Athabasca University

Programme overview

Athabasca University’s BA in Sociology is offered fully online with both a 3-year (concentration) and a 4-year (major) route. The program explores how social, economic, political, cultural and ecological factors shape societies and equips students to use sociological theory and research in applied contexts. There are no set start dates; you may enrol and register for courses at any time, and there is no time limit for program completion.

What you'll study

Coursework combines sociological theory, research methods and applied topic areas. Explicit topics listed by the program include:

• power and inequality
• racism
• the family
• aging
• crime and deviance
• globalization
• social movements
• technology and the information society
• religion and spirituality

The program also emphasizes understanding non-Western and non-capitalist perspectives and uses sociology in applied fields such as crime and deviance, family and gender studies, environmental and health issues, agriculture and food, technology, race and ethnic relations, and organizations.

Entry requirements

There are no formal admission prerequisites for either the 3-year or 4-year option. Applicants must be at least 16 years old. You can apply online at any time and begin registering in courses once your application and the one-time general application fee are processed.

Career prospects

The program prepares students for a range of occupations where understanding social processes is valuable. The university cites pathways into education, social work and urban planning and notes applied relevance to sectors addressing crime, health, environmental issues, technology, and organizational analysis. The 3-year concentration is described as a marketable credential but does not provide direct entry to graduate-level studies; the 4-year major is intended to prepare students for most graduate programs and allows minors or double majors (subject to meeting requirements).

Scholarships & funding angle

Athabasca University provides various funding and award options to support students. Tuition at AU is charged per course on a pay-as-you-go basis after the initial application fee; estimated program costs are available in the AU Calendar. The university also considers transfer credit and Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) which can reduce the number of courses required; a minimum of 30 AU credits must be completed if transfer credit is applied.