If you want to learn more about how people function in society and are interested in pursuing an alternative education path, you may want to consider an associate’s degree in sociology.
You might use an associate’s degree as a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree program or a relevant career.
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In sociology programs, you’ll typically study human behavior through a variety of different perspectives to better understand society as a whole.
Online Associate’s Degrees in Sociology
An associate in sociology degree is a versatile undergraduate program that may look at how psychology, family, race, and other factors affect human behavior.
These types of degrees generally provide foundational knowledge of sociology, which can be expanded on with further education, internships, working experience, and more. Associate programs will also cover general education subjects, such as science, math, and English.
While enrolled in an associates sociology degree program, you may study topics such as:
- Human behavior
- Social services
- Anthropology
- Psychology
- Group dynamics
- Environmental influences
- Marriage and family
Graduates tend to pursue additional education or work experience that may help them work toward a wide range of careers. They may pursue careers that help people one-on-one, such as substance abuse counselors or nursing assistants.
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Some graduates go after careers in the corporate world that involve plenty of human interaction, like human resources assistants or customer service representatives. Teaching is another common field that sociology graduates enjoy.
Students hoping to pursue an associates degree typically have already graduated from high school or received a GED. Some may find associates degrees advantageous over bachelors degrees because they are usually less expensive and take less time to complete.
Many associate degree holders choose to work in entry-level roles in the field to gain experience while pursuing a bachelors degree.
Sociology Careers and Salaries
A sociology degree can help prepare students for a variety of careers since the subjects studied in sociology programs are typically multifaceted.
Graduates may choose to pursue jobs in human resources, social work, teaching, healthcare, and more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, below are a few careers associated with sociology. Some of these careers may require additional education or training beyond an associate’s degree.
| Careers | Annual Median Salaries |
| Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors | $48,520 |
| Community Health Workers | $46,590 |
| Human Resources Assistants | $45,630 |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | $37,610 |
| Customer Service Representatives | $36,920 |
| Nursing Assistants and Orderlies | $30,290 |
| Preschool Teachers | $30,210 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $29,430 |
| Teacher Assistants | $29,360 |
| Childcare Workers | $27,490 |
For professionals who prefer working with clients one-on-one, careers as social workers, substance abuse counselors, and nursing assistants may be attractive options.
The educational requirements for social workers and substance abuse counselors can vary depending on the position and employer. Settings for sociology-related careers vary widely as well. Home health aides may work in clients’ homes or group homes, while substance abuse counselors may work in healthcare centers or hospitals.
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Graduates who like working with children may pursue careers in the classroom, like preschool teachers or teacher assistants. Further education in the field could expand your career opportunities. For instance, some sociology professionals work as specialists in human resources, marketing, or public relations.
Sociology Associate’s Curriculum & Courses
The classes you take as part of a sociology associates program can vary, but here are some course examples:
- Cultural Anthropology: You’ll learn about various foundational elements of anthropology, such as religion, family, and cultural change.
- Ethnic Cultures of the United States: This class looks at different cultures in the past and present and delves into topics like racism, racial ideologies, and discrimination.
- Social Psychology: You’ll learn about how society can influence human behavior, such as through social perception and social norms.
- Marriage and Family: This course delves into dating, marriage, family life, and other aspects of how humans behave in intimate relationships.
- Criminology: You’ll learn about different types of crime, human behaviors related to crime, and other foundational topics related to crime.
- Education and the Good Life: This class allows students to do research on higher education and its purpose in society.
- Introduction to Aging: You’ll learn about the aging process and older populations from various psychological perspectives.
- Modern Social Problems: This course looks at methods for social change as well as the history of today’s social problems and how they came to be.
- Social Stratification: You’ll analyze different social class structures and how they affect people of different races, genders, and more.
- Socialization of the Child: This class looks at different ways children are socialized, including by their family, community, and media influences.
Associates programs in sociology often require you to take a range of general education classes in addition to ones focused on sociology.
Admissions Requirements
Students pursuing an online associates in sociology program are subject to similar admissions processes as in-person programs. While the admissions requirements for associates in sociology degrees can vary, here are a few common ones:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent
- Minimum high school GPA
- Extracurricular activities
- Community involvement
Schools may ask for high school transcripts to verify your GPA. Some want to see high grades in specific classes, like English.
Accreditation
As you pursue postsecondary education, it’s strategic to consider regionally accredited schools. A school can receive accreditation if it’s evaluated by an outside accrediting organization and is found to meet a series of academic quality standards.
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It’s necessary to attend an accredited school if you’re hoping to receive federal financial aid. It could also impact your job search down the line. Many employers want to see that their prospective employees have graduated from accredited schools. To learn more about accreditation, you can visit the US Department of Education’s website.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
There are a variety of financial aid resources that help qualifying students cover the upfront costs of an associates degree in sociology.
Undergraduate students may be able to apply for direct subsidized loans, in which your school determines your loan amount. Direct unsubsidized loans may also be available to qualifying students, although students are responsible for paying the interest for these loans.
Grants, work-study options, and scholarships are additional ways to apply for financial aid. Some employers also offer tuition benefits to their workers. To learn more about different types of financial aid, you can visit the Federal Student Aid website.
What Is a Sociology Associate Degree?
A sociology associate degree is a two-year program that covers the foundations of sociology and lets you study social behavior from a variety of perspectives. Students may look at human behavior by learning about culture, crime, family, religion, and more.
Associates degrees may not cover as much material as bachelors degrees, but they generally provide you with fundamental knowledge of sociology. Students may use this degree to help them pursue careers in healthcare, teaching, and customer service, among other paths.
What Can You Do with an Associates Degree in Sociology?
With an associates degree in sociology, you may choose to pursue a wide variety of careers, as this is a versatile field of study. Graduates may look at applying for roles as teacher assistants, social and human service assistants, HR assistants, and more.
Once students have completed an associates degree in sociology, they may choose to pursue a bachelor’s or, in some cases, a master’s in sociology or a related field. Additional education could be helpful for pursuing more careers in the field, such as substance abuse counselors, social workers, and specialists in marketing, HR, and public relations.
How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate’s Degree in Sociology Online?
The timeframe for graduating from an AA in Sociology program can vary, but there are a few factors that may determine how long it will take. If you enroll in a 16-week semester program and go to school full-time, it generally takes 2 years to get your associate degree.
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If you take classes year-round and enroll in an 8-week-long semester program, you may be able to finish in less time. Taking courses during the summer may also contribute to a shorter program length.
What’s the Difference Between an Associate’s Degree in Sociology vs. Anthropology?
While sociology and anthropology both look at human behavior, there are a few key differences between the two studies.
An associate’s degree in anthropology may cover topics like:
- Archeology
- Linguistics
- Foreign language
While an associate’s degree in sociology may cover topics like:
- Psychology
- Human behavior
- Marriage and family
In general, sociology focuses more on individuals with an emphasis on psychology, while anthropology looks more at past and present cultures as a whole. Both degrees may cover human behavior, cultural influences, and more.
What’s the Difference Between an Associate Degree vs. Certificate in Sociology?
Associates degree programs and certificate programs in sociology may cover many of the same subjects, but here are some ways the two credentials differ.
| Associate in Sociology | Certificate in Sociology |
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Certificate programs in sociology have a more specialized curriculum and may require fewer courses. While associate sociology degrees still involve sociology courses, they also include general education classes.
Is an Associate Degree in Sociology Worth It?
Yes, an associate degree in sociology is worth it for many students. An associates degree may help you work toward a bachelor’s degree in sociology or a related field, but an associate may also help you qualify for an entry-level career in a variety of fields.
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Graduates often choose to pursue careers in teaching, counseling, human resources, and more. Many careers associated with sociology are also expected to experience faster-than-average growth over the next ten years. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 10% job growth for community and social service occupations over this period.
Universities Offering Online Associates in Sociology Degree Programs
Methodology: The following school list is in alphabetical order. To be included, a college or university must be regionally accredited and offer degree programs online or in a hybrid format.
Alvin Community College offers an online program for an Associate of Arts in Sociology. This program seeks to prepare students for entry-level roles in the field or further study at a 4 year institution. Classes cover concepts like research methods, sexuality and gender, family systems, and race relations. Most students can complete the requirements in 4 semesters.
Alvin Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Blinn College District offers an Associate of Arts in Sociology. This program seeks to help students develop essential critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and data analysis skills. Classes can be attended fully online or at one of several campuses. Graduates often pursue careers as compliance managers, regulatory affairs managers, sociologists, or investment fund managers.
The Blinn College District is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on College.
Century College offers an Associate of Arts in Sociology. Many graduates pursue roles in non-profits, businesses, government agencies, education, or the justice system. Classes may be attended part-time or full-time using a blend of online, evening, weekend, and daytime delivery methods. The program admits new students three times a year.
Century College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Cerro Coso Community College offers an Associate of Arts in Sociology. This program is designed for students who intend to transfer to a 4 year university to obtain their bachelor’s after finishing their associate degree. The curriculum consists of 60 credits. Classes covers broad concepts in the discipline, like sociological theory, research and statistical methods, and group dynamics.
Cerro Coso Community College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Foothill College offers an Associate of Arts in Sociology. Potential classes include Sociology of Crime, Social Psychology, Law and Society, and Aspects of Marriage and Family. Students must complete a minimum of 90 credit hours to graduate, typically finishing in 2 years. All classes meet entirely online.
Foothill College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
Front Range Community College offers an Associate of Arts in Sociology. Graduates often pursue careers as social workers, researchers, addiction counselors, or victim advocates. Students can attend classes online or in-person at one of three campuses. On average, the 60 required credit hours can be completed in 4 semesters of full-time attendance.
FRCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Georgia Military College offers an Associate in Sociology. The degree can be completed as an Associate of Arts or Science depending on education interests and professional goals. The program utilizes a fully online learning format. Incoming students can choose between two start dates each year in the spring and summer.
Georgia Military College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Georgia State University offers an Associate of Arts in Sociology. The curriculum is designed to educate students in the broad concerns of sociology, including social systems, stratification and inequality, and social change. The 60 required credit hours can be completed via a convenient, 100% online learning format. The program admits new students three times a year.
Georgia State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools: Commission on Colleges.
Guilford Technical Community College offers an Associate of Arts in Sociology. Potential courses include Introduction to Sociology, Social Problems, and Social Psychology. Classes can be attended online, in-person, or using a hybrid virtual/face-to-face model. On average, the degree requirements can be completed in 2 years.
Guilford Technical Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Hillsborough Community College offers an Associate of Arts in Sociology. This program is intended for students planning to transfer to a 4 year institution after completing their associate degree. The program consists of 60 total credit hours. Students can tailor their studies to their interests by selecting electives covering topics like criminology or intercultural relations.
Hillsborough Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Houston Community College offers a fully online program for an Associate of Arts in Sociology. Potential courses include Social Problems, Marriage and the Family, and Minority Studies. The degree requirements can typically be completed in 2 years of full-time study. Upon graduation, students often pursue entry-level positions or continue to a bachelor’s degree.
Houston Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Iowa Western Community College offers an Associate of Arts in Sociology. The curriculum aims to provide students with a foundational understanding of social behavior, human systems, demography, and deviance. All classes meet entirely online. Graduates often pursue diverse roles in social services, sales and marketing, research, and education.
Iowa Western Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Midlands Technical College offers an Associate of Arts in Sociology. The program seeks to equip students with the skills to excel in a bachelor’s program or varied roles in the field of sociology. The program requires the completion of 62 credits. Students can complete the majority of their coursework conveniently online, often finishing in 2 years when attending full-time.
Midlands Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Northland Community & Technical College offers an Associate of Arts in Sociology. The curriculum covers concepts like family systems, social problems, sex and gender, and criminal justice. Students must complete a minimum of 60 credit hours to graduate. The program can be completed 100% online or at one of two campus locations.
Northland is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Rio Salado College offers an Associate of Arts in Sociology. Potential courses include Sociology of Families and Relationships, Gender and Society, and Race and Ethnic Relations. The program’s convenient online format and year-round start dates help provide students with the flexibility to take the next step in their education on their own terms.
Rio Salado College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Rose State College offers an Associate of Arts in Sociology. Students can select a concentration in Gender Studies, Counseling and Social Work, or General Sociology. The curriculum is designed to help students develop critical reasoning, communication, interpersonal, and research skills. The program can typically be finished in 2 years, and most classes can be attended online.
Rose State College is accredited by the North Central Commission on Colleges.
Seminole State College of Florida offers an Associate of Arts in Sociology. This program may be an excellent step for students who want to gain a broad understanding of sociology before transferring to a 4 year program. The curriculum consists of 60 total credit hours. Coursework can be completed 100% online.
Seminole State College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
South Texas College offers an Associate of Arts in Sociology. Many graduates complete their bachelor’s degrees or pursue careers in human resources, human services, or public relations. Classes meet entirely online, allowing busy students flexibility. On average, the degree requirements can be finished in 2 years when attending full-time.
South Texas College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Suffolk County Community College offers an Associate of Arts in Sociology. This program may be an ideal next step for students who plan to complete a 4 year baccalaureate degree in history, political science, psychology, or sociology. Students must complete a minimum of 61 credit hours to graduate. All classes utilize a flexible online learning format.
Suffolk County Community College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
The Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts degree at Trinity Valley Community College offers a concentration in Sociology. Graduates typically qualify for most entry-level roles in the field and often pursue further studies in sociology at 4 year institutions. The curriculum consists of 60 total credit hours. All coursework can be completed 100% online.
Trinity Valley Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
Getting Your Associate’s Degree in Sociology Online
If you are people-oriented and want to study different ways human behavior is influenced and affected, you may enjoy pursuing an associate’s degree in sociology. You could get the chance to look at society from different perspectives, such as psychology and anthropology.
Graduates often use their associates online sociology degree as a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s degree or a career aligned with sociology. Many careers related to sociology, such as roles in social and community service, are in high demand. Graduates may also pursue positions in education, business, and healthcare.
To get started on your journey toward an associates sociology degree, you can start exploring available online programs from accredited universities today.
