with IU Online’s Bachelor of Science in Sociology. Gain the skills and knowledge you need to examine social life.

Course Delivery: 100% Online

Total Credits: 120

In-State Tuition Per Credit: $257.23

Out-of-State Tuition Per Credit: $378.10

Cost of attendance may vary by campus. View the total cost calculator

Degree Overview

As a student in the IU Online B.S. in Sociology, you’ll explore the discipline of sociology, the sociological perspective, and the contribution that sociology makes to our understanding of social reality. You’ll study social research methods, social statistics, social change, and social inequality. You’ll choose electives about general sociology or about global society and social theory.

You’ll benefit from a career-focused program ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. You’ll graduate with an Indiana University degree respected by employers worldwide—and you can work on yours anytime and anywhere. Plus, you’ll enjoy personalized support services throughout your academic journey.

And the benefits start long before graduation. More than half of IU Online students advance in their careers before they complete their degree.

To apply to this program:
  • Complete application for admission. 
  • Submit official transcripts.
  • Submit official high school transcript or equivalent (may be required of some applicants). 
  • International applicants may be asked for additional materials.
Application Deadlines

Rolling admissions. Application review will begin upon receipt of all required application materials.

Your IU Online B.S. in Sociology prepares you for such careers as:

  • Social researcher
  • Policy analyst
  • Survey researcher
  • Human resources specialist
  • Urban planner
  • Market research analyst
  • Public relations specialist
  • Journalist
  • Management consultant
  • Guidance counselor

To graduate with your B.S. in Sociology, you must complete 120 credit hours.

Requirements are broken down as follows:

  • Sociology core courses, including the capstone (21 credit hours)
  • Sociology elective courses (27 credit hours)
  • General education courses (30-42 credit hours)
  • General elective courses (as needed to total 120 credit hours)

Core

ALL core courses are listed here. You will select from among these courses to fulfill degree requirements.

Core Classes for the BS in Sociology
Course Number Course Name Credits
BSS-B 490 Senior Capstone 3 Credits
SOC-S 100 Introduction to Sociology 3 Credits
SOC-S 261 Research Methods in Sociology 3 Credits
SOC-S 371 Statistics for Sociology 3 Credits
SOC-P 199 Careers in Sociology & Anthropology 1 Credit

Choose Two

Choose Two
Course Number Course Name Credits
SOC-S 215 Social Change 3 Credits
SOC-S 217 Social Inequality 3 Credits
SOC-S 230 Society & the Individual  3 Credits

Electives (Choose based on focus area: general sociology OR global society and social theory)

Electives (Choose based on focal area: General Sociology OR Global Society and Social Theory)
Course Number Course Name Credits
SOC-S 307 Food Insecurities 3 Credits
SOC-S 308 Global Society 3 Credits
SOC-S 340 Social Theory 3 Credits
SOC-S 404 Practicum in Social Engagement 3 Credits
SOC-S 313 Religion and Society 3 Credits
SOC-S 320 Deviance, Conformity, and Social Control 3 Credits
SOC-S 335 Race & Ethnic Relations 3 Credits
SOC-S 347 Queer Identities & Communities 3 Credits
SOC-S 367 Race, Crime, and Justice 3 Credits
SOC-S 413 Gender Inequality 3 Credits
SOC-S 419 Social Movements & Collective Action 3 Credits
SOC-S 427 Social Conflict 3 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

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