Bachelor of Sociology at The Ohio State University
Study Sociology at The Ohio State University, a Bachelor degree offered on the Columbus campus in United States of America. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 4 years to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The next intake is scheduled for August 24, 2027.
About Bachelor of Sociology
Sociology
Degree: BS, BA
Campus: Columbus, Mansfield
College: Arts and Sciences
Sociology is the study of group life. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations and societies. The goal is to understand the characteristics, causes and consequences of human behavior and social relationships in various kinds of groups and settings. Because human behavior is diverse, the field of sociology covers a diversity of subjects. Sociologists may specialize in the family, the urban community, education, health and medicine, social movements, deviance, crime and law, religion, politics, work and occupations, sports and leisure, race and ethnic minorities, gender and sex roles, or other areas of human behavior. Sociology is a liberal arts/social science major that provides graduates with the scientific tools and the perspective necessary to better understand social issues and complex societal problems.
Get started
Upon admission to the university, students can declare a major in sociology within the College of Arts and Sciences.
For students interested in majoring in sociology, the first step is to see an undergraduate advisor in the Department of Sociology to plan course work for the major and the completion of the general education requirements.
Curriculum
Core requirements Â
As a prerequisite to declaring a major in sociology, students must complete Sociology 1101: Introduction to Sociology. This three-hour course may be taken concurrently with other lower-level sociology courses. Students majoring in sociology must complete the following core requirements:
- Sociology 3463: Social Stratification: Race, Class and Gender
- Sociology 3487: Research Methods in Sociology
- Sociology 3488: Introduction to Sociological Theory
- Sociology 3549: Statistics in Sociology
Additional sociology courses
Students majoring in sociology also must complete a minimum of 24 additional credit hours of course work in sociology, including a minimum of 12 hours of 4000- or 5000-level sociology courses. Sociology students are also required to complete either a research or internship experience. Students should consult with a sociology advisor to develop a plan of study that is appropriate for meeting their academic and career interests and goals.
The sociology major offers both BA and BS options. The BS allows for advanced study in one of three focus areas: Population Dynamics and Wellness; Criminology, Law and Society; and Social Inequality.
Study abroad
Students are encouraged to participate in one of the Department of Sociology's two education abroad programs, Genocide and its Aftermath in Rwanda and the Warsaw Summer School in Social Sciences. The department's faculty are also currently developing additional education abroad programs for the future.
Internship
The Department of Sociology has developed a strong internship program. Sociology students may augment their course work with career-related internship and volunteer field experiences. Students participate in community-based experiences at settings such as the American Red Cross, the Ohio Department of Youth Services and various state senators' offices. Students can receive credit for their internship experiences.
Honors and Scholars
Honors students who pursue a major in sociology can enroll in Honors-specific courses, conduct research with faculty, attend departmental forums and engage in intellectual discussions as a member of the honors community. The following courses all have Honors sections:
- Sociology H1101: Introduction to Sociology
- Sociology H2367.01: The Political Elite and Interest Groups
- Sociology H3410: Criminology
- Sociology H3463: Social Stratification: Race, Class and Gender
- Sociology H3487: Research Methods in Sociology
Honors students are exposed to research in several ways. Most courses at the 4000 level and above require students to read and critique research articles. Relationships developed in class lead many students to become involved in faculty-led research projects or conduct their own independent research (senior Honors thesis) under the supervision of a faculty advisor.
Research
Current undergraduate research assistants are working on faculty-led research projects such as Amish Directory Data, Understanding the Changing Perception of Student Loans, Strike Activity in the United States, and the National Sport & Society Survey.
Student organizations
Sociology students can join the national Alpha Kappa Delta sociology honorary society, which hosts annual recognition events and is a forum for intellectual exchange.
Students can also participate in Sociology and Criminology Club to do service work, attend speaking events, explore careers and participate in a variety of social activities.
Possible careers
An undergraduate major in sociology is good general preparation for a variety of careers. Major sectors of employment for undergraduate sociology majors include: health and social services (in family planning, substance abuse, group work with youth or the elderly, recreation, or administration); community work (in fundraising, social service organizations or child welfare agencies); criminal justice and corrections (in law enforcement, probation and parole); the business community; and the federal, state or local government (in transportation, housing, agriculture and labor).
Many sociology majors go on to postbaccalaureate work in law, business, public administration, social work, public health and urban planning.
Many students also use the undergraduate major as preparation for graduate work in sociology. Graduate degrees lead to teaching and/or research positions in universities or colleges, governmental agencies, business and industrial firms, or research institutes in the nonprofit sector. Some sociologists are employed in clinical or applied roles and help identify problems, define their root causes and implement possible solutions.
Program objectives
Students in the sociology program will:
- develop comprehensive knowledge of the discipline of sociology;
- understand sociological theories and concepts;
- apply research methods and statistical analysis to examine social issues and complex societal problems;
- prepare for employment or graduate school through a series of academic and experiential learning opportunities.
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Sociology at The Ohio State University
Entry Requirements
Criteria of our holistic review, in no particular order.
Successful completion of university preparatory courses
High school performance (class rank or GPA), including participation in accelerated programs like Honors, AP and IB; Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for class rank or GPA
Standardized test score (ACT or SAT); Ohio State does not have minimum requirements for ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Ability and desire to contribute to and engage with a diverse campus community
Experiences that demonstrate leadership or engaged involvement (e.g., co-curricular activities, work experiences or military service)
Status as a first-generation university student
Demonstration of outstanding talent in a particular area
High school performance if adversely affected by physical, mental or learning environment factors
Eligibility for and likelihood of benefiting from organized support services at Ohio State
Enrollment in your intended major
Once it is determined that you are admissible, you will be considered for enrollment in the college of your intended major. Read about
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 6.5
- TOEFLMin 79
English Program Requirements
we require evidence of English language proficiency, unless you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Sociology at The Ohio State University
How to Apply for Bachelor of Sociology at The Ohio State University
How do I submit scores?
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.
Tips for sending scores to Ohio State
Scores must come directly from the testing agency. When you register for the ACT or SAT, indicate that you want your scores sent to Ohio State.
If you already took the test but didn't send your scores to Ohio State, you can order them for a fee. Order in advance to be sure scores reach us by the application deadline.
We must receive standardized test scores by your application deadline (either November 1 or February 1 for autumn semester applicants).
October 2 (SAT) and October 23 (ACT) are your last 2021 test dates if you want your scores to be considered for our November 1 early action deadline. Important! If you plan to test on those dates, you must request that Ohio State receive scores when you register for the test. And please note: If you choose to have your scores considered, you won’t be able to review scores from these dates prior to submitting your application by the November 1 deadline.
Applicants who will have been out of high school for two or more years by their term of enrollment are not required to submit scores.
Is the essay required?
The essay is not required for either the ACT or SAT.
Should I take a standardized test more than once?
Ohio State looks at the highest composite score from a single test date. Taking the test (and having scores sent to us) more than once, while not required, may work to your advantage.
How does Ohio State look at scores?
When considering students for admission or Honors and Scholars selection, we consider the best official composite / combined score from a single test administration. Ohio State does not mix sub-scores from multiple tests.
These items plus the Common Application (STEP 3) make up a complete application. We must receive all items by the deadline to consider your application on time.
Official transcripts
High school transcripts
Request that your high school or secondary school send transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates for coursework from the final four years (grades 9-12) to Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
Your high school counselor can upload the transcripts / documents / official copies of examination certificates using Common App, Naviance or other secure electronic delivery service.
Your high school counselor can email the transcripts to [email protected].
If electronic submission is not possible, please mail your official transcripts to our express mail address.
Faxed transcripts will not be accepted.
Foreign language documents must be translated into English by the issuing institution, an authorized translator or a teacher of the language. Any additional requirements will be posted to your Applicant Center, so be sure to check your application status regularly after you've applied.
Official ACT or SAT scores
Ohio State has adopted a TEST-OPTIONAL policy for 2022 applicants. Learn more.How do I submit my scores?
We must receive your official ACT or SAT score sent electronically directly from the testing agency. Scores from transcripts will not be considered. Read more about score requirements in STEP 1.
Optional: Recommendation from a teacher or counselor
While not required, your counselor may send a maximum of two letters of recommendation electronically through the Common Application.
If an electronic option isn’t available, your counselor may email your letter(s) to
[email protected]; the letter must include your first and last name and OSU ID number, found on the email we send acknowledging receipt of your application. Letters sent via email are subject to sender verification.
Official proof of English language skills
You must request that your testing agency send official scores electronically to Ohio State demonstrating the English proficiency level outlined below:
TOEFL (internet-based test or internet-based test Home Edition*): 79 or higher
IELTS or IELTS Indicator*: 6.5 or higher
ACT: 21 or higher on the English section
SAT: 27 or higher on the Reading Test
Duolingo*: 105 or higher
You are exempt from this requirement if you have completed three full years of school at a U.S. regionally accredited high school or if you are a citizen of, or have received a bachelor’s degree from, Australia, Belize, British Caribbean, British West Indies, Canada (except Quebec), England, Guyana, Ireland, Liberia, New Zealand, Scotland, the United States or Wales.
Ohio State has an intensive English program for students who wish to improve their language skills called the American Language Program. A separate application is required for this program. Ohio State does not offer conditional admission to students who enroll in the American Language Program.
*To accommodate applicants affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ohio State University will accept Duolingo, the IELTS Indicator and the TOEFL internet-based test Home Edition from any international student applying for spring 2022 or autumn 2022 admission. All Duolingo test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival to campus. TOEFL Home Edition and IELTS Indicator test takers are required to take an English placement exam upon arrival unless they qualify for a TOEFL or IELTS score exemption.
United States of America, Columbus