B.A. in Sociology Overview
Understanding what drives human behavior can empower professionals in every industry. Now, you can study the science behind personal relationships and social change in Virginia Wesleyan University’s online sociology degree program. Take part in an active learning experience that explores social processes and connections between individuals, organizations and communities.
In this sociology degree program, you’ll gain applied knowledge about the dynamic factors that motivate people and reshape cultures. All coursework takes place online while providing direct experience with real-world sociology concepts via community-focused projects. You’ll learn from engaged faculty with regional and global expertise informed by backgrounds in NATO, law enforcement and more.
Virginia Wesleyan University’s B.A. in Sociology degree offers hands-on learning to help you build skills for careers in sociology and beyond. What’s more, this sociology degree program explores a diverse range of subjects, preparing you to pursue graduate study in social work, public health, business and law.
- Next Start Date:July 3, 2023
- Total Degree Credit Hours:128
- Program Length:As short as 24 months
- Cost Per Credit Hour:$399
- Major Credit Hours:40
Who Is Our B.A. in Sociology For?
- You’re ready to build skills desired by businesses and nonprofit organizations.
- You want to experience an immersive education and continue your studies in a business, social work or public health graduate program.
Start Your Journey

Career Outcomes For students who earn a B.A. in Sociology, career options span an array of specialties.
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Public Administration
Local and national governments must consider how policies may impact individuals and society. Apply your sociology expertise to help shape public programs that promote social well-being.
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Health Administration
Hospitals and other health care providers play central roles in every society. In VWU's online sociology degree program, you can prepare for careers in public health to ensure medical systems serve the needs of all individuals.
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Business Leadership
Skills that lead to success in sociology and business professions go hand in hand. Learn what motivates workforces as you prepare for business management roles. Plus, earning this degree paves the way for you to earn an MBA.
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Sociology
After graduation, continue your education in a master's degree program to qualify for research positions at universities, government agencies and health care organizations. This field had a median salary of $82,050 in 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Additionally, employment demand will grow as much as 9 percent from 2018 to 2028.
Admission Requirements
To be considered for admission to the online sociology degree program at Virginia Wesleyan University, students must meet these guidelines:
- Complete our online application.
- Applicants who have not yet completed 12 semester hours of college work must submit an official high school transcript and SAT/ACT score, and an official college transcript from all colleges and universities previously attended. Applicants who have not taken an SAT or ACT may be admitted on the basis of an evaluation of high school coursework. Applicants who are not high school graduates may be admitted on the basis of GED test results.
- Applicants who have successfully completed 12 or more semester hours of college work must submit official college transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Generally, individuals transferring to Virginia Wesleyan must present a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.
Tuition Costs & Financing
Virginia Wesleyan University has one of the most affordable online sociology degree programs in the region, as the cost per credit hour is only $399. Financial aid and financing options are available for those who qualify.
Members of the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) will also receive $150 reduction in cost per credit hour.
Course Information Each course is 4 credit hours.
- Core Requirements:
- SOC 100 - Introduction to Sociology
- SOC 345 - Foundations of Sociology
- SOC 350 - Introduction to Social Research
- SOC 353 - Applied Sociology
- SOC 488 - Capstone in Sociology/Criminal Justice
- Further Requirements:
- Two additional sociology courses at the 300 or 400 level.
- Three additional courses at any level, including those from the allied course list.
- Explore general education requirements
Why Virginia Wesleyan Online?
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Successful Alumni
More than 90 percent of our alumni are working or in graduate school within 1 year of graduation.
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Highly Qualified Faculty
90 percent of our professors have attained the highest degree in their fields.
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Military Friendly
Virginia Wesleyan University is a Yellow Ribbon school, and we have a dedicated Veterans Service Team.
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Streamlined Admission
Admission decisions are made on the basis of a review of the applicant's undergraduate transcript. No SAT, ACT, or GMAT required!
Why Study Online? Taking sociology courses online is different from working in a classroom setting. Here’s what you can expect.
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Structure Your Week
You have control over when you study in your online sociology degree program. You'll probably spend 18 to 24 hours per week on coursework to complete your degree in 24 months.
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Talk to Your Instructor
In this sociology degree program, you will have access to your instructor when you need help, via Blackboard. Your online instructors will let you know when they can answer questions, help you through challenging tasks and point you in the right direction.
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Work with Classmates
Pursuing a bachelor's in sociology degree from home doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Other students will take part in your class discussions, and you can connect with them on Blackboard throughout the program. Your classmates can be a great source of ideas and understanding.

Yellow Ribbon
Virginia Wesleyan University is a military friendly school. In addition to providing veteran support services to our students, we participate in the Yellow Ribbon program. With this program, you can use your Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits to pay for all VWU tuition and fees.

Accreditation
Virginia Wesleyan University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate masters degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Virginia Wesleyan University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).