Online Bachelor's in Sociology Program Overview
Earn a degree that gives you options before and after graduation. The fully online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology offered by the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences gives you the option of choosing a double major in Psychology, Philosophy, Criminal Justice, or Women’s and Ethnic Studies (WEST).
Sociology studies the interactions of institutions with social groups and individuals—including experiences, social changes, patterns, deviance, and social relationships that drive society. Taking both a scientific and humanistic perspective, you will learn to examine society’s issues and problems and apply them to a broad range of career paths, from social work and research to criminology and public administration.
In the online sociology program, you’ll learn to:
- Think critically about the issues and problems you encounter
- Communicate your knowledge of sociology clearly and effectively
- Use theoretical perspectives to understand, analyze, and assess social experiences
- Collect, analyze and interpret sociological data
- Understand key social phenomena, like deviance, multiculturalism, structural inequality, and more
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
College of Letters, Arts & Sciences
100% Online
Delivery Method
$435*
Cost Per Credit
*Approximate In-state
$636*
Cost Per Credit
*Approximate Out-of-state
Priority Application Deadline
Rolling Admissions
Application Deadline
120
Credit Hours
4 Years
Average Completion Time
BA in Sociology Course Overview
The 120-credit-hour Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is designed to help students with previously earned credits complete their bachelor’s degree. If you have earned 60 credits at UCCS or transfer in with an associate degree, this program takes approximately 24 months (two years) to complete.
The sociology program offers both synchronous and asynchronous courses. Most courses are asynchronous, meaning there are no set login times and you can complete your coursework at the time and place most convenient for you. All required sociology classes are offered in the online format at least once during the calendar year; most are offered every semester, including summer. A variety of elective classes are also available online each semester. If you live near the Colorado Springs area, you also have the option of taking a combination of online and in-person courses (including evening classes) to complete your degree.
The sociology courses in the program cover topics like childhood socialization, gender images, social problems, juvenile delinquency, criminology, sex and society, research and statistics, minority communities, families, and health. You’ll graduate equipped with a body of knowledge for working in multiple industries and a new perspective on social problems and the people they affect. In the end, you will build skills for thinking deeply and critically about issues facing modern society and the individuals within. You’ll also be prepared to pursue a related career path or continue your education in graduate school.
During the program, you will be expected to take the Research Methods and Social Statistics courses in the same semester. Theory should be taken in your junior year of the program, while the capstone course should be taken in your senior year. The theory and capstone courses are not offered in the summer.
This online program is taught by faculty who also teach at the Colorado Springs campus. That means you’re receiving the same high quality curriculum and instruction as students on campus.
Optional Double Major
Each double major option allows you to create a dynamic learning experience and target your area of interest.
Apply sociological perspectives to law enforcement, corrections, the criminal justice system, victim services, and more.
Take an intersectional approach, exploring connections among race and ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, and more.
Study how societies and individuals interact and impact one another to prepare for a broad range of career paths, including human resources, education, business, law, social work, and more.
Suited well for students interested in legal studies, this double major prepares you to bring theoretical analysis and practical application to your professional setting.
Example Courses
The following descriptions are a sample of available courses for the BA in Sociology program at UCCS. You can explore all undergraduate lower division courses and undergraduate upper division courses on the Department of Sociology website.
A survey of contemporary racial and ethnic group relations in the U.S. and globally. Includes discussion of the history and development of contemporary minority groups, emphasizing comparisons of social situations, discrimination, and cultural identity formations.
Study of the images of women and men in American society, relating these stereotypes to actual conditions and experiences of women and men.
Examines the processes and conditions that produce the systems of differences and privilege shaping our lived experiences. Critically analyzes the prevailing cultural ideologies surrounding class, race, gender, sexuality, and ability. Emphasizes awareness, respect, justice and resolution.
Sociology Field Career Data
The median annual wage for sociologists in the United States in May 2021 was $92,910, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS); however, this figure varied depending on the industry context. The annual wage for sociology professionals ranged from $60,770 to $135,420.
What Can I Do with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology?
Sociology graduates can find career opportunities in several industries and positions. In addition to the sampling of roles below, graduates can also continue their education in graduate or law school.
- Social worker
- Human resource specialist
- Law enforcement officer
- Survey researcher
- Statistician
Advanced Sociology Degrees
With an undergraduate degree, you can continue your education in a number of sociology or law school programs across the nation. Some students may choose to also pursue an advanced criminal justice or social work degree. However, most of our students chose our own Master of Arts in Sociology program and either go on to teach in our undergraduate sociology program or work on their Ph.D.
Many master’s students also choose non-academic careers such as creating their own businesses, working for research firms, or finding jobs with non-profit organizations to help people in local communities. The University of Colorado’s graduate programs can help you take steps toward an advanced career.
Data retrieved from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS); Median Annual Wage (2021)
Take the First Step
Complete the form on this page to be contacted by an Enrollment Advisor.
Tuition and Fees
At UCCS Online, we strive to keep our tuition costs affordable so that you can get a world-class education that fits your budget. When you earn a degree, you’re not simply getting a diploma — you’re making a lifelong investment in yourself and empowering your future career. We know that affordability is an important factor, and that’s why we’re here to help you explore all of the options available to fund your education.
We’re here to answer your questions about tuition and financial aid, help you take care of the paperwork, and make sure you’re able to focus on reaching your goals. From financial aid and scholarships to corporate tuition assistance programs, we’ll work with you to find the best way to finance your degree.
Application fees can vary based on the program, but there is typically a small fee that will be required upon submission of your application. Please reach out to an Enrollment Navigator for more information about any costs associated with your application.
You may be eligible to pursue scholarships. Each year, UCCS awards $100 million in financial aid, and you can explore options through the UCCS Financial Aid Office.
In State Cost Per Credit:
$435
Approximate tuition per credit hour based on the number of credits taken
Out of State Cost Per Credit:
$636
Approximate tuition per credit hour based on the number of credits taken
We know that affordability is an important factor, and that’s why we’re here to help you explore all of the options available to fund your education. Our Enrollment Navigators can answer any of your questions about tuition and financial aid, help you take care of the paperwork, and make sure you’re able to focus on reaching your goals. From financial aid and scholarships to transfer credits and corporate tuition assistance programs, we’ll work with you to find the best way to finance your UCCS Online degree. Complete the formComplete the form on this page to be contacted by an Enrollment Advisor.
Financial aid is available for eligible students to use toward paying educational costs while enrolled in a UCCS Online program. To determine your eligibility and apply for financial aid, you’ll need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When you submit your FAFSA, you will be considered for three types of aid: grants, work-study, and student loans. To be considered for federal financial aid, you will need to apply early and annually.
- Scholarships | You may be eligible for scholarships at UCCS. We offer many scholarships and grants to students who are ready to earn their degrees and achieve success. Between both UCCS-offered and external scholarships, our students earned more than $10 million in scholarship awards last year alone.
- College Opportunity Fund (COF) | The College Opportunity Fund (COF) is a trust fund created by the Colorado Legislature that provides a tuition stipend to eligible undergraduate students. The stipend pays a portion of your total in-state tuition when you attend a participating college. All students must create a COF account directly through the College Opportunity Fund (COF) website.
- WICHE | The Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) has given many students from Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming the opportunity to study at UCCS. The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is an agreement through which 160+ participating public colleges and universities provide significant nonresident tuition savings for undergraduate programs, with eligible students pay no more than 150 percent of resident tuition rates.
UCCS Online is military-friendly and committed to providing service members and their families with a high-quality education that fits their distinct needs. As a UCCS Online student, you will have access to the UCCS Veteran and Military Affairs, which connects veteran, active duty, reservist, National Guard, and dependent students with fundamental support, services, and resources to ensure academic and professional success. UCCS is a proud home campus to many veteran and military students.
Eligible veteran and military students may use veteran benefits, military tuition assistance, and/or financial aid to pay for their education. Military benefits with UCCS Online include:
- Waived application fee for active duty and veterans
- Military benefits approved program
Connect with our Enrollment NavigatorsConnect with our Enrollment Navigators to learn more about the benefits and financial assistance available to military and veteran students.
All students are automatically opted in to the TAAP program with the choice to opt out. The TAAP program provides all your course materials for one flat fee per credit hour. That means no more time spent searching for, ordering, and paying out of pocket for your own course materials.
Many companies offer tuition assistance benefits as part of their employee compensation program. Generally, these policies determine a set number of credit hours per year that the company will pay for on behalf of the student/employee. Some policies place a cap on eligible tuition dollars and related expenses while others reimburse employees on a per-credit-hour basis. Get in touch with your organization's human resources department to learn more about your educational benefits.
Admissions Information
Interested in UCCS Online’s sociology program? In the application, simply select the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology online program as you are filling out your application form. Since the department does not have separate admissions requirements, you can refer to UCCS Admissions for more information based on your status as a first-time student, returning student, or transfer student. To learn more or talk to our enrollment team, fill out the form included on this page.
UCCS accepts applications throughout the year through a rolling admissions process. However, submitting your application by the preferred deadlines is advisable.
Our stated application deadlines are as follows, but we admit students up to a week before the semester starts. We have also started admitting students mid-semester before Session B begins.
- Fall Semester: August 1
- Spring Semester: November 1
- Summer Semester: May 1
- Spring 2025 A – January 21, 2025
- Spring 2025 B – March 18, 2025
- Summer 2025 A – June 9, 2025
- Fall 2025 A – August 25, 2025
- Fall 2025 B – October 22, 2025
BA in Sociology Success Stories
Engaging in online learning has been immensely beneficial for me, allowing a harmonious balance between my academic pursuits, professional commitments, and familial obligations. The flexibility inherent in online classes enables me to manage my time effectively, allocate attention judiciously to each responsibility, and maintain a conducive learning environment tailored to my preferences.
— Kimberly Jones, Student, BA Sociology
Expand Your Opportunities
Earn an education that creates opportunity. Start the admissions process with an enrollment advisor by filling out the form on this page today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A sociology degree can give you plenty of professional flexibility, allowing you to enter a variety of industries and career paths where you can use your new knowledge and skills. An undergraduate sociology degree will give you knowledge and skills in critical thinking, writing, verbal communication, analysis and interpretation.
There are several fields and jobs you could pursue. Below is a list of some general career paths for graduates with a bachelor’s degree in sociology.
- Social Welfare
- Government
- Teaching
- Social Science Research
- Public Relations
- Criminal Justice
- Healthcare
- Human Resources and Business Entities
- Veterans Services
Note that some career paths may require additional training, certifications or education to qualify for practice.
No internship is required; however, students will complete a capstone project during their final year of the program. The sociology senior capstone course is designed to help you demonstrate your cumulative learning of sociological theory, research methods, and substantive concepts and topics in the discipline.
There is no admission or selection process for this program. Once you are admitted to UCCS Online, you will simply declare your major or double major.
During fall and spring terms, courses are typically 16 weeks long. A small percentage may be eight-week courses. During the summer term, the courses are a mix of four (4) and eight (8) weeks long.
Online learning will offer you the flexibility to study at the best place and time for you. You can choose a pace that is sustainable for your lifestyle, which can help you take into account your current career, family, and other commitments outside of school.
Additionally, at UCCS Online, our online programs are taught by the same faculty who teach on campus, which means you’re earning the same high quality degree as traditional students, and your diploma will not mention that your degree was earned online.
The online sociology program has four double major options, and each program also takes 24 months to complete. Completing two degrees in the same time it would take to complete one increases your competitiveness in the job market or acceptance into a graduate program.