Sociology associate degrees are strong access points into a career in sociology. These degrees provide comprehensive studies on social sciences and their relevance in society. If you are searching for the right sociology associate degrees, consider the guide below.
In this article, we’ll discuss top sociology associate degree programs and the best colleges for sociology associate degrees. Plus, we’ll consider the sociology associate degree requirements that are necessary to qualify for these programs, and list high-paying jobs that are open to associate degree holders in sociology.
What Is Sociology?
Sociology is a scientific study that examines the causes and consequences of human social behaviors in social institutions. The University of North Carolina writes that sociology analyzes diverse aspects of social interactions across a variety of subjects, including family, religion, race, culture, prejudice, crime, and poverty. Essentially, sociology is the study of society.
What Is a Sociology Associate Degree?
A sociology associate degree is a two-year degree covering multiple principles in sociology and is available to individuals as a form of post-secondary study. Sociology students focus on numerous topics across the field of sociology, from behavioral sciences and comparative sociology to criminology and immigration sociology.
Sociology, at an associate level, focuses on the fundamentals. However, an associate sociology degree program opens many career opportunities to individuals who have completed the program. While it is not as in-depth as a four-year college degree, it is a suitable, lower-cost alternative with the potential for lucrative job placements within different paths of sociology.
Sociology Associate Degree Requirements
Most institutions request proof of graduation from a high school, such as a high school diploma or GED to qualify for a sociology associate degree program. If you have an associate degree from an accredited college, this is even better. In addition, you must provide relevant transcripts from previous levels of education.
In addition, some colleges might also require proficiency in the English language, and students must be at least 18 years old before commencement. Apart from these education requirements, you should ensure to begin and complete registration in due time. Early registration enables you to take advantage of available financial plans and scholarships.
How Much Does a Sociology Associate Degree Cost?
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that the cost of two-year programs, including associate degrees, as of 2019 to 2020, is $11,391. This value comprises tuition, dorms, and boards. However, the average cost of tuition alone is $3,621.
Sociology Associate Degree Financing Options: How to Pay for Your Associate Degree
There are many financing options available to individuals who can’t afford their tuition. Thankfully, people can access grants at different levels, from the federal to the state and the institutional levels. Also, you can take advantage of student loans that have flexible payback plans.
Best Sociology Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| College of New Caledonia | Associate of Arts Sociology | The Accreditation Council For Business Schools and Programs |
| Fullerton College | Associate of Arts in Sociology | The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
| Guilford Technical Community College | Associate of Arts in Sociology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Hesston College | Associate Degree in Sociology | The Higher Learning Commission |
| John Wood Community College | Associate of Arts in Sociology | The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools |
| Lamar College | Associate of Arts in Sociology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Lorain County Community College | Associate of Arts in Sociology | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Midlands Technical College | Sociology Associate Degree | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Moorpark College | Associate in Arts in Sociology | The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
| West Hills College – Coalinga | Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Social Sciences | The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
Best Colleges for Sociology: Top Sociology Associate Degree Programs
Below, we discuss some of the best colleges to consider for an associate sociology degree. The majority serve as a transfer degree for further study, while others are a stepping stone to career advancement in general.
Associate of Arts in Sociology | College of New Caledonia
Starting with about 250 students in 1969, this institution has grown to have a student community of 148,000. Associate degrees from the College of New Caledonia enable students to transfer to public and private universities for higher-level degree programs. Program participants will learn about social relationships and public relations regarding social sciences.
Associate of Arts in Sociology | Fullerton College
Taking an associate degree program in sociology at Fullerton College will expose you to the fundamentals of various fields of study while affording you employment opportunities. Topics in the curriculum range from the sociology of gender and age to the sociology of race and ethnicity. Sociology majors at Fullerton can transfer to reputable four-year colleges and other learning institutions, furthering their experience in sociology.
Associate of Arts in Sociology | Guilford Technical Community College
From 1958 to now, Guilford Technical Community College has grown to provide up to 80 programs. Its associate degree launches students interested in liberal arts and prepares them for a well-rounded education in a related four-year degree in a university. Upon completion, they can major in political science, anthropology, economics, and business.
Associate Degree in Sociology | Hesston College
Hesston College provides a community to develop people’s social, academic, and religious lives. Within the first year of study, you will complete college coursework comprising sociology, psychology, humanities, and politics. The second year covers the same topics with an in-depth approach to theoretical coursework.
Associate of Arts in Sociology | John Wood Community College
John Wood Community College came to be in 1974 and has produced many professionals over the decades. Its associate program teaches students to study the patterns of interaction among humans. Students learn, through experiments, to examine various levels of social stratification. After earning this degree, they can transfer to a four-year college to advance their study through a higher-level degree.
Associate of Arts in Sociology | Lamar State College
Lamar State College creates opportunities for people who wish to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. This professional degree consists of four semesters with compulsory courses and electives, including extra participation activities. It focuses on social problems, human sexuality, government, mathematics, and other forms of related sociological theories and concepts.
Associate of Arts in Sociology | Lorain County Community College
For over 50 years, the Lorain County Community College has prepared individuals for both advanced courses in sociology and the job market. This two-year program comprises human services, social sciences, psychology, and other aspects of sociology like anthropology, archeology, and other social theories.
Sociology Associate Degree | Midlands Technical College
Midlands Technical College examines core courses in social sciences that enable students to understand complex social issues. It builds their analytical skills and prepares them for a variety of positions in sociology including positions in the medical field, health services, criminal justice, social justice, social services, and other societal services people require. With knowledge from this program, you can work in government, law enforcement, journalism, and marketing.
Associate in Arts in Sociology | Moorpark College
Moorpark College’s associate program teaches people to understand elements that describe social phenomena in social groups and respective institutions. This educational journey begins with an introduction to sociology and progresses to sociological analyses, psychology, criminology, and religion, with an emphasis on patterns.
Associate Degree in Liberal Arts and Social Sciences | West Hills College, Coalinga
Located in California, West Hills college provides various two-year programs and career growth into rewarding career fields across a variety of career paths. This program, in particular, focuses on behavioral sciences and social works. Students learn the fundamentals governing human behavior and interaction, including an analysis of consumer behavior and human behavior consequences.
Best Online Sociology Associate Degree Programs and Schools: Overview
| School | Program | Accreditation |
|---|---|---|
| Albany State University | Associate of Science in Sociology | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Berkeley City College | Associate of Arts in Sociology | Middle States Commission on Higher Education |
| Foothill College | Associate of Arts in Sociology | Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
| Front Range Community College | Associate of Arts in Sociology | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Lorain County College | Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Moberly Area Community College | Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Science | The Higher Learning Commission |
| Nashville State Community College | Sociology Associate of Arts or Associate of Science | Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges |
| Southern New Hampshire University | Associate Degree in Liberal Arts | The New England Commission of Higher Education |
| Woodland Community College | Associate of Arts in Sociology | Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges |
| Xavier University | Associate of Arts in Sociology | The Higher Learning Commission |
Best Colleges for Sociology: Top Online Sociology Associate Degree Programs
Apart from attending traditional schools, you can take online courses through online learning platforms to earn your associate degree in sociology. Below are the top online sociology programs at an associate level. An online associate degree from these reputable colleges provides equal opportunities to sociology students who can’t attend traditional associate degree programs.
Associate of Science in Sociology | Albany State University
This online associate program empowers you to major in specific areas of sociology, especially medical sociology, making it perfect for the pursuit of careers in healthcare. In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of human interactions, including cultural, family, and gender studies. The curriculum also covers minority relations and social psychology through an online format.
Associate of Arts in Sociology | Berkeley City College
Berkeley City College provides support and educational opportunities to its diverse student community. Its Associate of Arts in Sociology comprises four semesters and a wide range of applied arts and sciences courses relevant to the social science field, from statistics and research methods to sociology of gender and politics.
Associate of Arts in Sociology | Foothill College
With Foothill College’s Associate of Arts in Sociology, you will gain foundational knowledge of social structure, stratification, ethnicity, and globalization. This online program, taught by experienced sociology professors, allows for a college transfer or career advancement in journalism, public relations, business, and public administration.
Associate of Arts in Sociology | Front Range Community College
Front Range Community College is committed to providing academic success and a well-rounded education to sociology students. This two-year online program exposes you to social factors affecting behavior in society. It also channels you towards earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology to pursue your career goal upon completion.
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Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences | Lorain County Community College
This course covers a wide variety of specialized courses, with majors in social and behavioral sciences, arts and humanities, and natural sciences. As per the graduation requirements, students must complete up to 36 to 40 credit hours in the transfer module. Upon completion, students have access to multiple career development opportunities and advanced degrees.
Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Science | Moberly Area Community College
Moberly Area Community College enables students to advance their studies to qualify for careers in sociology. Upon completing this online sociology degree, students will have gained comprehensive knowledge of social and behavioral science and humanities and they’ll be eligible participants for transfer to other learning institutions.
Sociology Associate of Arts or Associate of Science | Nashville State Community College
Nashville State Community College offers associate degrees in arts or science to people who wish to use their semester credits to advance to four-year colleges for full-time study. Through online portals, the curriculum covers aspects of sociology, including behavioral economics, cultural studies, political sociology, public issues, and social philosophy.
Associate Degree in Liberal Arts | Southern New Hampshire University
Southern New Hampshire University prides itself in producing students with industry skills from its associate program. This online degree teaches students the theoretical and technical skills needed to interpret humanity and social interactions, through analytical and problem-solving skills.
Associate of Arts in Sociology | Woodland Community College
This online associate program begins with an introduction to sociology and then progresses to the sociology of gender, sex, family, and marriage. This academic program also covers statistics and research methods. Students who complete this program’s educational requirements can qualify for roles in education, social work, community involvement, criminology, and urban planning.
Associate of Arts in Sociology | Xavier University
This associate program, taught by professionals in sociology, covers various sociology majors and comprises compulsory and elective courses. Students must complete 64 credit hours to earn their degree. This AA in sociology focuses on understanding social behavior and social causes.
What’s the Average Sociology Associate Degree Salary?
According to ZipRecruiter, the annual average salary for people with an associate degree is $45,989. However, with an additional degree, you can qualify for higher positions with higher-level pay and better rewards. Your associate degree is just a career stepping stone to achieving your goals and long-term skill development.
Top Sociology Associate Degree Jobs and Salaries: Overview
| Sociology Associate Degree Jobs | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Human Resources Manager | $121,220 |
| Management Analyst | $87,660 |
| Market Research Analyst | $65,810 |
| Public Relations Specialist | $62,810 |
| School and Career Counselor | $58,120 |
Best Sociology Associate Degree Jobs Explained
Human Resources Manager
- Average Salary: $121,220
- Job Outlook: 9%
- Number of Jobs: 14,800
- Highest-Paying States: New Jersey; New York; Washington, DC
Human resources (HR) managers generally serve as the link between management and employees, performing a variety of tasks. They coordinate the workforce of an organization and conduct recruitment and oversee the selection process. They are also concerned with determining and structuring employer benefit programs. HR managers can work in business organizations, government agencies, and community services.
Management Analyst
- Average Salary: $87,660
- Job Outlook: 14%
- Number of Jobs: 99,400
- Highest-Paying States: New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey
Management analysts, otherwise known as management consultants, provide expert advice to an organization on improving overall efficiency. They also consider financial data and implement new strategies to increase profit and optimize system operations. A management analyst is a business professional that can have an illustrious career in a for-profit or non-profit organization.
Market Research Analyst
- Average Salary: $65,810
- Job Outlook: 22%
- Number of Jobs: 96,000
- Highest-Paying States: Washington, New Jersey, Delaware
Market research analysts make forecasts after studying market trends. They look out for potential opportunities and give their expert opinion on how best to harness them. These analysts work with all forms of data to understand consumers’ engagement with products and make a positive impact on businesses.
Public Relations Specialist
- Average Salary: $62,810
- Job Outlook: 11%
- Number of Jobs: 29,200
- Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Washington, California
Public relations specialists act as representatives for individuals, groups, and organizations before the public. They are also called communication or media specialists because they communicate opinions between the public and respective bodies through different forms of media. Due to the personal responsibilities you’ll have in this role, having an outgoing personality would be advantageous.
School and Career Counselor
- Average Salary: $58,120
- Job Outlook: 11%
- Number of Jobs: 35,000
- Highest-Paying States: New Jersey, Virginia, Massachusetts
School and career counselors help students and clients determine their career fit. In education, a counselor is an academic advisor that collaborates with staff and parents to enable students to handle the daily stresses of education and plan their career and academic goals. They give expert opinions on relevant skills to learn that will prepare students for the real world. A school counselor may work in a middle school or high school.
Should You Get an Associate Degree in Sociology?
Yes, you should get an associate degree in sociology if you’re looking for affordable programs in sociology. An associate degree in sociology is strong enough to launch you into your preferred career path. Apart from fast-tracking your availability in the job market, you can transfer to four-year colleges for a bachelor’s degree.
In addition, associate degree holders can diversify into different areas like community informatics, global studies, political sociology, and victimology. Essentially, there are many things you can do with a sociology associate degree.
Sociology Associate Degree FAQ
No, a sociology associate degree is not equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Associate degrees hold almost the same potential as bachelor’s degrees and provide access to learn various industry skills. Associate holders understand the core of sociology and readily apply their knowledge to study human behaviors, social institutions, and social interactions. However, specific classes and capstones are missing in the curriculum.
Yes, you can get a job with an Associate Degree in Sociology. People with associate degrees have access to exciting career opportunities. Sociology graduates can work as career counselors, public relations specialists, domestic violence advocates, and human resources managers. In most cases, your experience is what matters, and associate degrees in sociology will open up a network of sociology professionals, helping you start your career.
Typically, it takes about two years to complete an associate degree program in sociology as a full-time student. However, your school curriculum and career goals largely determine the duration.
Yes, an Associate Degree in Sociology is worth it, because there are many job openings for associate degree holders in sociology, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a five percent employment growth projection for sociologists. This type of degree affords you lucrative careers in sociology and related fields, helping you pursue a long-term career option.
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