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Sociology Degree

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)

Discover the importance of individual and group identities and explore how social interactions and relationships with our environments connect us as a society.

Learn how to use data to inform decisions and understand how the world is shaped by social factors like sex, age, race, ethnicity, education, sexual orientation and social class. UND's Sociology program offers a great deal of flexibility, allowing you to combine your interests and create your own program of study. And with a mix of on campus and online courses, you can choose the option that works best for you.

Program type:
Major
Format:
On Campus or Online
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120

What is a Sociology degree?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Sociologists see the world as being shaped by social factors. An understanding of these factors is critical in both your personal and professional life. The sociological perspective helps you develop a broader view of how the various pieces making up society are interconnected.

Sociologists also use data to come to informed decisions. In this program, you'll gain the skills you need to collect and analyze data. You'll develop skills in research design and analysis by learning how to collect the best data to answer a question or solve a problem.

A sociology degree provides a solid foundation that enhances your work in sociology and other disciplines. Coursework includes:

  • Core courses in theory, research methods and statistics
  • A capstone course to showcase your skills
  • Elective coursework in deviance, family, gender, health and aging

UND also offers a minor in Sociology.

UND's Sociology Degree

  • Join the Alpha Kappa Delta International Sociology Honor Society.

  • Present your research at local and regional conferences.

  • Gain experience in the field through internships and research with award-winning faculty.

  • Get hired! At UND, you'll receive help perfecting your resume, practice interviewing, and learn effective job-hunting strategies.

  • Raise your grades by getting free academic support at UND. We offer individual tutoring sessions, along with specialized writing and math support programs.

  • Let our team of academic advisors help you plan your major. You'll also have access to personalized software to keep you on track to graduate in four years.

What can you do with a Sociology degree?

102k

Median annual salary for sociologists, 2023

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

7%

Projected job outlook for sociologists through 2033

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Sociology is one of the most flexible majors around. It can lead to careers with organizations as diverse as community health centers, the FBI and universities nationwide. A Sociology degree gives you skills for success in a wide range of careers, including:

  • Business
  • Criminal justice
  • Health and human services
  • Public administration
  • Social work

A sociology degree leads to rewarding careers in areas including:

  • Corrections
  • Environmental activism
  • Higher education
  • Hospital administration
  • Housing management
  • Human resources
  • Juvenile court systems
  • Market analysis
  • Rehabilitation counseling

Jobs You Can Get with a Sociology Degree

Many of our graduates successfully pursue graduate degrees in sociology or related disciplines. The major is also an excellent path to law or medical school. UND sociology alumni have gone on to a variety of successful careers with:

  • American Lung Association
  • Communicare Health Centers
  • Community Options
  • City and state governments

Sociology Degree Courses

SOC 355. Drugs and Society. 3 Credits.

Social factors affecting use and control of self-administered psychoactive drugs, including alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana and more illicit substances. Topics include social definitions, causes, controls and consequences of drug problems. F,S.

SOC 252. Criminology. 3 Credits.

This course provides an in-depth investigation into the major criminological theories that explain the causation, occurrence and development of criminal behavior. Crime typologies and the social correlates of crime and victimization are discussed. Provides an explanation of the methods criminologists use to study crime trends and criminal patterns of behavior. F,S.

SOC 335. Families in a Changing Society. 3 Credits.

An exploration of how family forms, norms, and theories have changed over time; the social forces that influence families at each of the major life stages (such as courtship, marriage, parenthood, old age); how statuses such as race, class, gender, and sexuality influence a person's opportunities for family formation and experiences within families; and the social policies that help or hinder family functioning. F.

SOC 340. Sociology of Gender. 3 Credits.

This course is a sociological exploration of how gender dynamics have changed across time and vary globally. How gender creates barriers and opportunities - for both men and women - across multiple facets of social life is emphasized. S.

SOC 436. Social Inequality. 3 Credits.

An examination of various forms and modes of portraying human inequality. An investigation of the role of inequality in human affairs, its measurement and significance. F.

SOC 450. Deviant Behavior. 3 Credits.

This course examines the nature, types and societal reactions to deviant behavior; special emphasis on the process of social typing, regulation of deviance, deviant subcultures, and identities. F.

Online Sociology Degree

#1

best online college in North Dakota

Forbes

160+

online programs

UND's accredited online sociology degree is 100% online. You are never required to come to campus. Plus, we offer the same affordable online tuition rates regardless of your legal residency. Compare and you’ll see UND is lower cost than similar four-year doctoral universities.

Flexible Sociology Degree Online Courses

With asynchronous classes, you do not attend class at a set time. If you need to balance work, family and other commitments, this flexible format allows you to learn anywhere at any time.

Depending on your instructor, you’ll learn online through:

  • Lesson modules
  • Streaming video content
  • Virtual libraries
  • Posted lectures
  • Online simulations

There will be times when you interact with your instructor and classmates through online discussion boards, polls and chat rooms.

Your learning revolves around materials that can be accessed on your own time within a set time frame. However, this is not a self-paced course. You’ll have structure and deadlines.

Top-Tier Online Sociology Degree

Over a third of UND's student population is exclusively online; plus, more take a combination of online and on-campus classes. You can feel reassured knowing you won't be alone in your online learning journey, and you'll have resources and services tailored to your needs.

No matter how you customize your online experience, you’ll get the same top-quality education as any other on campus student.

  • Same degree: All online programs are fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Your transcript and diploma are exactly the same as our on-campus students.
  • Same classes: You’ll take courses from UND professors, start and end the semesters at the same time and take the same classes as a student on campus.
  • Real interaction: You can ask questions, get feedback and regularly connect with your professors, peers and professionals in the field.
  • Your own academic advisor: As an invaluable go-to, they’re focused on you, your personal success and your future career.
  • Free online tutoring: We're here to help you one-on-one at no cost. Plus, get access to a variety of self-help online study resources.
  • Unlimited academic coaching: Need support to achieve your academic goals or feeling stumped by a tough course? We'll help with everything from stress and time management to improving your memory to achieve higher test scores.
  • Full online access: Dig into virtual research at UND's libraries. Improve your writing skills with online help from the UND Writing Center. Get online access to career services, veteran and military services, financial services and more.
  • 24/7 technical support: UND provides free computer, email and other technical support for all online students.
  • Networking opportunities: Our significant online student population means you’ll have a large pool of peers to connect with. UND has numerous online events and activities to keep you connected.

Best Online College

Our high alumni salaries and job placement rates, with affordable online tuition rates make UND a best-value university for online education. UND's breadth of online programs rivals all other nonprofit universities in the Upper Midwest making UND one of the best online schools in the region.

UND ranks among the best online colleges in the nation for:

  • Affordability
  • Student satisfaction (retention rate)
  • Academic quality (4-year graduate rate)
  • Student outcomes (20-year return on investment per Payscale.com)

Leaders that Do

Students at UND take chances, seek challenges and become leaders in the community.

Explore More Options

Looking to add a double major, pursue graduate work or connect with the department?

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