Bachelor of Science in Sociology Online
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:
12/26/24
Start class:
1/16/25
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.
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.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course |
|---|---|---|
| B.S. – Sociology | $314 | $942 |
*University fees are included in the tuition listed. University fees are able to be covered by Financial Aid if you choose to apply and are qualified.
Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice due to action by the Board of Regents or the Texas State Legislature.
Total program cost depends upon transfer hours and program advisement relevant to program requirements. For more information, contact a Lamar University enrollment specialist.
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 courses | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Payment Due | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring I | 1/16/25 | 12/26/24 | 1/2/25 | 1/7/25 | 3/7/25 |
| Spring II | 3/17/25 | 2/24/25 | 3/3/25 | 3/10/25 | 5/7/25 |
| Summer I | 5/29/25 | 5/8/25 | 5/15/25 | 5/20/25 | 7/31/25 |
| Fall 1 | 8/21/25 | 8/7/25 | 8/7/25 | 8/15/25 | |
| Fall 2 | 9/29/25 | 9/15/25 | 9/15/25 | 9/23/25 |
Now enrolling:
Apply Date
12/26/24
Class Starts
1/16/25
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected]
* 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.
SOCI 1306: Social Problems
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.
SOCI 2301: Marriage and Family
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.
SOCI 3306: Race & Ethnic Relations
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.
SOCI 3310: Sociology of Gender
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.
SOCI 3311: Medical Sociology
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.
SOCI 3315: Single Women in the US
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will explore single women population in the US from historical and cultural perspectives. How have changes in the culture of love, romance and in the institution of marriage affected single women will be discussed.
SOCI 3326: Socl Psycho & Human Interact
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.
SOCI 3330: Urban Sociology
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.
SOCI 3340: Sociology of Sexuality
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Investigates sociological explanations of human sexuality using a gender constructionist framework. Trends in sexual attitudes will be explored, along with issues of sexual expression/desire, gender socialization, sexual aggression and sexual diversity.
SOCI 3355: Sociology of Culture
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will discuss a wide range of topics from theoretical questions of what is culture and examinations of postmodern culture to specific examples such as tabloid talk shows' discussions of sex.
SOCI 3365: Social Stratification
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.
SOCI 3375: Deviant Behavior
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The objective of this course is to enable the student to examine deviance with a broader perspective and understanding. Theories of deviance, types of deviance, and the inequality inherent in the imposition of the deviant label.
SOCI 3380: Criminology
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.
SOCI 1301: Introduction to Sociology
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.
SOCI 3390: Juvenile Delinquency
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.
SOCI 4300: Seminar in Sociology
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Focuses on a selected topic of contemporary concern and significance in sociology. May be repeated for credit when topic varies.
SOCI 4301: Directed Studies in Sociology
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Individual study with a faculty member in a subject area of mutual interest. May be repeated for credit when the subject varies.
SOCI 4310: Population Problems
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.
SOCI 4320: Sociology of Education
Duration: 10 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Multicultural influences on the school system and the democratic society will be examined in this course. The course will use sociological analysis to address the major problems in schools and education today.
SOCI 4330: Comparative Family Studies
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores various sociological perspectives to integrate material on race-ethnicity, gender, class and sexual orientation on contemporary diverse families. This course will focus on the family issue from comparitive point of view. Historical and cross-cultural study will be explored to understand the impact on family across culture and time.
SOCI 4340: Change & Social Movement
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course explores how and why ordinary people erupt into the streets and try to exert power in confrontations with elites, authorities or opponents, as well as the impact these confrontations have on the public, the media and the state. The course includes historical and cross cultural research on social movement activism, mobilization, and change.
SOCI 4345: Terrorism and Political Violence
Duration: 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of selected aspects and dynamics of terrorism and political violence. Identify social, cultural, historical and technological factors that escalate conflict and fuel terrorism.
SOCI 4350: Sociology of Religion
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Using the conceptual tools of sociology, this course examines religious beliefs, practices, symbols, and rites, as well as formation of religious movements, sects, and institutionalization. All addressed will be how religion intersects with social class, gender, race and ethnicity. The material incorporates cross-cultural and historical studies.
SOCI 4365: Chinese Society
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The goal of this course incorporates both in classroom and field trips to introduce China, its history, political system, culture, economic develoment and current state of contemporary Chinese society.
SOCI 4380: Research Methods
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.
SOCI 4385: Data Analysis
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).
SOCI 4390: Social Theory
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.
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
ENGL 1301: Composition I
Duration: 8 & 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Basic forms of expository writing. Frequent themes. Collateral reading in articles and essays of a factual and informative type.
COMM 1321: Business and Professional Speech
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Application of the fundamentals of speech production to the needs of the professional person. For non-communication majors only.
MATH 1324: Mathematics for Business and Social Sciences
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The application of common algebraic functions, including polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and rational, to business, economics and the social sciences are addressed. The applications include mathematics of finance, including simple and compound interest and annuities; systems of linear equations; matrices; linear programming and probability, including simple value. Prerequisites: TSI complete or TSI exempt. Students with a TSI score of 336 or higher, or with a S in MATH 0370 may take this course with co-requisite course MATH 0224. Students who are registered for MATH 1324 and MATH 0224 are not allowed to drop these courses due to the state's TSI compliance requirements.
BIOL 2306: Environmental Science
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to contemporary environmental issues and human interactions with ecosystems. Not to be used as a biology major course.
CHEM 1306: Chemistry for Allied Health Sciences
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Survey of elementary inorganic/organic chemistry and gas laws for allied health science majors. Prerequisites: (High school chemistry or CHEM 1375 with a grade of "C" or better) and (Mathematics Readiness Score>= 700 or MATH 1314 or higher with a "C" or better).
CHEM 1308: Biochemistry for Allied Health
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Elementary survey of structure, function and metabolic processes of molecules in organisms. Designed for students majoring in health sciences. Prerequisites: CHEM 1306, CHEM 1106. Offered: Summer
CHEM 1311: General Chemistry I
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Algebra-based review of chemical laws and theory for science, engineering and preprofessional majors. Prerequisites: Mathematics Readiness Score >=700 or MATH 1314 or higher with a C or better
CHEM 1312: General Chemistry II
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A continuation of CHEM 1311. Theories of solutions, equilibrium, thermodynamics and kinetics. Prerequisites: CHEM 1311 and CHEM 1111 both with a C or better.
GEOL 1390: Intro to Environmental & Physical Geology
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is an introduction to the relationship between human activities, geologic resources and processes and environmental quality. Topics include the relationship between human populations and geologic hazards, as well as how human activities may increase the chances of geologic hazards occurring. Emphasis will be from the geologic perspective, but will include all basic sciences. Field trips are an integral part of this course. Offered: Fall, Spring
PHIL 2306: Ethics
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A historical examination of theories and principles of social and personal conduct ranging from Plato and Aristotle to Mill and Nietzsche. Applications to current issues. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 Offered: Fall, Spring.
ENGL 2300: Close Reading II
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A close reading of related themes, authors or periods and/or a close viewing of films with related themes or makers. The course will focus on literature, the arts, politics, philosophy or culture. It will not take the place of other 2000 level courses that require ENGL 1301 and 1302. It will not take the place of ENGL 1302. It is intended for students who do not take 6 hours of composition. Course may be repeated when content varies. Pre-requisite: English 1301.
SPSC 1301: Space Exploration
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is intended to provide a basic understanding of many aspects of space exploration, including discovering the physical make-up of the universe and evidence surrounding its origin, learning the discoveries made in the solar system and evidence surrounding its origin. This course in addition to lecture material will include a class project to assess teamwork skills.
ARTS 1301: Art Appreciation
Duration: 8 & 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introductory course emphasizing the understanding and appreciation of visual arts (painting, sculpture, and architecture).
COMM 1375: Film Appreciation
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey of the field of film with emphasis on current trends in cinema, past and present directors, and the historical development of film. Satisfies the Fine Arts core curriculum requirement.
COSC 1324: Introduction to Computer Game Development
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The synthesis of computer games with a focus on the artistic elements of games, including graphics, animation, audio and narrative.
DANC 2304: Dance Appreciation
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey of the art of dance and its role in world cultures, history and current issues. This course satisfies the fine arts core for non-dance majors. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
MUSI 1306: Music Appreciation
Duration: 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Survey of music for non-music students. Covers the major style periods from the Renaissance to the present with emphasis on the development of basic listening skills and critical thinking. Requires attendance at instructor-specified recitals or concerts.
MUSI 1309: Jazz History and Appreciation
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey of the development and history of Jazz as a musical form from its origins in earlier styles to the present. Covers the major styles and musicians with an emphasis on the development of basic listening skills and critical thinking. May require attendance at instructor specified recitals or concerts.
MUSI 1310: History of Rock & Roll
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey of the development and history of Rock Music from its origins in earlier styles up to the present. Covers the major styles and musicians with an emphasis on the development of basic listening skills and critical thinking. May require attendance at instructor-specified recitals or concerts. No Prerequisites.
HIST 1301: History of The United States, 1763 to 1877
Duration: 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
United States history from the revolutionary period through reconstruction.
HIST 1302: History Of The United States, 1877 To The Present
Duration: 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
United States history from the post-reconstruction period to the present.
HIST 2301: History of Texas
Duration: 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Texas history from the beginning to the present time.
POLS 2301: Introduction to American Goverment I
Duration: 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The national and Texas constitutions; federalism; political socialization and participation; public opinion and interest groups; parties, voting, and elections.
POLS 2302: Introduction to American Government II
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The legislative, executive, and judicial branches and the bureaucracy; policy formulation and implementation including civil rights and civil liberties, domestic and foreign policies.
ECON 2301: Principles of Economics I (Macro)
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Emphasizes monetary theory; national income analysis; fluctuation and growth; public finance; international trade; and current economic problems.
ECON 2302: Principles of Economics II (Micro)
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to economic principles; allocation of resources; determination of output and prices; distribution; and managerial economics.
ENGL 1302: Composition II
Duration: 8 & 15 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Forms of expository and analytical writing. Topics from composition suggested from wide reading in at least two of the three genres: prose fiction, poetry, and drama. Research paper required.
BUAL 2310: Business Analysis I
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to the quantitative methods of analysis as applied to business problems. Topics of study include collection of data, statistical description, probability theory, probability distribution, sampling theory, estimation of parameters and testing hypothesis. Prerequisite: MATH 1325 or MATH 1324.
