Online Associates Degree in Sociology - Best of 2025

Compare Popular Online Sociology Programs

Overview of an Associates in Sociology

As more people use the internet and technology as a way to interact and connect, professionals in sociology are becoming increasingly important. A sociology education is also becoming more accessible through online learning platforms that provide courses or whole programs through online portals that allow students to attend from anywhere. With an Associate in Arts or Associate of Science in sociology, a two-year degree, students will be able to gain entry into this illustrious career. An associate sociology degree program will cover a wide range of general education courses and educational requirements such as math, science, foreign language, literature, and more. Most people use this degree as a career steppingstone. Upon graduation, sociology students can complete essential work experience while they also work toward earning a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree for career and salary advancement. To accomplish this goal, be sure that your two-year associate degree has a curriculum that is regionally accredited and accepted by regionally accredited colleges and universities. This will save you time and money in the end and shouldn't affect the way you choose to attend. Even online courses and online programs can gain regional and programmatic accreditation.

A sociology degree program at this level, whether it is an Associate in Arts or an Associate of Science - an on-campus degree or online sociology degree, will allow students to get a start on their core courses in social and behavioral science. Some of the courses students might take will cover subject such as the following.

Psychology
The Study of Human Behavior
Social Science
Human Service and Social Services
And More

Get Matched With Sociology Colleges

PROS

An Associate of Arts or Associate of Science in sociology degree is a fast way for graduates to gain necessary experience in sociology while completing a bachelor’s and/or taking care of personal responsibilities, such as paying for living expenses, caring for your family, and participating in community activities. Most people who start with an associate degree have significantly less debt than those who complete a bachelor’s to begin. If you did not have spectacular grades in high school, an associate degree is an ideal way to start your higher learning education, as schools that offer associate degrees, even online, often have lower GPA standards. You will also discover which areas of sociology you would like to pursue as a long-term career option (such as psychology and human behavior or social service) during your time completing an online or traditional associate degree and working in the field, rather than speculating through just theoretical coursework, and you will begin to develop your network of sociology professionals at a much earlier stage in your career. This can prove priceless as you seek greater career opportunities once you complete a higher-level degree, whether that is a bachelor's sociology degree or master's degree from a sociology program.

CONS

Those who earn an associate degree in place of a bachelor’s will earn less money and have limited career opportunities in the social science field. You will have to complete a bachelor’s for career advancement and, in some cases, even for entry-level jobs. An associate sociology degree may also restrict your ability to complete some professional certificates in social and behavioral science that are necessary for long-term skill development. In some cases, an online or traditional associate degree from some colleges and universities will render your credits non-transferrable to higher-level degree programs. It's also important to note that, if you choose to pursue an associate degree in sociology before a bachelor’s, it can take you significantly longer to achieve higher-level pay and positions; and, if you decide to move into a position that requires a master's or doctoral degree later, it will take you that much longer to earn that higher-level degree.

Search Programs

Top 25 Best Online Associate in Sociology Programs

Foothill College

Score: 84.44

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $1,565
- Out-of-State: $12,320
Net Price: $11,013
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 100%

Graduation Rate: 57%
Total Enrollment: 12,434
Undergrad Students: 12,434
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $48,800
Student-to-faculty: 25:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

Alexandria Technical & Community College

Score: 75.96

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,213
- Out-of-State: $6,213
Net Price: $13,655
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 2,865
Undergrad Students: 2,865
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $43,400
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

City College of San Francisco

Score: 75.63

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $1,696
- Out-of-State: $14,656
Net Price: $8,569
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 16,134
Undergrad Students: 16,134
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $47,200
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

Alvin Community College

Score: 71.9

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,058
- Out-of-State: $4,330
Net Price: $7,354
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 61%

Graduation Rate: 29%
Total Enrollment: 5,411
Undergrad Students: 5,411
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $43,500
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Lamar State College-Orange

Score: 70.77

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,832
- Out-of-State: $13,824
Net Price: $2,321
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 26%
Total Enrollment: 2,682
Undergrad Students: 2,682
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $38,600
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

Sinclair Community College

Score: 69.92

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,569
- Out-of-State: $8,316
Net Price: $5,830
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 30%
Total Enrollment: 17,591
Undergrad Students: 17,591
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $37,700
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Lincoln Land Community College

Score: 69.31

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,960
- Out-of-State: $10,248
Net Price: $4,265
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 40%
Total Enrollment: 4,444
Undergrad Students: 4,444
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $30,300
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Northland Community and Technical College

Score: 68.65

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,262
- Out-of-State: $6,262
Net Price: $13,100
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 40%
Total Enrollment: 2,495
Undergrad Students: 2,495
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $42,300
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Community College of Baltimore County

Score: 67.97

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,474
- Out-of-State: $10,880
Net Price: $6,850
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 52%

Graduation Rate: 16%
Total Enrollment: 15,319
Undergrad Students: 15,319
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $46,100
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

Tulsa Community College

Score: 67.53

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,768
- Out-of-State: $9,720
Net Price: $4,471
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 58%

Graduation Rate: 24%
Total Enrollment: 14,391
Undergrad Students: 14,391
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $38,700
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

Massachusetts Bay Community College

Score: 65

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,616
- Out-of-State: $10,560
Net Price: $6,872
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 54%

Graduation Rate: 18%
Total Enrollment: 3,497
Undergrad Students: 3,497
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $41,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Saddleback College

Score: 64.94

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $1,432
- Out-of-State: $13,732
Net Price: $6,940
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 46%
Total Enrollment: 16,660
Undergrad Students: 16,660
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $27,500
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

Barton Community College

Score: 63.76

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,904
- Out-of-State: $4,832
Net Price: $9,073
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 50%

Graduation Rate: 41%
Total Enrollment: 4,269
Undergrad Students: 4,269
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $33,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

Carl Albert State College

Score: 63.47

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,230
- Out-of-State: $8,707
Net Price: $6,110
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 50%

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 1,823
Undergrad Students: 1,823
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $28,700
Student-to-faculty: 25:1

Murray State College

Score: 62.81

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $6,630
- Out-of-State: $10,830
Net Price: $11,807
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 31%
Total Enrollment: 2,282
Undergrad Students: 2,282
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $38,800
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

Rio Salado College

Score: 62.63

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State: $8,958
Net Price: $6,834
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 60%

Graduation Rate: 10%
Total Enrollment: 17,078
Undergrad Students: 17,078
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $45,300
Student-to-faculty: 28:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

South Texas College

Score: 62.57

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,220
- Out-of-State: $7,500
Net Price: $1,692
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 26%
Total Enrollment: 27,894
Undergrad Students: 27,894
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $27,800
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

Eastern Oklahoma State College

Score: 62.51

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,767
- Out-of-State: $8,384
Net Price: $7,323
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 50%

Graduation Rate: 30%
Total Enrollment: 1,238
Undergrad Students: 1,238
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $33,900
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

Lansing Community College

Score: 62.38

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,520
- Out-of-State: $11,030
Net Price: $4,371
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 19%
Total Enrollment: 9,573
Undergrad Students: 9,573
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $31,700
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Columbus State Community College

Score: 61.23

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,338
- Out-of-State: $10,917
Net Price: $6,964
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 26%
Total Enrollment: 25,129
Undergrad Students: 25,129
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $32,500
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Scottsdale Community College

Score: 60.59

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,358
- Out-of-State: $8,958
Net Price: $13,627
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 63%

Graduation Rate: 22%
Total Enrollment: 7,065
Undergrad Students: 7,065
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $42,600
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

College of Southern Nevada

Score: 59.6

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,110
- Out-of-State: $12,209
Net Price: $7,685
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 17%
Total Enrollment: 28,901
Undergrad Students: 28,901
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $34,100
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

View All Their Popular Majors and Rankings

Union County College

Score: 59.53

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,500
- Out-of-State: $9,500
Net Price: $7,399
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 35%
Total Enrollment: 7,796
Undergrad Students: 7,796
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $27,400
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

Mendocino College

Score: 59.23

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $1,423
- Out-of-State: $8,893
Net Price: $12,439
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 50%

Graduation Rate: 31%
Total Enrollment: 3,554
Undergrad Students: 3,554
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $36,300
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Front Range Community College

Score: 59.12

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,740
- Out-of-State: $16,974
Net Price: $9,186
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 27%
Total Enrollment: 19,449
Undergrad Students: 19,449
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $34,200
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

Certificate vs. Associates

An online associate sociology degree is required for entry-level positions in sociology including social services, human resources, and marketing. To be able to complete a certificate in sociology, you will be required to have completed some courses in sociology, such as those completed during your online or on-campus associate degree program: psychology, the study of human behavior, social science and social and behavioral science, social service, general education course, etc. Other certificate programs will require a bachelor’s degree or a master’s degree. Certificates are often used by employers and professionals as a supplemental tool to improve your skill set in a specialized area of the field. A certificate degree will often take a year; however, many online and other certificates in sociology programs will allow you to take longer than a year to complete if you are a working professional.

What Sociology Associate Degrees are Available Online?

An online associate degree in sociology is considered more of an academic sociology degree rather than a professional degree. The end goal for most online associate degrees in sociology is to continue your educational journey with a bachelor’s degree in sociology or a related field. Many graduates will pursue careers in business, counseling, education, health and medicine, journalism, law, marketing, politics, and social work.

Online Associate of Arts (AA) in Sociology:
An AA in Sociology is often pursued by individuals who wish to become an educator, nurse, business professional, or a logistician. You might also have to complete some foreign language courses, science, and math. To graduate, you will also have to choose a variety of electives. Due to the course requirements, students can often find these degrees online.
Online Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences (AAAS) in Sociology:
An AAAS in Sociology will often focus on writing, mathematics, presenting, social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences. These degrees provide an excellent balance of liberal arts and technical skills, including analysis and communications. While applied degrees are often more difficult to find online, this type of degree is fairly common in an online format.
Online Associate in Science (AS) in Sociology:
An AS in Sociology is designed for students who wish to gain a high-level understanding of social behavior in a group setting and those in pursuit of careers in social sciences. You might focus on social interactions, environmental influences, and group dynamics. While many science-focused degrees require at least some in-person learning, these degrees can often be found online or with mostly online components.

Sociology Educational Admission Requirements

You will have to possess a high school diploma or its equivalent to be eligible for any sociology associate degree program. The minimum GPA will be established by the school you attend. The more reputable the program the higher the GPA requirements. The GPA minimum might range between a 2.0 and a 3.0. As associate degrees become more popular, these degree programs are becoming more competitive. It is a good idea to have as many extra participation activities as possible to add to your application such as community involvement, contributions to social causes, and extracurricular activities. For those students who wish to attend online, they will need to meet the same document requirements as non-online students.

Search Colleges Offering Online Sociology Associates

How long does it take to earn a Sociology Associates Online?

The vast majority of online associate degrees in sociology will last two years as a full-time student. If you are unable to participate in a program full time, it will take longer. In some instances, you can complete a degree in less time by completing online or traditional summer courses. Keep in mind that not all colleges and universities offer summer courses and some courses may only be available during certain terms. Be sure to plan your course selections ahead of time to prevent missing required courses during a designated term.

Potential Careers in Sociology with an Associates

Employment, Recruitment, and Placement Specialists
An employment, recruitment, and placement specialist must enjoy working with people and have an outgoing personality as they will often be required to speak with strangers and be the one to initiate conversations to find the best candidates for employment positions.
Average Income: $46,100
Substance Abuse Counselor
A substance abuse counselor is a rapidly growing career due to the ever-expanding various mental health issues, increasing daily stresses, and prescription drug addiction crisis. You will be responsible for identifying problems, creating treatment plans, leading therapy sessions, meeting with family members, and teaching coping mechanisms.
Average Income: $39,900
Social Worker
A social worker is a broad title for individuals who work in human services. You might work in any number of areas, such as domestic abuse, social justice, homelessness, welfare, food insecurity, and much more. You might work for the government or a non-profit organization.
Average Income: $48,000
Market Research Analyst
A market research analyst will compile and analyze various data components of both consumers and competitors to provide clients or employers with a competitive advantage. You will establish the products and services people desire, the demographics of the individuals who will buy them, and the right price.
Average Income: $54,400
Teacher Aide
A teacher aide works in an elementary, middle school, or high school classroom to assist a teacher. You might have a variety of tasks, including grading papers, working one-on-one with students who struggle, and supervising student behaviors.
Average Income: $20,400

Options to Advance

You will require additional education to advance your career in sociology. An online bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited school is the first place to start for career advancement and to achieve a significant increase in pay. Many people will go on to work in the medical field, become an educator, or work for non-profits. A degree in sociology is a wonderful way to help others in need. More recently, some people are using this degree to succeed in marketing, public relations, and advertising through the analysis of consumer behavior. If you wish to work in research or become a professor, you will require a master’s or doctorate degree.

Best Online Associate in Sociology Degrees for 2025

Compare Popular Online Sociology Programs

Overview of an Associates in Sociology

Get Matched With Sociology Colleges

PROS

CONS

Search Programs

Top 25 Best Online Associate in Sociology Programs

Alvin Community College

Lamar State College-Orange

Sinclair Community College

Lincoln Land Community College

Northland Community and Technical College

Tulsa Community College

Massachusetts Bay Community College

Saddleback College

Carl Albert State College

Murray State College

Lansing Community College

Columbus State Community College

Scottsdale Community College

Union County College

Mendocino College

Front Range Community College

Certificate vs. Associates

What Sociology Associate Degrees are Available Online?

Sociology Educational Admission Requirements

Search Colleges Offering Online Sociology Associates

How long does it take to earn a Sociology Associates Online?

Potential Careers in Sociology with an Associates

Options to Advance

sources:

Search All Programs