Best Associate Degrees in Sociology

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*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Types of Sociology Associate Degrees

The most common type of sociology associate degree is an Associate of Arts (AA). However, Associate of Science (AS) degrees in the field are also available. Both programs typically require at least 60 credits of coursework and help prepare students to transfer to 4-year schools to continue their study in sociology. There are some institutions that offer both an AA and an AS in Sociology, both of which can be included in guaranteed transfer agreements. Earning an AS can help prepare students to transfer and pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Sociology, while an AA can prepare students for a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in the field. In general, AS degree programs focus more on quantitative areas, while AA programs include more liberal arts courses. In the case of sociology, AS degree students may take additional math and science courses and focus more on research, while AA students take more humanities courses, such as a foreign language.

Earning an associate degree in sociology is a great way to prepare for advanced study in the field by getting an introduction to sociology theories and topics. This degree is a good fit for students who are interested in taking a scientific approach to observing people, studying behavior, and exploring the world around them. Students in the field need to have strong communication skills, be interested in conducting research, and have a willingness to help others. Other interests for this degree program include exploring social, cultural, and political perspectives; examining diversity; and researching social outcomes and behaviors. Graduates of sociology degrees can work in a wide range of fields and industries, including human services, healthcare, research, law enforcement, education, and more. Many associate degrees in the field are offered in full- or part-time formats to help give flexibility to those students who need to work or have other busy schedules.

Choosing an associate degree program in sociology that is a good fit can be based on a wide range of factors, including personal preferences and needs. For on-campus programs, students can begin by considering the location of a program. Some students need a program close to home or their workplace, while other students can start their education from anywhere. The format of a program should also be considered, at this time, as some working students may need a part-time program. Students can examine the specific courses offered for various programs to see if a particular program offers more courses of interest or ones that better align with their career goals than others. Those planning on transferring after earning their associate degree should examine transfer agreements and see how the associate degree prepares them for a bachelor's degree at different schools.

Other aspects to consider are more at the school level. For example, the cost of a program varies from school to school based on tuition rates, fees, living expenses, and more. Students will need to find a school that fits within their personal budget. Depending on their personal needs, the academic resources that a school provides can also be a determining factor when choosing schools. Some students may prefer having an academic advisor, tutoring services, on-campus student activities, and more.

Application and Admissions for Sociology Associate Degree Programs

Admissions to associate degree programs in sociology not only vary by school but also vary by the type of student. For instance, freshmen and degree-seeking students often have different requirements than a certificate student or non-degree-seeking student. Most schools conduct the admissions process primarily online and require applicants to have at least a high school diploma or GED. Students must submit their high school transcripts and then usually need to take and submit their test scores for the ACT or SAT. Some schools have set ACT and SAT scores that can exempt students from additional learning support courses. Other possible application materials could include a copy of a student's high school schedule and proof of immunizations. International students often have additional requirements, such as an I-20.

Most associate degree programs in sociology are set up to be completed in 2 years when taking the program full-time. Part-time students can complete these degrees at a slower pace and may only take 1 or 2 courses a semester instead of 4 to 6 courses a semester. Many of these degree programs give students a recommended study with courses listed for each semester to use as a model and stay on track to finish. Typically, these degree programs require anywhere between 60 and 64 credits of coursework.

The cost of an associate degree in sociology also varies by institution. Depending on the school, tuition rates and fees are usually set by credit hour. Rates can vary based on a student's residency status, such as in-state vs. out-of-state or out-of-county resident, as well as the type of student, such as online students or dual enrollment students. In addition to the base tuition rate per credit hour, there is also usually a range of fees. Some examples of possible fees include:

• Technology fee
• Program service fee
• Registration fee
• Course fee
• Activity fee
• Maintenance fee
• Student government fee

In general, the more credit hours you take, the more a degree will cost, and in-state students will likely pay less than out-of-state students. Students can also apply various forms of financial aid to help lower the out-of-pocket costs.

Associate degree programs in sociology typically require between 60 and 64 credits of general education courses, emphasis courses, and electives. General education courses usually require students to take one or more courses in some main subject areas, such as English, mathematics, natural science, and the humanities. Students then conclude their degree with courses in sociology, and some programs also include elective courses. Depending on the program, some available sociology courses for these programs include:

• Introduction to sociology
• Social problems
• Race and ethnic relations
• Gender and society
• Marriage and family
• Social science research methods

According to PayScale.com, graduates with an AA in Sociology made a median annual salary of $52,052 as of March 2021. However, this amount can vary based on a number of factors, including position, employer, location, experience, and skills. Social and human service assistants, for instance, made a median annual salary of $35,960, as of 2020, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), while community health workers made a median annual salary of $42,000 the same year. The industry that one works in can also play a role in salary. For example, those with careers in medical sociology could make slightly more than those working in education or human services in organizations that may be funded less or dependent on the government.

Begin a Career as a Social and Human Service Assistant

Students interested in working as social and human service assistants need to have at least a high school diploma, but having a certificate or associate degree is becoming more common for the field. Usually, this degree or certificate is in human services, a social or behavioral science (such as sociology), or another related field. These assistants typically need to have some on-the-job training to learn about case management and the specifics of the position. Some employers prefer to hire assistants that have had some relevant experience. Some of these positions also require students to complete and pass a background check. Social and human service assistants need to have strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills as they meet the needs of their clients through a wide range of services, such as social work and rehabilitation.

Begin a Career as a Community Health Worker

Community health workers have to have at least a high school diploma, but some positions require additional postsecondary education. This postsecondary education can be an associate degree or a certificate program. Community health workers also need to have some on-the-job training to learn about specific health topics and further develop their outreach and communication skills. Voluntary certification is available to these workers in some states, but the requirements for the training vary. These workers are typically familiar with a specific type of community, medical condition, disability, or other demographic. Community health workers need to have great instructional, interpersonal, and writing skills, as they work closely with their community to provide them with health-related information. These workers collect data, run outreach programs, talk with community members about health concerns, and advocate for their communities.

Students looking to earn a postsecondary degree in any field should enroll in an accredited institution. This means that the college or university has met academic standards set for quality from outside organizations. Students who attend accredited institutions can also transfer more easily and are eligible to accept financial aid. There are some subject areas that have an additional program-level accreditation that is typically more specific to the subject, such as a business degree being accredited by a business-related organization. However, for associate degree programs in sociology, there is not a common program-level accreditation available. Instead, students can earn an associate degree in the field from schools accredited by groups such as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Many students go on to earn a bachelor's degree in sociology after graduating with their associate degree in the field. Some may even pursue a master's degree in the field after their bachelor's to become a sociologist, which typically requires at least a master's degree. It is fairly common for schools that offer associate degree programs in sociology to offer various kinds of transfer agreements with 4-year schools that are usually located in the same area or state. For example, some associate degree programs in sociology that are offered in the State of Tennessee fall under the Tennessee Transfer Pathway (TTP) that guarantees transferability to schools that offer a 4-year degree in the field within the state. These pathways usually require students to take specific courses that are equivalent to course requirements at the 4-year institution.

As mentioned, graduates with their associate degree in sociology can go on to pursue a variety of sociology-related degrees at the bachelor's degree level and advanced levels. Bachelor's degree programs in the field are usually general in nature, but at the graduate level, students can begin to specialize. For example, there are a number of applied sociology graduate programs, such as environmental sociology and organizational sociology graduate programs. These advanced degrees help prepare students for more specific careers in focused areas of sociology. Read more about degree options below.

Bachelor's Degrees in Sociology

Bachelor's degree programs in sociology are available as Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees. These programs are commonly available in on-campus and online formats and usually take 4 years to complete, but those with an associate degree in the field can finish in about 2 years. At the bachelor's level, some students may decide to pair their degree with another closely related field and double major, such as a sociology and psychology double major.

Master's Degrees in Sociology

At the master's level, students can earn a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS) degree in sociology. Some of these programs are available in an online format and typically conclude with a culminating experience. Depending on the program, students could be required to complete a thesis, capstone project, or internship prior to graduation. Usually, these master's programs begin to place an emphasis on research and give students the opportunity to conduct some research in the field.

Doctoral Degrees in Sociology

Doctoral degree programs in sociology are typically offered as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree. These programs are even more research-focused than a master's degree and can prepare students for advanced research careers in the field or for careers in academia. Doctoral students usually focus their studies on a particular area of sociology, such as criminology. Most programs require students to complete a final dissertation for their research. Depending on the school, students may have the option of earning a dual degree, such as a Juris Doctor (JD)/PhD joint degree.

Certificate Programs in Sociology

Undergraduate- and graduate-level certificates are available to students in the field of sociology. Undergraduate certificates in the field help students focus their studies in a particular area of sociology, such as social problems and public policy, diversity and inequality, or global and international sociology. Graduate-level certificates can often be completed online and could be paired with master's degree programs in other fields outside of sociology. They tend to be more general in nature and may be completed in as little as 1 year.

The cost of an associate degree program in sociology varies by school and many students need assistance paying for their education. All students should start the financial aid process by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and exploring any available federal or state loan and grant options. Then, students can begin to explore other scholarship and grant options, which may come from outside organizations or the school they plan to attend. Many times, outside organizations provide scholarships for a specific major(s), demographic, financial need, and a range of other reasons. At the associate degree level, many schools also have scholarship opportunities available. A couple of schools that have associate degree programs in sociology and offer scholarships include:

• Volunteer State Community College- Students at Vol State can apply for a number of scholarships from the school no matter their major. For instance, the school offers organizational and foundation scholarships through the College Foundation, Presidential Scholarships, and VSCC Academic Service Scholarships. These awards vary in amount and requirements. The school also has discounts or fee waivers for public teachers and other state employees.
• Gateway Community College- Students at Gateway can also apply for a range of scholarships, including the Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation Scholarships and the Emergency Student Assistance Fund.