Sociology, BA, Online BA
Whether you’re seeking to understand social problems, drive policy changes or simply gain a deeper insight into human behavior, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology prepares you to make a difference. You can balance your studies and craft a convenient educational experience through online coursework.
With the online sociology program, you’ll develop critical thinking skills to analyze everything from government structures to how families are organized. You’ll learn how to use data to propose innovative solutions to real-world problems, like social inequality.
Learn more about undergraduate online education, including important pricing information.
Start Dates: Fall, Spring or Summer
Cost per Credit: $395 (Total Cost: $47,400*)
Credit Hours: 120 (30 Credits in Major)
*Total cost will vary based on the number of credits transferred into UWM.
Program Type
Major
Program Format
Online
Why Study Sociology at UWM?
- Learn from expert faculty who teach both online and on-campus courses.
- Develop essential career skills through Sociology 302: Professional Development for Social Science.
- Join a nationally recognized program — UWM’s online bachelor’s degrees rank as the #20 best online bachelor’s by U.S. News & World Report.
- Engage in independent study or research projects with a faculty mentor.
- Customize your degree with a wide range of elective courses.
- Apply sociological concepts and data analysis skills to local issues as you practice sociological research methods.
Financial Aid
Various financial aid options are available to support your educational journey. UWM’s Student Financial Services team will guide you through the financial aid process, helping you identify and apply for the best options to fund your bachelor’s degree.
Scholarships
UWM’s scholarships encompass a wide variety of awards, including academic excellence and need-based opportunities. Scholarship opportunities may increase with academic standing. Explore the Panther Scholarship Portal regularly as you make progress on your degree.
Admissions
Applicants must meet UWM’s general admission requirements to be considered for admission.
Curriculum
UWM’s online sociology program balances core sociological ideas with focused electives, allowing you to shape your degree to your career goals. Throughout the program, you’ll study human societies, learn to analyze social data and gain insights into pressing issues. We ensure your education remains relevant by regularly updating our curriculum to reflect current trends and new areas in sociology.
Our courses are designed to challenge and prepare you for success. Taught by faculty who are leaders in their fields, each class blends theory and real-world experiences. The coursework builds your knowledge progressively, starting with foundational concepts and advancing to complex theories and research practices.
Sociology Major Requirements
Students must complete at least 15 upper-division (numbered 300 and above) credits in the major in residence at UWM. The College requires that students attain at least a 2.0 GPA on all credits in the major attempted at UWM. In addition, students must attain a 2.0 GPA on all major credits attempted, including any transfer work.
The major in sociology requires a minimum of 30 credits including the following:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required | ||
| SOCIOL 261 | Introduction to Statistical Thinking in Sociology 1,2 | 3 |
| SOCIOL 361 | Research Methods in Sociology (satisfies L&S research requirement) | 3 |
| SOCIOL 375 | Social Theory | 3 |
| Additional Requirements | ||
| Select 21 additional credits | 21 | |
| Total Credits | 30 | |
- 1
PSYCH 210 shall be accepted as a substitute for SOCIOL 261 to fulfill the statistics requirement for students majoring in Sociology. With the approval of the undergraduate advisor, majors may substitute a different elementary statistics course from another discipline for the SOCIOL 261 requirement.
- 2
SOCIOL 261 fulfills the College of Letters & Science "Mathematics and Formal Reasoning" requirement AND the UWM Quantitative Literacy - B (QL-B) requirement.
At least 15 credits must be in upper-division (300 level and above) sociology courses taken in residence at UWM.
Students in the Schools of Education and Social Welfare should consult their programs regarding social science requirements.
Sociology courses often are cross-listed with several certificate programs and interdepartmental majors.
Declare Your Sociology Major with a Faculty Advisor
Advising for the major takes place within the department by a faculty member. Click on "Declare Your Major" to fill out an application to join the program. Then, a faculty advisor will review your transcript and reach out to you to let you know exactly where you are in your progress toward the degree. If you are unable to complete the online request form or for any other questions, please email sociology@uwm.edu.
Applicants who have not started classes at UWM yet who wish to change their major should contact our admissions counselor at let-sci@uwm.edu.
Letters & Science Advising
During your time at UWM, you may have multiple members of your success team, including advisors, peer mentors and success coaches. Letters & Science students typically work with at least two different types of advisors as they pursue their degrees: professional college advisors and faculty advisors. L&S college advisors advise across your entire degree program while departmental faculty advisors focus on the major.
College advisors are located in Holton Hall (or virtually for online students) and serve as your primary advisor. They are your point person for your questions about navigating college and completing your degree. College advisors will:
- Assist you in defining your academic and life goals.
- Help you create an educational plan that is consistent with those goals.
- Assist you in understanding curriculum, major and degree requirements for graduation, as well as university policies and procedures.
- Provide you with information about campus and community resources and refer you to those resources as appropriate.
- Monitor your progress toward graduation and completion of requirements.
Faculty advisors mentor students in the major and assist them in maximizing their development in the program. You will begin working with a faculty advisor when you declare your major. Faculty advisors are an important partner and will:
- Help you understand major requirements and course offerings in the department.
- Explain opportunities for internships and undergraduate research and guide you in obtaining those experiences.
- Serve as an excellent resource as you consider potential graduate programs and career paths in your field.
Students are encouraged to meet with both their college advisor and faculty advisor at least once each semester. Appointments are available in-person, by phone or by video.
Currently enrolled students should use the Navigate360 website to make an appointment with your assigned advisor or call (414) 229-4654 if you do not currently have an assigned Letters & Science advisor. Prospective students who haven't enrolled in classes yet should call (414) 229-7711 or email let-sci@uwm.edu.
Careers
Whether you’re interested in research, social justice, policymaking, data analysis or community development, a sociology bachelor’s degree from UWM can help you achieve your professional goals.
Previous sociology majors have gone on to make an impact in the field by using their knowledge to create positive change. Recent job outcomes for UWM sociology alumni are:
- Attorney, Amundsen Davis
- Case manager, Wisconsin Community Services
- Claims examiner, Wausau Insurance
- Compliance manager, Johnson Controls
- Development associate, Feeding America of Eastern Wisconsin
- Employee benefits specialist, Aurora Health Care
- Employment and training specialist, State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
- Employment services coordinator, Interfaith Older Adult Programs, Inc.
- Grant compliance manager, City of Milwaukee
- Guidance counselor, Chicago Public Schools
- Human resources coordinator, Northwestern University
- Human resources manager, Kohler Co.
- Marketing coordinator, Kohl’s
- Outreach manager, Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services
- Police officer, City of Milwaukee
- Program manager, UMOS (United Migrant Opportunity Services)
- Regulatory specialist, Direct Supply
- Reporter, Neighborhood News Service
- Service coordinator, Penfield Children’s Center
- Statistician, U.S. Census Bureau
- Technical writer, U.S. Bank
- Underwriter, Northwestern Mutual