Bachelor of Science in Sociology Online

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Gain a scientifically based understanding of social life, social change, and the causes and consequences of human behavior within a broadly based liberal arts education.

Apply by: 2/23/26
Start class: 3/19/26

Program Overview

Learn more about the Bachelor of Science in Sociology online program

The Bachelor of Science in Sociology online degree program from Lamar University offers an exploration of the structures, forms and dynamics of human interaction. Emphasizing research methods, you will test hypotheses, conduct analyses and evaluate information. By critically exploring social and cultural issues and trends using empirical research, you will become skilled at evaluating societal needs and how those needs might inform public policy.

By studying topics ranging from mob rule to intimate family dynamics, as well as issues of diversity, religion, education and culture, you will be prepared for a wide range of career paths. Sociology majors often go on to establish rewarding careers in variety of professions including law, business administration, health, politics, urban planning, city government, counseling and human resources, advertising and marketing, public relations and the media, criminal justice, education, and the nonprofit sector.

In this program, you will learn:

  • A solid foundation in sociological theory, research methods and data analysis skills
  • Ample knowledge in the fields of criminology, gender, culture, social movement, social psychology, marriage and family, and education, amongst others, that will provide students with training and skills for the workforce or advanced studies upon graduation
  • A solid foundation in sociological theory, research methods and data analysis skills
  • Ample knowledge in the fields of criminology, gender, culture, social movement, social psychology, marriage and family, and education, amongst others, that will provide students with training and skills for the workforce or advanced studies upon graduation

Career areas:

  • Counseling
  • Political analysis
  • Human resource management
  • Advocacy
  • Counseling
  • Political analysis
  • Human resource management
  • Advocacy

Also available:

Lamar University offers a variety of specialized bachelor’s program options. Check out our other online undergraduate programs.

Per Credit Hour $314*
Transfer Credits Up to 90 hours
Credit Hours 120**

*Price includes distance learning fee.

Apply Now

Need More Information?

Call 866-223-7675

Call 866-223-7675

Tuition

Choosing our online degree is cost effective

The following is the tuition breakdown for students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Sociology online. Our tuition is affordable and can be paid by the course.

Financial Aid

Ready to get started on your degree program online but need help finding ways to fund your education? We can help you discover student financing sources that include grants, loans and other payment options. Learn more about financial aid here.

Tuition breakdown:

Per Credit Hour $314*

Calendar

Our course schedule is designed for flexibility

Our Bachelor of Science in Sociology online program features multiple start dates to accommodate your busy schedule. Find the start date that works best for you and apply before the application deadline associated with it.

8 week coursesProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Spring I1/20/2612/30/251/6/261/13/263/13/26
Spring II3/19/262/23/263/2/263/10/265/6/26
Summer I5/26/265/5/265/12/265/19/266/30/26
Fall 18/18/267/28/268/4/268/11/2610/9/26
Fall 210/12/269/21/269/28/2610/6/2612/10/26

Now enrolling:

Apply Date 2/23/26
Class Starts 3/19/26

Have questions or need more information about our online programs?

Ready to take the rewarding path toward earning your degree online?

Admissions

Read about the admission criteria for this online sociology program

The Bachelor of Science in Sociology online program has specific requirements that applicants must meet to enroll. Please read the admission guidelines to ensure you qualify.

Admission Requirements:

  • Online Application
  • Official Transcripts

  • Complete online application and pay an application fee of $25
  • Submit official transcripts from all high schools, colleges, and universities you have attended
    • All transcripts are required regardless of accreditation. Only regionally accredited institutions will be eligible for transfer credit.
  • Be eligible to re-enter all colleges and/or universities previously attended
  • Verify specific requirements associated with chosen degree program

High school graduates who have not attended college before are considered entering freshmen, even if they received college credit while in high school through dual credit, AP or IB programs. Transfer students with fewer than 18 hours of college credit also must meet admission requirements for entering freshmen.

Incoming freshmen must do the following to qualify for unconditional admission to Lamar University:

  • Receive a diploma from an accredited high school
  • Complete at least 14 high school credits in college preparatory courses: 4 credits in English, 3 credits in mathematics, 2 credits in laboratory sciences, 2.5 credits in social sciences (U.S. history, U.S. government, and world history or world geography) and 2.5 credits in college preparatory electives (preferably including 2 credits of foreign language)
  • Meet the test-optional admission criteria, or achieve a minimum composite score on the ACT or SAT through the secondary review criteria. (Click here for criteria).
  • Submit your high school transcripts via Trex, Speedy, Escript or as a PDF from your high school counselor to lubound@lamar.edu.

Applicants for the BS in Sociology program must meet the university's standard requirements for admission.

Send all required documents to:

Lamar University Online Admissions
Office of Admissions
LUAP
PO Box 10009
Beaumont, TX 77710

OR

Submit electronically to luadmtran@lamar.edu

* All applicants must submit official, sealed transcripts from each institution attended to the Admissions Office. All degrees must be from a regionally accredited institution. Send transcripts to: Lamar University, P.O. Box 10017, Beaumont, Texas 77710

Check to see if the program is offered to residents in your state before applying by clicking here.

Courses

Gain the knowledge you need from the online B.S. in Sociology curriculum

The Bachelor of Science in Sociology program gives you a solid foundation in sociological theory, research methods, data analysis skills, and sufficient knowledge in the fields of criminology, gender, culture, social movement, social psychology, marriage and family, and education. You will gain training and skills for the workforce or advanced studies upon graduation.

Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides different perspectives on global health and stratification. Various issues on health, human rights, global public health and environment influence will be covered in the course.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course applies sociological principles to the numerous explanations of and potential solutions to contemporary social problems. The course seeks to develop critical thinking skills in addressing social concerns ranging from drug addiction and violence to inequalities of class, race, and gender.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This class critically examines traditional and contemporary families including controversies regarding single-parent families, alternative lifestyles, working women, reproductive rights, father's rights, and their public policy implications.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines the impact of race and ethnicity upon the distribution of power, opportunity and privilege in a global world. Major theoretical perspectives on racial and ethnic prejudice and discrimination will be examined along with diverse patterns of interracial and interethnic contact, which develop in different societies.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
From a social constructionist view of gender, this course examines the ways in which masculinity and femininity are constructed in Western society as well as the different forms it takes around the world.
Duration: 10 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Study of the social and demographic influences on health and disease, social epidemiology, health care professions, alternative medicine, the US health care system and crisis, and health care systems in other societies.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The objective of this course is to provide theory and research to the student to examine human interaction within social relationships at the advanced level. Topics include socialization, communication, group dynamics, altruism.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Study of city growth and urbanization in the United States and the world, the urban ecological structure and process, urban sprawl, education, crime, transportation and various urban problems.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Theory and research that examines historical and current patterns of social inequality, class, differentiation and mobility. Power, status and socioeconomic variations among groups and populations are explored. Prerequisite: SOCI 1301 or approval of instructor.
Duration: 8 & 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An overview of major subjects in sociology, including sociological perspective, culture, social interaction, social stratification, gender, race and ethnicity, social groups, organizations, family, religion, population, urbanization and social changes.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Nature and significance of criminality; significance of race, ethnicity and gender on arrest statistics, perceptions, and public knowledge of crime; etiology of illegal behavior; trends in social reactions to crime and criminals; evolution of biological, psychological, and sociological theories of criminal behavior.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An overview of the criminological theories regarding juvenile offending and the juvenile justice system. Attention is given to the history, development, and roles of theoretical positions and practices in the areas of juvenile delinquency.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to theories, concepts, and issues of population study, with emphasis on trends, compositions, and implications of social problems.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Development of social theory from the perspectives of early thinkers, such as Comte, Spencer, Durkheim, Weber and Marx to contemporary schools of functionalism, conflict, interactionalism, feminism, exchange and postmodern theory. Prerequisite: SOCI 1301 and 6 credit hours of sociology advanced course.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Philosophy and methods of social research, including research design, methods of data collection, data analysis and uses other sources of social data. Qualitative and quantitative techniques of inference, analysis and research writing. Prerequisites: SOCI 1301, PSYC 2317 or MATH 1342.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Basic concepts and statistical techniques for applied social research. Introduction to use of SPSS statistical software to data entry and statistical analysis, including correlation, bivariate analysis, and multivariate analysis. Prerequisite: SOCI 1301 and PSYC 2317 (or MATH 1342).

Students will work with their advisor to choose 15 credit hours of advanced Sociology electives. 

Students will work with their advisor to choose 18 credit hours, nine of which must be at the 3000-4000 level to meet minor requirements. If the student is not pursuing a minor, they may replace this requirement with 18 additional elective credits

Students will work with their advisor to choose 12 elective credit hours, including 6 hours from either ANTH, SOWK, or CRIJ electives. 

Communication - 6 Hours
Mathematics - 3 Hours
Life and Physical Sciences - 6 Hours
Language, Philosophy and Culture - 3 Hours
Creative Arts - 3 Hours
American History - 6 Hours
Government/Political Science - 6 Hours
Social/Behavioral Sciences - 3 Hours
Component Area Options - 6 Hours

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks

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