Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Degree Overview
For a successful career in environmental studies, you need a broad foundation of knowledge in key areas like science, economics and how humans fit into the natural world. Virginia Wesleyan University’s online environmental studies degree provides a well-rounded education to complement your passion for the issues facing our environment. By studying topics that emphasize the interdisciplinary nature of the field, you will be able to apply what you learn in the workplace.
Our online bachelor’s program emphasizes real-world skill development along with flexibility, so you can complete your education in a format that works for you. VWU’s expert instructors have years of experience in their fields, so you gain the knowledge you need to excel in your career after graduation. Whether you choose to pursue environmental science, corporate sustainability, conservation or another discipline, this degree program prepares you for a career that makes a positive impact on our world.
Program Details
- 01/27/2025
Next Start Date - 128
Total Degree Credit Hours
- Program Length
Finish in as little as 24 months - $399
Cost Per Credit Hour
- 40
Major Credit Hours
Course Information
General Education is the component of the degree that all students share. The requirements include both a scholarly core experience and a broad array of courses from across the university. The core provides students a common sequence of courses that form a foundation for their education and that will serve them throughout their lives. The breadth requirement ensures a well-rounded education.
The major is a component of the degree that a student chooses: a major requires students to take a deep dive into the complexities of knowledge within a particular area of inquiry and to understand the methods and tenets of a discipline or interdisciplinary field. A major consists of a guided program that builds from gateway or intermediate courses to at least five advanced courses.
- SOC 100 - Introduction to Sociology (4 credits)
- SOC 345 - Foundations of Sociology (4 credits)
- SOC 350 - Introduction to Social Research (4 credits)
- SOC 353 - Applied Sociology OR SOC 480: Senior Research Project (4 credits)
- SOC 488 - Senior Capstone (4 credits)
- Further Requirements:
- Two additional sociology courses at the 300 or 400 level. (8 credits)
- Three additional courses at any level, including those from the allied course list. (12 credits)
- SOC electives:
SOC 110, 215, 227, 237, 251, 303, 308, 311, 336, 351, 360, 400, 418, 460.
*Students seeking an applied emphasis should consider taking these courses. - Internship (optional): (10 credits)
SOC 483: Internship Preparation - AND - SOC 484: Internship in Sociology
Suggested Allied Courses (see advisor):
ENVS 106: Humans, the Environment & Sustainability
INST 123: Service Learning in Hampton Roads
INST 124: Service Learning and Issues of Civic Engagement in Hampton Roads
GEOG 112: Cultural Geography - OR - GEOG 113: Human Geography
SW 361: Human Sexuality
SW 402: Women on the Brink
HIST 366: Holocaust
MATH 210: Introductory Statistics - OR - MATH 310: Statistical Models
PHIL 272/372:Beyond the Western Tradition - OR - PHIL 292/392: Alternative Futures
POLS 103: Global Realities - OR - POLS 353: Globalization & its Discontents
PSY 227: Social Psychology
RELST 116: World Religions
RELST 140: Religion in American Culture - OR - RELST 250: Religion & Popular Culture
SPAN 210: Hispanic Myths/Rituals - OR - SPAN 265: U.S. Latino Culture
TH 375: Images of Women in Theatre & Film
Career Outcomes
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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.
Why VWU Online
Successful Alumni
More than 90 percent of our alumni are working or in graduate school within 1 year of graduation.
Highly Qualified Faculty
90 percent of our professors have attained the highest degree in their fields.
Military-Friendly
Virginia Wesleyan University is a Yellow Ribbon school, and we have a dedicated Veterans Service Team.
Streamlined Admission
Admission decisions are made on the basis of a review of the applicant's undergraduate transcript. No SAT, ACT, or GMAT required!
How to Apply
Admission Requirements
- 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 cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Financial Aid
There may be financial aid options available to you when you apply for an online program at Virginia Wesleyan University.
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