Sociology is the scientific study of society, social institutions, and social relationships. It examines the complex social, economic, political, and technological challenges facing our society today. 

The IU Online Bachelor of Science in Sociology explores the discipline of sociology, the sociological perspective, and the contribution of sociology to our understanding of social reality. You learn to identify sociological imagination in source material, explain the importance of the relationship between biography and history, analyze issues from multiple points of view, and assess the historical and social structural contexts of an argument.

As a student in the program, you use qualitative and quantitative research methods to examine social life. You study the major theoretical arguments and key concepts of functionalist theory, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism, and social constructionism. You develop deep understanding of the structure and functions of social inequalities and hierarchies of difference and power. You also examine how agency, culture, and social structure operate in society.

Your IU Online BS 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

This 100 percent online, consortial program is taught by IU East, IU Kokomo, and IU Northwest. This consortial model allows you to take coursework from several campuses and learn from a wide range of faculty.

Degree Requirements

To graduate with your BS in Sociology, you must complete 120 credit hours. You may be able to transfer an associate degree or up to 64 credit hours from a regionally accredited two-year college and up to 90 credit hours from a regionally accredited four-year college or university.

Requirements are broken down as follows:

• Sociology core courses including 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)

Student Services

IU Online provides quick and easy access to tools, tips, and IU resources to help you succeed, including: 

• Admissions: Personalized application support for the program that is right for you
• Onboarding: An interactive orientation to online learning and all things IU
• Student Financial Services: Tailored resources for financial aid and money management
• Success Coaching: One-on-one support to reach your academic and personal goals
• Math and Writing Support: Direct access to IU-trained math mentors and writing consultants
• Career Services: Interactive tools and coaching to accelerate your career
• Libraries and Research: Online access to IU library resources and research librarians
• Technology: A full suite of software, collaboration tools, cloud storage, and training
• 24/7 Contact Center: Real-time chat, email, and phone support direct from IU

Admissions

Application Deadline

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

NOTE: This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states.

To apply to this program:

1. Complete application for admission.
2. Submit official transcripts.
3. Submit official high school transcript or equivalent (may be required of some applicants).
4. International applicants may be asked for additional materials.

Students who meet the admission standards of their home campus will be admitted directly into the BS Sociology.

This program is offered by IU East, IU Kokomo, and IU Northwest. After applying, you will be assigned a home campus. You will submit application documents to the Office of Admissions of that campus.

Courses

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

• BSS-B 490 Senior Capstone (3 cr.)
• SOC-R 100 or SOC-S 100 Introduction to Sociology (3 cr.)
• SOC-R 121 or SOC-S 153 Social Problems (3 cr.)
• SOC-R 351 Sociology Scientist Research Methods (3 cr.)
• SOC-R 359 Introduction to Sociology Statistics
• SOC-R 494 Internship Programs in Sociology (subject to program approval) (3 cr.)
• SOC-R 498 Capstone Seminar (3 cr.)
• SOC-S 161 Principles of Sociology (3 cr.)
• SOC-S 215 Social Change (3 cr.)
• SOC-S 217 Social Inequality (3 cr.)
• SOC-S 230 Society and the Individual (3 cr.)
• SOC-S 252 Methods of Sociology Research (3 cr.)
• SOC-S 261 Research Methods in Sociology (3 cr.)
• SOC-S 262 Quantitative Methods (3 cr.)
• SOC-S 340 or SOC-R 355 Social Theory (3 cr.)