We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Home

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Different Types of Sociology Programs?

M.C. Huguelet
By
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 7,639
References
Share

Sociology is the study of various institutions and realities that exist within and affect the organization of human society, such as gender, religion, race, or class. Those who wish to work in the field of sociology will likely need to complete a degree in the area. The most common types of sociology programs are the Bachelor of Arts (BA), the Master of Arts (MA), and the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD). These programs vary in difficulty, length, and the range of careers they prepare graduates for.

Many colleges and universities offer sociology programs at the undergraduate level, leading to a BA degree. These programs typically require four years of full-time study, and may be completed on a traditional college campus or, less commonly, through an online program. Some BA in sociology programs require students to specialize in a specific area of sociology, such as aging or social inequalities, while others provide a general overview of the field. A BA program typically involves completion of a number of sociology classes as well as some electives in other areas. While a BA in sociology may prepare students for some entry-level sociology careers, a graduate degree is often necessary to advance in this field.

Graduate sociology programs include the MA and the PhD. An MA in sociology generally takes two to three years of full-time study to complete. Most programs require students to specialize in a particular area of sociology, and they usually must complete classes in this area as well as study research methods. Toward the end of an MA in sociology program, students are generally required to complete a major research project or a thesis. Those with an MA in sociology may qualify to work in a variety of areas, such as high school teaching, research, and public policy creation.

Of all sociology programs, the PhD in sociology is the most time-consuming and rigorous. Like most PhD programs, it can take five years or more to complete. Students generally spend the first few years completing seminars on various sociological topics. They then choose an area of specialization and carry out original research in that area, writing up their findings in a dissertation that must be defended before a committee. After completing a PhD in sociology, graduates may be eligible for a number of positions, such as teaching at the college level, working as counselors, or taking on a wide variety of research roles.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
M.C. Huguelet
By M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide range of publications, including WiseGeek. With degrees in Writing and English, she brings a unique perspective and a commitment to clean, precise copy that resonates with readers. Her ability to understand and connect with audiences makes her a valuable asset to any content creation team.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
M.C. Huguelet
M.C. Huguelet
Cate Huguelet, a Chicago-based freelance writer with a passion for storytelling, crafts engaging content for a wide...
Learn more
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-types-of-sociology-programs.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.