Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Sociology helps you both understand and change the world you live in. The study of sociology links together the social, economic, political, cultural and ecological aspects of a changing global society.

Sociological theory and research are used in applied areas of study like

• crime and deviance
• family and gender studies
• environmental and health issues
• agriculture and food
• technology and the information society
• race and ethnic relations
• organizations and bureaucracies

Sociology also helps us understand human spirituality, social class, inequality, and the impact of poverty on the individual, family, and society. Topics in Athabasca University’s online Sociology program include

• power
• inequality
• racism
• the family
• aging
• crime
• deviance
• Globalization
• social movements
• Technology / information technology
• religion/spirituality

As a Sociology student, you will also develop a greater appreciation and understanding of non-western, non-capitalist world views and social practices.

Why take the Bachelor of Arts?

The Bachelor of Arts strengthens critical and creative thinking through a broad range of social, political and cultural studies. The program is designed to

• broaden your perspective on local and global affairs
• encourage community and social involvement
• prepare you for lifelong learning and occupational diversity

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• Use their sociological imagination to explain the significance of social class, gender, race and ethnicity to the opportunities and outcomes of community, family, and individual life experiences.
• Apply concepts, terminology, theory, and research methods to conduct research, analyze quantitative and qualitative data, critically evaluate published research, and develop sound and critical sociological lines of argument.
• Use university level information literacy skills, academic integrity standards, and sociological theories, insights, and concepts to communicate information, arguments, and analysis accurately and reliably, in written work, to professional, specialist, and non-specialist audiences.
• Apply sociological principles and theory to work to transform the family, community, work, and political/governance environments in a local and/or global context, in line with sociological insights and scientific knowledge.
• Identify theoretical and topical linkages between sociology and other related areas of discipline and use that awareness to learn and draw insight from other relevant disciplines (e.g. psychology)

Possible career options

• Social Researcher
• Journalist
• Human Services Worker
• Police Officer
• Early Childhood Development
• Correctional Officer (Guard, Parole Officer, Probationary Officer)
• Counsellor
• Therapist
• Policy Researcher
• Teacher
• Special Needs
• Caregiver
• Community Organizer
• Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Worker
• Industrial Relations Officer
• English as a Second Language (ESL)Teacher

Note: If you are looking to become a register Social Worker, a Bachelor of Social Work is usually required. For more information, please read "How to Become a Social Worker".

• Completion of high school in an English-speaking country.
• Completion of 15 university credits from a recognized English-speaking university, or 1 year at a non-university post-secondary institution with an overall average of 75% (GPA of 3.0).

English is the language of instruction and communication in SCIS graduate programs.

Proficiency in English is an essential requirement for admission to SCIS graduate programs. Although working and studying online requires a different level of English language skills than does the classroom situation, students must nevertheless be able to communicate effectively with faculty, administration, and with other students.

For more information on the English Language Prociency Requirements for Graduate Studies please refer to the AU graduate calendar.

• Minimum score of 6 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Minimum score of 60% on the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL).
• Minimum score of 80 on the Michigan English Language Battery (MELAB) test.
• Minimum score of 59 on the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
• Minimum score of 213 on the computer- or paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), with 4.5 on the Test of Written English (TWE).
• Minimum score of 80 with an essay score of 20 on the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).
• Successful completion of AU’s English Language Proficiency Program with an overall average of 75% (GPA of 3.0).
• See the English Language Proficiency Requirements Policy for further details.

How to apply

You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.

• How to enrol in an undergraduate program

Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.