Key takeaways
- Online sociology degrees offer greater flexibility and accessibility to students.
- An online degree is ideal for those balancing full-time jobs with college, or living in remote areas.
- Accreditation ensures the credibility of online sociology degrees. It is also a necessity for financial aid, possible transfer of credits, and career opportunities.
- Sociology degree jobs are diverse. The job variety and prospects do not differ for online sociology degree graduates.
- Most colleges do not mention the mode of delivery on a college degree. Therefore, there is no difference in on-campus and online degree.
- Despite differences in delivery, core concepts and learning outcomes remain consistent between online and on-campus sociology degrees.
- With a sociology degree, you may be able to explore jobs in various industries such as government organizations, private corporate organizations, educational institutes, counseling agencies, and law firms.
Colleges in Florida, like the University of Florida — online, are offering on-campus and online sociology degree programs for various reasons. Similarly, you will find colleges in California, as well as colleges in New York offering a range of online flexibility options.
Colleges now realize the increasing need for students to also work full-time jobs and be able to afford college. Plus, commuting is now much more inconvenient and costly than it used to be before. With technology making connectivity and communication so easy, very well-renowned and accredited colleges now offer online sociology degrees.
We all know how much of our lives have gone digital already. However, it was not until COVID-19 came and even our education systems digitized. From online classes in 2020 to virtual graduation ceremonies, online education quickly became a norm.
Now, even though the world has gone back to normal, online education is still flourishing. Even on-campus programs are utilizing a mix of multimedia technologies and adopting a more “hybrid” model to make learning easier.
Without a doubt, earning a sociology degree either online or on-campus could be the most feasible and convenient option for aspiring sociologists who work full-time jobs, or are restricted due to their location.
A big question mark is often placed on online degrees and their credibility. Aspiring Sociologists may also wonder about the job opportunities with sociology degrees that would be available for them if they pursue the program online.
To answer all such questions, clear out misconceptions, and help you make an informed decision for your career, here is everything compiled together!
Understanding online sociology degrees
An online sociology degree is offered by many colleges in the U.S. An online sociology degree is only different from a conventional degree in terms of the mode of delivery. How course content is taught and delivered over an online channel is what differentiates an online degree from an on-campus one.
Several accredited colleges offer online sociology degrees. There are some important characteristics and uses of an online sociology degree that you must know about:
Flexibility
The degree is conducted online or virtually. It utilizes tools like video conferencing platforms and collaborative whiteboards to allow classroom-style learning. In some cases, teachers also record their online lectures, so their students can watch the recordings later at their convenience.
All of these factors add to making online sociology degrees flexible and convenient for students and teachers alike.
Accessibility
Speaking of virtual access to class learning, online sociology degrees are extremely accessible. Students residing in rural areas with limited college options, or traveling for work and personal reasons, can acquire their online sociology degree from anywhere.
Self-paced learning
Teachers can plan out the course learnings and lectures as per requirements. They can host online classes and record lectures, so students watch and learn at their own pace. Most importantly, online sociology degrees require online submissions of assignments and projects, independent of the teacher’s availability or the student’s ability to commute to the college campus. This allows students and teachers to enjoy self-paced and independent learning.
Use of technology
One of the best things about an online sociology degree is that it is modern and according to today’s day and age. Students today are habitual in using technology for small tasks in their daily lives, such as setting reminders for daily chores.
When we put these gadgets and technologies to use for studying and learning, there will be greater comfort and motivation. Using technology while getting a sociology degree online will definitely enrich the learning experience and make the whole process efficient for both students and teachers.
Online sociology degree vs. on-campus traditional college education
Certainly, some colleges offer on-campus and online sociology degree programs, both. If you are torn between the two options, here is what you must know.
Is on-campus learning better?
Many arguments support the benefits of on-campus sociology degree learning, be it any field of study or program. Here is how on-campus learning is better.
Classroom learning environment
On-campus learning happens in a closed classroom environment where the teacher leads the entire class and teaches them following a fixed schedule. The student-to-faculty ratio can vary from one college to another. However, a generally healthy ratio is 14:1, which can be more or less depending on several factors.
Face-to-face interaction
Within a classroom setting, students and teachers are face-to-face. This in-person interaction allows both parties to communicate better. Not only that, but teachers can then remember the faces of students and attach them to their performance, so they can offer help and recognition based on how well they perform.
Social dynamics
A classroom setting is also a social institute. The social institute teaches students how to maintain decorum and behave in certain settings and conditions. This helps improve the fabric of society.
Networking opportunities
For professional reasons, networking with teachers and class fellows is important in the long run. With networking opportunities, you can also stay in contact after graduation and use connections to land a good job.
Faculty interaction and support
Online programs limit the interaction between faculty and students. This can lead to many problems. With on-campus learning, faculty is more readily available.
Availability of professors
The availability of professors on campus is more instant and direct. In online settings, most of the time, the students have to wait for an appointment to meet their professors.
Communication channels
Online programs require multiple online communication channels. However, on-campus education only has in-person communication, which is more effective and builds long-term relationships.
Feedback mechanisms
Lastly, on-campus teachers provide in-person feedback for work and learning progress. This makes it more comfortable and allows students to ask questions more openly.
What are the similarities between online and on-campus sociology degrees?
After all, online and on-campus sociology degrees have the same ultimate goal — to teach students and aspiring sociologists the important social theories and concepts they can apply to the world around them.
Both types of degrees vary in terms of mode of delivery, but the important aspects all remain the same. Both types of degrees have a teacher and several students.
The teacher leads the class full of students with various strategies that aid learning and development. Students are given projects and assignments that must be submitted at a set time.
Other than how sociology degrees are conducted online and on-campus, the most important similarity between the two include:
Core concepts
Wherever and however you study sociology, the core concepts will remain the same. Whether the teachers share handwritten notes or utilize virtual tools to deliver notes and lectures, they will always be teaching the same core concepts.
All the books, whether hard copies or online PDFs, have the same societal core concepts and similar explanations of social issues and stratification.
In the end, no matter whether you graduate with an online sociology degree or an on-campus program, you will essentially be equipped with the same sociology core concepts and knowledge.
Course materials
One big misconception some students may have is that online degrees have different course materials. That is not true. All the physical books you can find in your nearby library or bookshop are almost all available as e-books and PDFs online now.
Not only that, but even on-campus lectures are not using multimedia technologies like YouTube videos and slideshows to teach in classrooms. Therefore, these are the same tools, methods, and materials used for teaching an online sociology degree.
Differences between online and on-campus sociology degrees
While there are important similarities between the two, let’s not overlook some important differences between online and on-campus sociology degrees.
Delivery methods
As we mentioned earlier as well, both types of degrees offer the same course material and core concepts, but the delivery methods vary. On-campus sociology degrees deliver content through in-person class lectures, utilizing multiple modes of communication including whiteboards, handwritten notes, practical experiments, and even online or virtual course material like PDFs.
Depth of discussion
Depth of discussion is an imperative part of a sociology degree. This is because the subject focuses on critical issues and social theories that need a thorough understanding. An in-depth discussion is a lot more likely to happen in person due to the free flow of communication. Online sessions have limited interaction, and some of them are recorded, so there is no real-time interaction happening.
Assignment and activities
Due to it being physical and in-person, an on-campus sociology degree allows students to indulge in hands-on practicals and experiments rather than theoretical assignments. Theory assignments and submissions are more common in online degree programs.
Is there accreditation and credibility for online college degrees?
The U.S. Education Department emphasizes a lot on college accreditations to ensure success and growth for the students.
An accredited college degree is better in many ways, regardless of the mode of delivery (online or on-campus). Accreditation agencies, responsible for evaluating and assuring quality in educational institutes, all have varying credibility.
Accreditation is also the key for students to get government-funded financial aid to pursue higher degrees. Without accreditation from a nationally recognized agency, financial aid may not be a possibility.
Plus, transferring credits from one college to another that does not have any credits is also a lot of trouble. You will find many colleges in Idaho, and other states with accredited colleges.
Accreditation of online sociology programs
Some accreditations are national, some are regional, and some are programmatic. For programmatic accreditations for an online sociology degree, look for the following two:
- Commission on the Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology (CAPACS)
- Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology
Recognized accrediting bodies
Accreditations are granted to schools and programs by various agencies. Here are some of the most highly reputable and recognized accrediting bodies you need to look for:
- The WASC Senior College and University Commission
- The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
- The New England Commission of Higher Education
- The Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- The Higher Learning Commission
What are the perceptions of online degrees?
People often perceive online degrees to be inferior to on-campus or conventional degrees. However, times have changed dramatically since COVID-19. People have rapidly adapted to a fully remote lifestyle where they engage with technology almost all the time in their lives.
It’s come to a point that even on-campus degrees are utilizing online methodologies and enjoying the benefits of an online delivery model.
1. Employer attitudes
The U.S. Career Institute reports that most employers do not treat graduates from online programs differently. In fact, most of the resumes don’t mention the mode of degree (online or on-campus) and only mention the college name. This takes employer perception and bias out of the equation.
The important thing to remember here is that you must never stop working on your skills. An accredited college will always provide top-tier education and learning, be it on-campus or online.
2. Social stigma
There is still some social stigma around online degrees, in any field of study. Many people perceive online degrees to be fake, or easy to acquire. However, online degrees are accredited, competitive, and require a lot of self-learning and time management skills.
What are the learning outcomes and skills gained from an online sociology degree?
Wondering what skills you develop with an online sociology degree?
The skill set and learning from an online sociology degree is the same as those of an on-campus degree. Here is what you can expect from a sociology degree:
Knowledge acquisition
Firstly, sociology degrees take you deep into theoretical social concepts and ideas. They explore the theories proposed after years of studying and experimenting by famous Sociologists including Karl Marx, Max Weber, and more.
Through the lens of these theoretical learnings and knowledge, you can develop a deeper understanding of society and social problems.
Critical thinking and analysis
Following your understanding of theoretical concepts and ideas, you also tend to develop critical thinking and amazing analytical skills. Reading and comprehending everything that the theories tell you helps you evaluate real-life problems and situations. A theoretical framework also contributes to developing better problem-solving skills.
Communication skills
A sociology degree requires you to read a lot. You will have to read book chapters, theories, experiments, and many such course materials on multiple occasions. When you read, you also help yourself improve your writing skills.
Thanks to a sociology degree, you could excel in written communication. However, the knowledge you gain by reading and writing on sociological matters, also helps you improve your communication skills. You can communicate your arguments better, participate in debates, and engage in important discussions about society with all the information you have.
Practical considerations before pursuing an online sociology degree
Which degree you want to pursue and from which college — are two very important and big decisions that you must take carefully. You need to consider a range of factors that can really change the entire academic journey for you.
So, before you decide to pursue an online sociology degree, make sure you have considered the following:
Cost and affordability
As we discussed earlier as well, accreditation for any college or program is very important. Accreditation allows you to opt for the U.S. Government financial aid and overcome monetary roadblocks in your higher education.
Online sociology degrees tend to be slightly cheaper since you barely utilize any resources on campus. Plus, the cost of education goes down drastically when you take it from the comfort of your home and don’t need to travel to campus every day.
So, whether you decide to earn a sociology degree online or on-campus, make sure to consider the costs involved and compare them thoroughly.
Time commitment
Most of the undergraduate schools offering sociology degrees offer a 4-year program. However, some colleges and mostly community colleges offer a 2-year program that can be later transferred to a public or private institution.
You need to assess your life circumstances and existing commitments before you commit to any undergraduate program that demands more than 2 years. Colleges tend to have low graduation rates due to this reason, as students commit to a program that goes on for a long duration.
What are the career opportunities and advancement with an online sociology degree?
Job prospects with an online sociology degree are not different from those of an on-campus degree. The online sociology degree is just as well-reputed and accepted as an on-campus one.
In fact, most people who graduate from online sociology undergraduate programs get their degrees and certificates with just the college name, and not the mode of delivery (online or on-campus). As a result, mentioning or specifying whether the degree was earned online or on-campus is not as important as you might think.
Job prospects
After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, you will find your career opportunities to be diverse. As a sociology graduate, you might as well find jobs in human resources.
Some of the career opportunities will include jobs at:
- Government organizations
- Non-profits
- Private corporate organizations
- Educational institutes
- Counseling agencies
- Law firms
Some professions and job titles a lot of sociology graduates have worked as include:
- Research assistant
- Case manager
- Data analyst
- Surveyor
- Interviewer
- Journalist
- Editor and publisher
- Social worker
- Social advocate
- Human resource specialist
- Urban planner
- Training specialist
- Career coach
- Parole officer
Further education
Other than diverse job opportunities, earning a sociology degree also opens gates for further education. In fact, most sociology graduates tend to continue their education and complete their Master’s and PhD. According to BLS, a lot of sociology jobs at entry level require a Master’s.
More importantly, you can change or combine your sociology career trajectory by opting for higher studies in complementary disciplines like criminology.
Some education streams you can pick to continue higher studies after your bachelor’s in sociology include:
- Master’s in Social Work (MSW)
- MBA in Human Resources
- Master’s in Sociology: Policy Making
- Master’s in Teaching/Education
- Master of Public Health
- Master of Public Administration
- Master’s in Criminal Justice
- Master’s in Journalism
Reap the benefits of a flexible and convenient online sociology program!
In conclusion, any people misjudge online degrees and might not consider them as serious as on-campus or conventional degrees. If you are considering pursuing a bachelor’s in sociology online, make sure you have looked at important factors that include:
- Accreditation
- Duration of program
- Faculty members
- Cost and affordability
An online degree is much more flexible and convenient. It allows students to learn at their convenience and is ideal for those doing full-time jobs. Online degrees are also accepted and recognized by most employers and colleges for post-grad education. Therefore, you will not have a shortage of opportunities just because you earned your degree virtually.
There are important pros and cons that you must consider. Online degrees limit the interaction and in-person feedback exchange between students and faculty. Plus, you will have fewer chances to network with your classmates. Networking can help you land jobs and get referrals in the future.
Before you finally opt for an online sociology degree, make sure you have gone over the aforementioned factors. Look into the most commonly asked questions about a bachelor degree in sociology, so that you know what to expect from your online or on-campus program.