Online Associates Degree in Sociology

Have you ever puzzled over how a group of people interacts with each other? Or contemplated how relationships work? Sociologists study all aspects of human behavior, including how people fit into society as individuals and as groups. Pursuing an associate degree in sociology opens the door to several professions, all of which focus on the fascinating question of why people act the way they do.

Earning associate degrees in sociology

Courses in a sociology degree program focus on plenty of number-crunching, reading and writing, as well as surveys, interviews and communication. Typical courses include criminology, gender roles, mass media, social problems, social psychology, research methods and more. A strong background in English, math, statistics and other fields can be helpful. Field research and internships are encouraged and sometimes required by associate degree programs.

Career options, outlook and salary

Associate degrees in sociology serve as a stepping stone to further education in a number of fields related to the discipline. In addition to finding occupations as sociologists and political scientists, graduates of associate degrees in sociology could become community organizers and activists, human service assistants, probation officers and public interest advocates. Those with an associate degree in sociology can look for work in human services, departments of corrections or administrative support; becoming a paralegal or teaching assistant could also be an option.

Work as a sociologist requires a bachelor's degree or higher, but associate degrees in sociology might offer networking opportunities and entry-level positions, for example, as a social sciences research assistant. The mean annual wage for sociologists in 2010 was $80,130, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Job growth is projected to reach 21 percent from 2008 to 2018.

Going beyond the associate degree

In most cases, sociologists must have a minimum of a bachelor's degree. Advancement in the field often requires a master's degree or higher, and most teaching positions require a Ph.D. Associate degrees in sociology can lay a firm foundation of knowledge for those who wish to pursue a higher degree or find experience in a related field. Use the associate degree to gain an entry-level position, then discover valuable work experience while pursuing the advanced education necessary to move ahead in your chosen career path.

Have you ever puzzled over how a group of people interacts with each other? Or contemplated how relationships work? Sociologists study all aspects of human behavior, including how people fit into society as individuals and as groups. Pursuing an associate degree in sociology opens the door to several professions, all of which focus on the fascinating question of why people act the way they do.

Earning associate degrees in sociology

Courses in a sociology degree program focus on plenty of number-crunching, reading and writing, as well as surveys, interviews and communication. Typical courses include criminology, gender roles, mass media, social problems, social psychology, research methods and more. A strong background in English, math, statistics and other fields can be helpful. Field research and internships are encouraged and …