Bachelor of Arts in Sociology Online
Applications Accepted for:
Fall 2026: Oct 1, 2025 – May 15, 2026
Click here to view upcoming application and document submission due dates.
- Overview
- Courses & Registration
- Resources
About the Program
The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology Online Degree Completion Program at SDSU is a fully online undergraduate program designed for students who have completed at least 60 transferable units and want to finish their degree.
The program examines social structures, institutions, and cultural forces that shape societies, equipping students with critical thinking, research, and communication skills. Courses are taught by the same expert faculty who lead SDSU’s on-campus sociology program, ensuring a rigorous and research-driven education in a flexible online format.
- Prepares students for careers in research, social services, public administration, and more
- Designed for working professionals & adult learners
- Same degree as SDSU’s on-campus program
Is This Program Right for Me?
Our program is ideal for students looking to finish their undergraduate degree in sociology who have already completed at least 60 transferable units.
- Working Professionals Seeking Advancement—Those in human services, business, education, healthcare, or government who need a bachelor’s degree to move into leadership roles.
- Career Changers—Individuals looking to transition into public policy, market research, community organizing, or social services using data-driven and analytical skills.
- Community College Transfers—Students with at least 60 transferable credits who want an accelerated, fully online option to complete their degree.
- Military & Veteran Students—Service members and veterans transitioning into public service, criminal justice, or business fields where sociology provides a strong foundation.
- Adult Learners Balancing Work & Life—Those who need a flexible online program that allows them to earn a degree on their own schedule.
Career Opportunities
A Bachelor’s in Sociology equips graduates with critical thinking, research, and communication skills, making them valuable across various industries. While “sociologist” isn’t a common job title, this degree opens doors to diverse career paths:
- Business & Industry – Market Research Analyst, Human Resources Specialist, Public Relations Coordinator
- Government & Public Policy – Policy Analyst, Urban Planner, Legislative Aide
- Education & Research – Academic Advisor, Survey Researcher, Educational Consultant
- Healthcare & Social Services – Community Health Worker, Rehabilitation Counselor, Substance Abuse Counselor
- Nonprofit & Community Organizations – Community Organizer, Fundraising Coordinator, Volunteer Manager
Meet the Workforce Needs
Sociology graduates are highly valued for their critical thinking, research, and data analysis skills, which are in demand across multiple industries. While “sociologist” is not a common job title, sociology degree holders work in growing fields such as research, human services, public policy, and business analytics.
Job Growth & Demand:
- Social Science Research Assistants – 8% growth | Median Salary: $49,210
- Community Health Workers – 17% growth | Median Salary: $48,140
- Market Research Analysts – 22% growth | Median Salary: $65,810
- Human Resources Specialists – 6% growth | Median Salary: $64,240
- Social & Community Service Managers – 9% growth | Median Salary: $74,240
Majoring in Sociology requires that you take and satisfactorily complete 9 units of lower division “preparation for the major” courses and a minimum of 30 upper division units of Sociology with a 2.5 GPA both in Sociology and Overall. This is a University standard and cannot be appealed.
Majors must complete the core requirements and the requirement of upper-division sociology electives. Majors, and those planning to be majors, need to meet with the Department’s Undergraduate Advisor as soon as possible for program planning and to make sure they are following the correct procedures.
This program consists of 42 units of online courses taught by the same expert faculty who lead SDSU’s on-campus sociology program, ensuring industry relevant coursework and research-driven education.
Preparation for the Major
- Sociology 101: Introduction to Sociology (3 units)
- Sociology 102: Introduction to Social Problems (3 units)
- Sociology 201: Elementary Social Statistics (3 units)
Note: Statistics 119 or 250, or Biology 215, will be accepted in lieu of Sociology 201 only if the student takes the course for a letter grade and earns a grade of “C” or higher.
Program Structure:
Key Learning Areas
- Sociological Theory & Analysis – Understand classical and contemporary social theories.
- Social Institutions & Inequality – Examine the role of institutions, structures, and social justice.
- Research & Analytical Methods – Learn quantitative and qualitative research techniques.
Community & Social Change – Apply sociological perspectives to contemporary social issues.
Required Courses & Credits
| Category | Credits Required | Courses |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 18 Units | SOC 301, 401, 403, 406/407/408, 433/455, 457/458/459 |
| Electives | 12 Units | Selected from SDSU’s Sociology catalog |
| General Education | 9 Units | Selected from SDSU’s online GE courses |
| Writing Proficiency | 3 Units | RWS 305W: Writing in Various Settings |
Students must have completed 60 lower-division units before entering the program.
Admission Requirements
Below is a list of general admission requirements for the B.A. in Sociology degree completion program.
We understand that every student’s academic journey is unique, and we encourage you to contact one of our Outreach Representatives to find out what you’ll need to successfully apply to the program.
- Have a minimum of 60 transferable semester (or 90 quarter) units by the semester prior to transfer, which includes:
- 9 Lower Division Preparation Course Units with a grade of C (2.0) or better. These courses cannot be taken for credit/no credit (Cr/NC) These courses include:
- Sociology 101: Introduction to Sociology (3 units)
- Sociology 102: Introduction to Social Problems (3 units)
- Sociology 201: Elementary Social Statistics (3 units) – Flexibility here with any type of 3-unit statistics class
- A minimum of 30 Units of General Education Courses
- The Golden Four Requirement, which includes:
- Oral Communication — complete a basic public speaking course or other communication course with a grade of “C-” or higher in at least 3 semester (or 4 quarter) units
- Written Communication — complete a freshman composition course that emphasizes essay writing or reading and writing concurrently with a grade of “C-” or higher in at least 3 semester (or 4 quarter) units
- Critical Thinking — complete, with a grade of “C-” or higher, a second semester composition or writing course, or a course in reasoning and effective argumentative writing
- Mathematics — complete a mathematics course above the level of intermediate algebra with a grade of “C-” or higher in at least 3 semester (or 4 quarter) units
- 9 Lower Division Preparation Course Units with a grade of C (2.0) or better. These courses cannot be taken for credit/no credit (Cr/NC) These courses include:
- Have an overall 2.5+ GPA
Graduation Requirements
- Satisfy the CSU mathematics and writing requirements
- Complete the American Institutions Graduation Requirement
- The American Institutions requirement is designed to demonstrate that students have an understanding of American history, the United States Constitution, and California state and local government.
- Complete the Language Requirement
- Competency (successfully completing the third college semester or fifth college quarter) of a language other than English is required to fulfill the graduation requirement of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences.
- Fulfill Your Language Requirement with Ease: As a Sociology student, you’ll need to demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English to complete your degree. If you’re already fluent in a language or feel confident in your abilities, you may be eligible to test out of this requirement. In order to demonstrate proficiency, you would need to successfully pass the placement test to satisfy the language requirement. If you believe you can meet the language proficiency standards, contact our admissions advisors today to learn more about the testing process
Frequently Asked Questions
The sociology program offers an affordable, accessible, and career-focused pathway for students looking to complete their degree and advance in impact-driven roles across multiple industries. In addition, SDSU has a well-established sociology department with renowned faculty, preparing graduates for public service, research, and business roles.
Our program is designed for working professionals and adult learners who are looking to complete their Bachelor of Arts in Sociology online and have already completed at least 60 transferable units.
The sociology degree completion program consists of 42 upper division units in different areas, including core courses, electives, general education, and writing proficiency.
The courses focus on sociological theory and analysis, social institutions and inequality, research and analytical methods, and community and social change.
The classes in the online sociology degree completion program are taught by the same SDSU faculty who teach on campus and bring a broad array of academic and real-world experiences to the curriculum.
This program can be completed online in two years.
Our sociology degree can help open doors in many fields. With a foundational knowledge of the theories and concepts on sociology, you’ll also learn how to apply this knowledge to a variety of fields, including government agencies, healthcare, advocacy, research, and corporate settings.