Program overview
Sociology helps you both understand and change the world you live in. The study of sociology links together the social, economic, political, cultural, and ecological aspects of a changing global society.
Sociological theory and research are used in applied areas of study like
- crime and deviance
- family and gender studies
- environmental and health issues
- agriculture and food
- technology and the information society
- race and ethnic relations
- organizations and bureaucracies
Sociology also helps us understand human spirituality, social class, inequality, and the impact of poverty on the individual, family, and society. Topics in Athabasca University’s online sociology program include
- power
- inequality
- racism
- the family
- aging
- crime
- deviance
- Globalization
- social movements
- Technology / information technology
- religion/spirituality
As a sociology student, you will also develop a greater appreciation and understanding of non-western, non-capitalist world views and social practices.
Why take the Bachelor of Arts?
The Bachelor of Arts strengthens critical and creative thinking through a broad range of social, political, and cultural studies. The program is designed to
- broaden your perspective on local and global affairs
- encourage community and social involvement
- prepare you for lifelong learning and occupational diversity
Routes and options
The Bachelor of Arts, Sociology Major is an online degree program, with both a 3-year and a 4-year option. There are no set start dates – you can enrol at any time and register for courses right away.
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology Concentration (3-year online degree)
- A 3-year degree is a well-respected and marketable credential in Canada and the United States.
- It does not provide direct access to graduate-level studies.
- You can extend your 3-year degree to a 4-year degree at a later date, if you wish. Learn more about degree conversion.
Bachelor of Arts, Sociology Major (4-year online degree)
- A 4-year degree fully prepares students for most graduate programs.
- The 4-year BA program allows you to pursue either a double major or a minor.
- Double majors must meet the requirements for both majors, which may restrict course selection or require additional credits above the 120 required for the BA.
- You should talk to an academic advisor about your program and courses if you’re considering a double major.
- To earn a minor you must complete 30 credits in that subject area.
- List of minors
- Anthropology
- Canadian Studies
- English
- French
- Global Studies
- History
- Humanities
- Inclusive Education
- Labour Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Economy
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Public Administration
- Women's and Gender Studies
- AU does not offer an Honours BA.
Completion times
Finish the concentration option in 3 years of full-time study, the major option in 4 years, or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion.
Admission requirements
There are no formal admission requirements for either the 3-year or the 4-year program. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.
How to apply
You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.
Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.
Transfer and advanced credit
If you have previous post-secondary education or significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This could mean fewer courses to get your AU degree. If you transfer credit, you must complete a minimum of 30 credits at AU.
Program requirements
To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Bachelor of Arts, plus those specific to your major, minor or concentration.
Our program plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order you’ll take them in. If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Required courses
Detailed information about courses in this program can be accessed using the following links:
Tuition and fees
Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.
You can estimate your total program cost by multiplying the cost of a 3-credit course by the number of courses you need to take for the program. Remember that tuition costs may increase each year.
Program learning outcomes
As a result of completing this program, students should be able to
- Use their sociological imagination to explain the significance of social class, gender, race and ethnicity to the opportunities and outcomes of community, family, and individual life experiences.
- Apply concepts, terminology, theory, and research methods to conduct research, analyze quantitative and qualitative data, critically evaluate published research, and develop sound and critical sociological lines of argument.
- Use university level information literacy skills, academic integrity standards, and sociological theories, insights, and concepts to communicate information, arguments, and analysis accurately and reliably, in written work, to professional, specialist, and non-specialist audiences.
- Apply sociological principles and theory to work to transform the family, community, work, and political/governance environments in a local and/or global context, in line with sociological insights and scientific knowledge.
- Identify theoretical and topical linkages between sociology and other related areas of discipline and use that awareness to learn and draw insight from other relevant disciplines (e.g. psychology)
Possible career options
- Social Researcher
- Journalist
- Human Services Worker
- Police Officer
- Early Childhood Development
- Correctional Officer (Guard, Parole Officer, Probationary Officer)
- Counsellor
- Therapist
- Policy Researcher
- Teacher
- Special Needs
- Caregiver
- Community Organizer
- Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Worker
- Industrial Relations Officer
- English as a Second Language (ESL)Teacher
Note: If you are looking to become a register Social Worker, a Bachelor of Social Work is usually required. For more information, please read "How to Become a Social Worker".
Continuing education
At Athabasca University:
At other educational institutions*
The following further education options may require some sociology courses.
Disciplinary studies
- sociology
- education
- political economy
- history
- philosophy
Interdisciplinary studies
- environmental studies
- labour studies
- multicultural studies
- diaspora studies
- post-colonial studies
- women’s studies
- media studies
- global studies
- peace and conflict studies
- communication studies
- gender studies
- gerontology
- religious studies
Professional studies
- journalism
- social work
- counselling
- law enforcement
- nursing
- other human services studies
General interest student
- pop culture
- current affairs
- social issues
* Some universities will not accept a 3-year degree for admittance into a graduate program. An additional year of study may be required. Entrance requirements vary among educational institutions. It is the students’ responsibility to research the entrance requirements of other universities.