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Online Bachelor’s in Sociology Program Guide
We designed the Maryville University online bachelor’s in sociology to put you in charge of your career. Choose Maryville University and access a highly adaptable, practical degree. Select courses that support your passion and leverage your research to spark meaningful change in today’s complex society. The future belongs to those who bravely believe they can make an impact in society.
Start your journey
At a glance
Apply with no application fee or entrance exam requirements.
Access 100% online coursework and digital tools to conduct research and data analysis.
Choose a general track or one of three concentrations: Criminology, Social Justice, or Social Work.
Complete an optional research project.
Curriculum
Maryville’s online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology comprises 128 credit hours and includes coursework in general education, your sociology major, and your concentration or general electives. You will also have the opportunity to gain real-world experience by undertaking an optional internship.
Required Sociology Major Courses
Your sociology major comprises two required courses totaling 6 credit hours: Introduction to Sociology (SOC 101) and sociological Theory (SOC 401). An 18-credit Social Science Research Sequence is also required. The sequence comprises coursework in critical thinking, statistics, and research. It culminates in a senior experience in which you will design and conduct your own original research project under the guidance of a faculty member. Choose from three 15-credit concentrations (listed below). Alternatively, you can personalize your experience to fit your interests by choosing any two 100- or 200-level courses and three 300- and 400-level courses. All courses are 3 credit hours.
Criminology
Take CRIM 102 and choose 4 other courses.
- SOC 305: Family Violence Through the Lifespan
- SOC 322: Criminological Theory
- SOC 323: Juvenile Delinquency
- SOC 485: Race, Ethnicity and Crime
- SOSC 495: Internship
Social Work
Take SWRK 101 and choose 4 other courses.
- SWRK 101: Introduction to Social Work: Professionalism and Ethics
- SOC 305: Family Violence Through the Lifespan
- SOC 323: Juvenile Delinquency
- SOC 328: Mental Illness and Society
- SOC 340: Social Aspects of the Aged
- SOC 350: Sociology of Health and Health Care
- SOSC 495: Internship
Social Justice
Take SOC 201 and choose 4 other courses.
- SOC 201: Social Issues in a Changing World
- SOC 328: Mental Illness and Society
- SOC 330: Human Sexuality
- SOC 340: Social Aspects of the Aged
- SOC 382: Social Class in Society
- SOC 385: Exploring Race & Ethnicity in America
- SOSC 495: Internship
To ensure the best possible educational experience for our students, we may update our curriculum to reflect emerging and changing employer and industry demands.
Admission requirements
- High school diploma or GED
- Minimum GPA for freshman applicants: 2.5 on a 4.0 scale*
- Minimum GPA for college or university transfer applicants: 2.0 on a 4.0 scale*
- Official transcripts from all colleges or universities previously attended
- Official high school transcript (required for applicants with fewer than 60 transfer hours from a regionally accredited school)
- Eligible transfer credits accepted; associate degree completion may satisfy general education requirements
- No standardized tests required
*Applicants who do not meet the GPA requirement may be considered for provisional admission.
Explore our additional resources to help guide your admission journey.
Accreditation and rankings
Why Maryville Online?
We’ve been progressively challenging the norms of higher education for nearly 150 years. We started as one of the first universities to educate women. Today, we continue to push the boundaries and prepare students like you for a digital world. At Maryville, we understand what it takes to step beyond your comfort zone.
Maryville University is a nationally ranked private college recognized for comprehensive and innovative education focused on student learning, outcomes, and success — both online and on campus. We’re located just 22 miles from downtown St. Louis.
Enhance your skills. Broaden your career.
Top 4 skills you can develop:
- Analytical skills
- Research and presentation
- An understanding of current social issues
- Build a foundation for continued education
Top 4 careers you can pursue:
- Social service specialist
- Community service manager
- Adoption specialist
- Crime victim advocate
Start your journey today
Learn more about the Maryville University online bachelor’s in sociology.