Program Overview
Sociology, BS
The Bachelor of Science program in sociology helps students better understand the development, structure, interaction, and collective behavior of organized groups. They explore the theories, practices, and policies that underlie the issues of social change, inequality, and diversity. Students are trained in the important research skills that are used to describe, interpret, and evaluate evidence across diverse settings important in the economy.
Program Description
Sociology is the study of the organization and development of societies and the institutions within them. This research-based program enables students to explore intimate relationships, friendship groups, or families and investigate why people groups behave the way they do in regard to politics, economics, law, inequality, and public health crises.
At a Glance
- College/school: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- Location: West Valley
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics or any math course that meets the MATH designation
- Math intensity: General
Curriculum
View 2025 - 2026 curriculum. View curriculum archives.
Concurrent Program Options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated Program Options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
- Communication Studies, MA
- Global Management, MGM
- Interdisciplinary Studies, MA
- Social Data Science, MA
- Social Justice and Human Rights, MA
Admission Requirements
General university admission requirements: All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Tuition Information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
Global Opportunities
Global experience: Studying abroad enables students in the sociology program to enhance their understanding of societal structure and human interaction through a global lens.
Career Opportunities
Graduates are prepared for employment in corporate or governmental organizations or to continue their studies in graduate programs in sociology or social science, or in professional schools. They are able to apply the sociological perspective to a wide variety of jobs in:
- Business and management
- The criminal justice system
- Government
- The health professions
- The nonprofit sector
- Social services
The program provides graduates with valuable preparation for careers in:
- Journalism
- Politics
- Public administration
- Public relations
Graduates with an advanced degree in sociology and who have the investigative skills and the ability to work with diverse groups may become:
- Community activists
- Community developers
- Criminologists
- Demographers
- Gerontologists
- Organizational advocates
- Research analysts
- Statisticians
- Survey researchers
- Urban planners
Example job titles and salaries:
- Behavioral Health Specialist: 3.9% growth, $69,480 median salary
- Counselor (General): 12.6% growth, $49,830 median salary
- High School Teacher: -1.6% growth, $64,580 median salary
- Human Behavior Researcher: 4.4% growth, $58,040 median salary
- Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT): 12.6% growth, $63,780 median salary
- Mediator: 4.3% growth, $67,710 median salary
- Probation Officer: 2.6% growth, $64,520 median salary
- Social Services Director: 6.4% growth, $78,240 median salary
- Sociologist: 3.6% growth, $101,690 median salary
- Substance Abuse Social Worker: 9.7% growth, $60,060 median salary
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) Program
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. Students from western states who select this major may be eligible for a reduced nonresident tuition rate of 150 percent of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees.