Online Bachelor of Arts or Science in Sociology
Understand social structures. Influence our society.
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Online Bachelor of Arts or Science in Sociology
The online bachelor's in sociology at the University of Louisville is designed for working professionals who want to earn their bachelor’s degree, as well as better understand social issues and make a difference in society.
Available as either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Sociology or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sociology, this degree can transform how you approach your role in society by providing you the information and context to examine how social structures shape one’s behaviors, actions and opportunities.
Sociology equips you to see what others overlook. Whether you pursue the BA or BS option, UofL’s online program can strengthen your ability to analyze complex social issues, interpret data and communicate insights that matter in workplaces, communities and policy arenas.
US News & World Report
The online BA/BS in Sociology is offered by the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Louisville. For over a decade, UofL Online bachelor’s degree programs have been consistently recognized as "Best in the Nation" and "Best for Veterans," by US News & World Report.
UofL's BA or BS in Sociology Degree
100% Online. Flexible and impactful. Apply today and set yourself a degree apart from the rest!
Bachelor of Arts or Science in Sociology
100% Online
The big picture
Studying sociology can prepare you with transferable skills such as communication, research and critical thinking that are applicable across diverse fields, ensuring your ability to adapt to changing demands in today’s job market. The BA/BS in Sociology online at UofL empowers you to examine how institutions, culture, identity and power shape everyday life and influence opportunity, access and outcomes.
Online BA or BS in Sociology degree highlights
- Gain valuable critical thinking skills and a greater understanding of how social structures form, evolve and influence individuals
- Develop the interpersonal communication skills necessary to craft persuasive narratives
- Build a versatile set of skills and knowledge, for which employers across all industries actively recruit
- Earn a research-based sociology degree taught by esteemed faculty with extensive published work
- Transfer in your knowledge from your associate degree or other earned credit from accredited institutions
- Take advantage of the flexibility and convenience of 100% online classes
Online BA/BS in Sociology tracks
Tracks in 1) Diversity and Inequality or 2) Sociology of Culture (within the BA option) and 3) Health, Medicine and Well-Being (track within the BS option) allow you to customize your learning journey and build expertise aligned with your career goals. This program also provides a non-track option for those who want to explore a wider array of disciplines and knowledge.
Through the focused track options, you can align your coursework with the questions that preoccupy you most, from inequality and social justice to cultural expression or the social dimensions of health and medicine. The result is a degree that is intellectually rigorous, professionally relevant and deeply connected to real-world impact.
BA Track: Diversity and Inequality
The Diversity and Inequality track in the online BA in Sociology examines how race, class, gender, sexuality, age and disability shape access to power, opportunity and social mobility. Through coursework in social stratification, justice, political sociology and global inequality, you’ll analyze how institutions such as education, the economy and the criminal legal system reinforce or challenge systemic disparities.
This track prepares graduates for careers in social services, nonprofit leadership, public policy, advocacy and law, and provides a strong foundation for graduate study in sociology or related social sciences.
BA Track: Sociology of Culture
The Sociology of Culture track explores how media, religion, sport, work, education and popular culture influence identity, social norms and collective behavior. In this online sociology degree track, you’ll examine how meaning is created and contested, and how cultural narratives shape institutions and social change across diverse communities.
Graduates are positioned for careers in communications, media, cultural organizations, nonprofit work, education and further graduate study in sociology, cultural studies or related fields.
BS Track: Health, Medicine and Well-Being
The Health, Medicine and Well-Being track in the online BS in Sociology focuses on the social determinants of health, health disparities and the structure of health care systems. Coursework in medical sociology, mental health, aging, disability and social epidemiology prepares you to analyze how race, class, gender, environment and policy influence individual and population health outcomes.
This track is ideal for students pursuing careers in public health, health administration, community health, social services or graduate study in public health, health services research or social work.
"UofL’s Department of Sociology is committed to helping students cultivate robust skills in critical analysis, articulate communication and nuanced problem-solving. A program like ours could equip you for diverse career pathways and enabling profound societal contributions."
Jonetta Weber, PhD
Advisor, Academic Programs in Sociology
Ready to explore the social structures and gain career building skills?
How to choose a BA vs BS in Sociology option?
The online undergraduate degree in sociology is available as both a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science option to help you get the experience that’s right for you. The chart below can help you explore the degree option that best fits your career path and goals.
| BA in Sociology | BS in Sociology | |
|---|---|---|
| Curriculum | 31 hours of general education requirements 22 hours of Art & Sciences requirements 18 hours of program/major courses 51 hours of track requirements | 31 hours of general education requirements 13-15 hours of Art & Sciences requirements 18 hours of program/major courses 60 hours of track requirements |
| Tracks | Diversity and Inequality Sociology of Culture Non-track option | Health, Medicine, and Well-Being Non-track option |
| Outcomes | More emphasis on a foreign language, a valuable skill in today's globalized job market. | SOC 405 provides students with an opportunity to connect with local organizations and apply their degrees to societal issues through classroom instruction and a volunteer or internship experience.* |
* SOC 405, while required for BS students, is also available to BA students.
The online Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Sociology share a strong foundation in sociological theory, research methods and the analysis of social institutions, but they differ in emphasis and career orientation.
- The BA offers a broader liberal arts focus with courses in foreign language and tracks such as Diversity and Inequality and Sociology of Culture, making it well suited for students interested in social justice, communications, public service, advocacy or graduate study in the humanities and social sciences.
- The BS provides a more applied and research-oriented pathway, including the Health, Medicine and Well-Being track, and is ideal for students pursuing careers in public health, health services, data-informed roles or other fields that benefit from a stronger analytical and scientific framework.
Not quite sure what to choose? Connect with our enrollment counselors and explore your options!
How to apply to UofL’s Online BA/BS Sociology degree
Check out typical application deadlines for the BA/BS in Sociology program and prepare your application packet according to the requirements outlined below.
Application Deadlines
| Preferred Deadline | Term | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| August 1 | Fall | August |
| December 1 | Spring | January |
| April 1 | Summer | May / June |
Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.
How to apply for the Online BA/BS in Sociology
- Start your application for undergraduate admission
- Submit $30 non-refundable application fee
- Verify your identity - provide ID/documentation as requested
- Complete any checklist items listed on your Application Portal*
- Request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions.
Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: adetran@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Office of Admissions, Dept AO, Louisville, KY 40292 - Create a financial plan
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What Are the admissions requirements for the Online BA/BS in Sociology?
New students and transfer students with less than 24 transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:
- High school diploma from an accredited institution (GED or equivalent also accepted)
- Minimum high school GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale; AND for transfer students, a minimum college GPA of 2.0 (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
- Composite ACT* score of 21 or higher (test optional admission is granted on a case-by-case basis)
Transfer students with 24 or more transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:
- Minimum college GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started an undergraduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.
No ACT/SAT? Test-optional admissions are granted on a case-by-case basis and require a comprehensive review of high school transcript, including grades and college-preparatory courses. A personal statement may be requested during the admissions review process.
Transfer credit
Students may transfer up to 60 hours from a community college and up to 90 hours from an accredited 4-year college. Transfer applicants must have a minimum college GPA of 2.0 to be admitted in good standing. Review the Transfer Evaluation System to get an idea of how many credits you'll be able to transfer in toward your UofL bachelor's degree, and visit our General Transfer Student Page for more details.
- Are you a KCTCS student? KCTCS students can transfer completed associate degrees in their entirety and begin immediately with online upper level coursework at UofL. Visit our KCTCS Pathways Page for more information.
See the UofL Transfer Credit Policy for more information.
For more information on the application and admission process, please contact our Online Learning Enrollment Counselor through an information request.
How much does it cost to earn an Online BA/BS in Sociology degree at UofL?
Academic year tuition
$559 per credit hour
$250 per credit hour active-duty tuition rate
This program is a Title IV federal financial aid eligible program. Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
Please note that other fees apply – check our tuition page for all applicable costs.
Tuition, fees and charges are subject to change and effective on the date enacted. For additional information on educational expenses and the cost of attendance, please visit the Student Financial Aid Office website.
Does your employer offer tuition reimbursement?
Many employers often have programs available to assist their employees financially in their educational pursuits. Do not miss out on any potential opportunities. Reach out to your organization’s HR department to learn about available options.
What will you learn in the Online BA/BS in Sociology?
While the sociology major aims to build a strong foundation in theory, research methods and social analysis, the track options allow you to sharpen your expertise in a defined area of interest. Each track clusters upper-level coursework around a central theme, helping you develop deeper subject knowledge while strengthening your analytical, writing and research skills.
These pathways prepare you not only to understand society, but to influence it, in fields such as public service, nonprofit leadership, health care, law, advocacy, education, research or through graduate study.
Online courses
The online BA in sociology from UofL is a 122 credit hour program, with the following curriculum components:
| General Education (Cardinal Core) Requirements | 31 credit hours |
| Arts & Sciences Requirements | 22 credit hours |
| Sociology Required Core Courses | 18 credit hours |
| Track Requirements | 51 |
The online BS in sociology from UofL is a 122-124 credit hour program, with the following curriculum components:
| General Education (Cardinal Core) Requirements | 31 credit hours |
| Arts & Sciences Requirements | 13-15 credit hours |
| Sociology Required Core Courses | 18 credit hours |
| Track Requirements | 60 |
To see all available online courses and degree requirements, please visit UofL's Academic Catalog page (select Degree Requirements tab).
View Course Requirements for Bachelor of Arts
View Course Requirements for Bachelor of Science
Sociology majors may take no more than six hours of “Special Topics” courses in sociology to meet degree requirements. At least 50 of the total minimum hours required must be at the 300 level or above. Completion of the BS in sociology degree requires completion of SOC 303 and SOC 320 with a grade of C or better.
All courses are asynchronous and delivered in standard term length.
Take the next step with confidence. Start working on your application and feel free to connect with us anytime if you have questions or need further guidance.
What can I do with a bachelor’s in sociology?
The field of sociology interacts and permeates with many other fields, occupations and industries. Sociology is an in-demand degree with employers as the graduates are equipped with the skills to combine effective critical thinking with an understanding of human behavior, efficient communication and conflict-management strategies.
Furthermore, a sociology degree can bring a lifelong benefit to your professional life. Since the sociology skillset is so versatile, you could enter a career field and, in the future, change career paths or effectively adapt to changes in your position due to technology advancement and innovation.
This also applies if you are currently in a role you don’t find fulfilling. You’ll be prepared with the skills needed to transition to a field that satisfies your personal and professional interests.
According to Lightcast Occupation Outlook data, on average, jobs in sociology related fields are projected to grow 8% between 2025 and 2033, with 139,152 annual job postings. The median salary for communication-related jobs is nearly $67,200 (Lightcast.io).
Career opportunities and earnings vary based on actual job role, geographic location, prior experience and employer. These figures reflect overall industry trends and are not a guarantee of individual results.
Sociology bachelor’s graduates may choose to pursue roles in private, for-profit, non-profit and local or state government organizations, building careers in fields such as:
- Social services
- Human resources
- Marketing
- Public relations
- Criminology
- Policy-making
- Education
- Public and private research
- Law
- Journalism
- Advocacy
- Community development
Will a bachelor's in sociology prepare me for a graduate program in sociology or social science?
Yes. The curriculum of our online bachelor's in sociology (whether you choose the BA or BS) is designed to provide you with a strong foundation in sociological theories, research methods and critical analysis of social issues. Additionally, by engaging in advanced coursework, independent research projects, and/or opportunities for community engagement (internship/volunteer activities) you’ll be gaining valuable knowledge and skills to excel in graduate programs.
Ready to explore the social structures and gain career building skills?
What your support network looks like
At UofL, online students are supported by a team that understands the demands of working professionals and what it takes to achieve their education goals and career aspirations. Enrollment specialists, academic advisors, program leadership staff and faculty collaborate to provide clear guidance, timely support and practical insight so you can stay focused, confident and on track throughout your degree.
| Name | Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
Image 
Cassie Thompson | Online Enrollment Counselor | online@louisville.edu | 800.871.8635 |
Image 
Mattie Perez | Academic Advisor | mattie.perez@louisville.edu |
502.852.2714
|
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
What else should you know
The questions and answers below help you learn more about our program, delivery method, application and admission, internship process and options or how to succeed as an online student at UofL and beyond.
What are the benefits of online learning?
The biggest benefit of online learning is that you can work to earn your degree from your own home while raising a family, working full-time or experiencing particular life circumstances that make commuting to campus difficult or impossible.
How is the online program different than the campus program?
At UofL, you are taught by world-class faculty. You read the same books, do many of the same assignments and earn the same degree as students learning on campus. Neither your transcript nor your diploma notes your degree was completed online, only that you completed the courses required at the University of Louisville. The biggest difference is that you are able to do coursework on your own time and in a way that best fits your learning and lifestyle.
Can I receive credit for courses completed at another school?
On a case-by-case basis, credit transfer is allowed from an accredited university to fulfill general education requirements. See the UofL Transfer Credit Policy for more information.
Is the Sociology Student Association (SSA) available for online students?
Yes. The Sociology Student Association encourages online students to join their fall/spring monthly meetings via Teams and participate, as they can, in any service activities or other events. Additionally, students are encouraged to join the international association for sociology — the American Sociological Association. Their Major in Sociology website links students to career information and guidance on professional development.
I have never attended college (or I have earned less than 24 credits so far). Can I earn this degree online?
Yes, you may begin – or continue – your college degree at UofL by choosing a fully online degree.
Are courses taught by UofL faculty?
Yes, all sociology courses are taught by full- and part- time faculty who work in the Department of Sociology and also teach our on-campus sociology courses. In fact, most, if not all, of our part-time faculty in any given year are alumni of our graduate programs. As such, our instructors are already familiar with the UofL system and are committed to the success of UofL and its students.
Whether you need more info or are ready to apply and need further guidance, reach out to us – we are here for you!
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