A Sociology AA degree builds critical skills in analysis, communication, and ethical reasoning—valuable assets in both continued education and the workforce.
What to Expect
A Sociology AA degree is a two-year academic program designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree in sociology or a related discipline. This pathway introduces the foundational principles of sociology and prepares students to critically examine society, social structures, and human behavior.
Most programs require 60 credit hours, typically consisting of 42 general education hours and 18 credit hours focused on sociology-specific courses. Courses can often be completed online, making the program accessible and flexible.
What You Study
Students study a wide range of topics that explore individual and group behavior within societal contexts. Core courses often include Introduction to Sociology, Social Problems, and electives like Marriage and Family, Globalization, or Human Sexuality.
These classes cover themes such as race and ethnicity, gender roles, class structure, globalization, deviance, and cultural norms. Students learn to apply the sociological imagination—a skill that connects personal experiences with larger social forces—through research, data analysis, and critical thinking.
Curriculum Examples
A typical curriculum includes foundational general education courses such as English Composition, College Algebra, Statistics, Ethics, Humanities, and Natural Sciences.
Sociology courses may include:
- SYG 2000 – Introduction to Sociology
- SYG 2010 – Social Problems
- SYG 2012 – Introduction to Globalization
- SYG 2430 – Marriage and Family
- PSY 2012 – General Psychology
Additional electives may explore areas like anthropology, philosophy, political science, criminology, or gender studies.
Cost
Costs vary by institution, but tuition for a two-year sociology AA degree typically ranges from $6,000 to $10,000. Students are encouraged to apply for federal financial aid via the FAFSA and explore scholarships and tuition assistance through their college’s financial aid office.
Online options may offer reduced fees and additional flexibility for working students.
Admissions Requirements
To apply, students must have a high school diploma or equivalent. Many colleges also require placement tests in math and English. First-time college students may need to complete orientation and student success courses.
Transfer and Career Opportunities
Graduates of an AA in Sociology are prepared to transfer to bachelor’s programs in sociology, social work, psychology, criminal justice, or public administration. Sociology graduates often pursue careers in human services, social research, nonprofit organizations, government, education, and business.
With additional education, opportunities expand to roles such as sociologist, policy analyst, counselor, or college instructor.
Top Schools
For students interested in understanding society, culture, and human behavior—and turning that interest into a meaningful career—an associate degree in sociology offers an excellent starting point. Colleges across the U.S. provide flexible, cost-effective pathways for learners seeking either direct entry into the workforce or seamless transfer to a four-year university.
From Georgia Military College’s fully online and inclusive program to California’s CSU-guaranteed transfer options, and from urban campuses like BMCC in New York to remote-accessible options like Georgia State’s Perimeter College, these programs blend academic rigor with real-world relevance.
The following schools stand out for their affordability, transfer potential, and commitment to developing socially aware, analytically skilled graduates prepared for diverse fields such as public service, education, law, and beyond.
| College | Location | Degree Type | Delivery Format | Estimated Cost | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Georgia Military College | Milledgeville, GA | AA in Sociology | Fully Online | $8,280/year | Includes textbooks; strong foundation in liberal arts; transfer-focused |
| Lone Star College | The Woodlands, TX | AA in Sociology | On Campus | Significant savings vs. 4-yr schools | Guaranteed transfer within Texas; aligns with core curriculum |
| College of the Desert | Palm Desert, CA | AA-T in Sociology | On Campus + GE Options | Varies (California resident rate) | CSU guaranteed transfer; emphasizes multicultural awareness |
| Nashville State Community College | Nashville, TN | AA/AS in Sociology | Online & On Campus | $9,490 total | Tennessee Transfer Pathway; small class sizes; flexible locations |
| Foothill College | Los Altos Hills, CA | AA in Sociology | Mostly Online | Varies (California resident rate) | Strong research and theory focus; emphasizes social justice |
| Maricopa Community Colleges | Tempe, AZ | AA with Sociology Emphasis | Multi-Campus + Online | Varies | Covers full AZ transfer curriculum; diverse real-world applications |
| Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) | New York, NY | AA in Sociology | On Campus | Varies (CUNY rates) | Articulation agreements; internships and career planning support |
| Midlands Technical College | Columbia, SC | AA in Sociology | Online, In-Person, Hybrid | $12,400 | Wide course formats; applicable to journalism, PR, and law enforcement |
| Georgia State University (Perimeter) | Atlanta, GA | AA in Sociology Pathway | Fully Online | Affordable, with aid | TAP & military benefits; does not appear on diploma but fully prepares for transfer |
| Feather River College | Quincy, CA | AA-T in Sociology | On Campus | Varies (California resident rate) | CSU guaranteed transfer; ideal for rural learners seeking academic continuity |
Georgia Military College
https://online.gmc.edu/programs/sociology/
Milledgeville, GA
Affordable Online Associate Degree with Strong Transfer Potential
Georgia Military College offers an Associate Degree in Sociology that is fully online and designed for students intending to transfer to a bachelor’s program. With an estimated annual cost of $8,280 (based on 45 quarter hours), the program is affordable and includes textbooks and materials. Students will explore sociological principles, the scientific method, and critical thinking in a learner-centered liberal arts environment. This foundation prepares students not only for continued academic study but also for a wide range of professional paths.
Career-Ready Knowledge and Transfer Versatility
The program equips students with analytical and investigative skills applicable to careers in law, social work, business, journalism, public relations, and beyond. Sociology graduates can also pursue future roles in teaching or research by continuing their education at the graduate level. With a focus on understanding human behavior, social systems, and cultural diversity, GMC’s sociology degree serves as a versatile launching pad for careers across government, nonprofit, and business sectors.
Lone Star College
https://www.lonestar.edu/programs-of-study/associate-of-arts-sociology.htm
The Woodlands, TX
Cost-Saving Transfer Pathway for Sociology Majors
Lone Star College offers an Associate of Arts (AA) in Sociology designed for academic transfer to a four-year institution. This two-year degree is available at multiple campus locations and offers students the opportunity to save an average of $16,000 by completing the first two years of a bachelor’s program at LSC. With a total of 60 credit hours, this field-of-study program aligns with Texas core curriculum standards and provides guaranteed transfer to any Texas public university.
Broad Curriculum with Real-World Applications
Students explore human society, group behavior, and social institutions through classes that develop skills in active listening, critical reading, speaking, and data interpretation. Graduates can pursue careers in criminal justice, social services, government, or business, or transfer their credits toward a bachelor’s degree. The program emphasizes understanding cultural and social diversity and prepares students to analyze and interpret complex social behaviors and structures.
College of the Desert
https://catalog.collegeofthedesert.edu/programs/social-sciences/aa-sociology-transfer-preparation/
Palm Desert, CA
CSU-Guaranteed Transfer Degree with Multicultural Perspective
College of the Desert’s Associate in Arts in Sociology for Transfer (AA-T) prepares students for upper-level sociology programs at California State University (CSU) campuses. This 60-unit degree includes 18–19 units of sociology major coursework and requires completion of either CSU GE or IGETC. Students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 and earn at least a “C” in all major courses. The program ensures a guaranteed spot within the CSU system, although not necessarily at a specific campus or major.
Critical Thinking and Social Awareness Development
This program emphasizes core sociological concepts, research methods, and theory while fostering critical thinking and global awareness. Students explore how culture, inequality, and social institutions affect individual and collective behavior. The curriculum develops students’ ability to understand diverse perspectives, making it ideal preparation for careers in social research, human rights, public policy, and related graduate study.
Nashville State Community College
https://www.nscc.edu/academics/programs/sociology.php
Nashville, TN
Flexible Associate Degrees with Guaranteed Transfer in Tennessee
Nashville State offers both Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degrees in Sociology, each designed to transfer smoothly to any public university in Tennessee via the Tennessee Transfer Pathway. These two-year programs can be completed online or at multiple campus locations and cost approximately $9,490 in total tuition and fees. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized academic support from experienced faculty.
Foundational Sociology Education for Diverse Career Options
The curriculum covers key topics such as culture, social interaction, political and economic forces, and human behavior. Sociology students at Nashville State develop analytical and critical thinking skills that prepare them for upper-division coursework and professional paths in social services, public administration, law, or education. Graduates are well-positioned to pursue a bachelor’s degree and eventually enter careers that address social challenges and promote equity.
Foothill College
https://foothill.edu/onlinelearning/students/aa_courses/aa_sociology.html
Los Altos Hills, CA
Comprehensive Online AA Program with Research and Theory Focus
Foothill College offers a robust Associate in Arts (AA) in Sociology program that requires the completion of 90 quarter units, including general education and major-specific courses. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all required classes. Many of the core and support courses are available online, and the degree can be structured around the Foothill GE, CSU GE Breadth, or IGETC patterns for transfer preparation. The curriculum emphasizes sociological theory, social stratification, culture, and globalization.
Career-Ready Skills for Socially Impactful Roles
Graduates of the program will be equipped to apply sociological knowledge in personal, civic, and professional settings. With training in research, writing, and analytical thinking, students are prepared for careers in public administration, law, business, journalism, and nonprofit work—or for further academic study. The program also encourages students to examine the broader social systems that shape individual experiences, making it ideal for those interested in advocacy, diversity, and social justice.
Maricopa Community Colleges
Program Overview
The Associate in Arts (AA), Emphasis in Sociology at Maricopa Community Colleges is a 60–64 credit program designed to provide the first two years of coursework toward a bachelor’s or graduate degree in sociology or related fields. The curriculum focuses on sociological theories, the sociological perspective, research methods, social inequality, and cultural awareness, and is suitable for students pursuing careers in areas like public relations, human services, education, and social science research. Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses, and may be required to take classes at multiple campuses across the Maricopa system.
Outcomes and Career Pathways
Graduates will gain skills to critically evaluate social data, understand diversity, and apply ethical standards in real-world settings. The program emphasizes both written and oral communication, preparing students for transfer to a four-year institution or entry-level roles in community organizations, marketing, education, and more. Career options broaden significantly with further education, including roles such as sociologists, professors, or statisticians.
Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC)
https://www.bmcc.cuny.edu/academics/departments/social-sciences/sociology/
New York, NY
Program Overview
BMCC’s Associate of Arts (AA) in Sociology offers a solid general education foundation while preparing students for transfer to four-year programs. The curriculum explores core sociological concepts, focusing on how social relationships shape behavior and societal development. It equips students with analytical tools to study institutions, change, and social interactions, with applied sociology topics including urban planning and community engagement.
Outcomes and Career Pathways
The program supports seamless transfer through established articulation agreements with several senior colleges. BMCC also provides robust career planning resources like Career Coach, internships, and experiential learning to help students gain real-world skills and prepare for careers in human services, education, or public policy. The 60-credit program is a gateway to further academic or career advancement in sociology-related fields.
Midlands Technical College
https://www.midlandstech.edu/programs-and-courses/social-and-behavioral-sciences/sociology
Columbia, SC
Program Overview
The Associate in Arts with a concentration in Sociology at Midlands Technical College is a 62-credit program that develops a deep understanding of societal dynamics and the analytical skills needed for careers in law enforcement, public relations, journalism, and more. Coursework addresses how social systems influence individual and group behavior, and students are introduced to key roles within various sectors, such as government, marketing, and community organizations.
Outcomes and Career Pathways
Graduates can transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree or pursue immediate employment in fields requiring problem-solving and analytical reasoning. The estimated program cost is approximately $12,400 (excluding fees and equipment), and courses are offered in a range of formats—including traditional, virtual, hybrid, and fully online—to suit various learning preferences.
Georgia State University (Perimeter College)
https://online.gsu.edu/program/sociology-aa/
Atlanta, GA
Program Overview
The Online Sociology Pathway at Georgia State University’s Perimeter College leads to an Associate of Arts (AA) and requires 60 credit hours (42 core curriculum and 18 pathway-specific). This online program introduces students to the foundations of sociology, including social stratification, gender, race, crime, and global issues. Designed for students planning to transfer to a bachelor’s program, the pathway does not appear on the diploma but prepares students with essential prerequisites.
Outcomes and Career Pathways
Georgia State emphasizes affordability and offers a variety of financial aid and support services for students, including TAP and military benefits. Career pathways include work in public assistance, urban planning, and research. The fully online delivery and financial support options make this a flexible, accessible choice for both traditional and non-traditional learners aiming to understand and address social issues.
Feather River College
Program Overview
Feather River College offers an Associate of Arts for Transfer (AA-T) in Sociology, ensuring guaranteed admission to the California State University (CSU) system. This program includes 60 transferable units and covers core sociological perspectives, research methods, and the interaction between individuals and institutions. Students must maintain a 2.0 GPA and complete CSU GE or IGETC requirements.
Outcomes and Career Pathways
Graduates are equipped to continue studies at CSU campuses and beyond, with skills applicable to social science research, education, policy, and community development. The AA-T designation ensures a streamlined transfer process, making it ideal for students committed to pursuing a bachelor’s degree and careers in academic or applied sociology settings.
How Long to Pay Off the Degree?
An associate degree in sociology is not only an academically enriching experience—it’s also a smart financial move. With average program tuition around $10,000 and a starting salary for entry-level roles in social services, human resources, or public administration averaging approximately $38,000 per year, the return on investment is clear. By allocating a portion of your annual salary toward student loan repayment, you could pay off your education faster than you might expect.
Here’s how repayment could look, assuming no interest for simplicity:
| % of Annual Salary Dedicated to Loan Repayment | Annual Repayment Amount | Years to Pay Off $10,000 |
|---|---|---|
| 5% | $1,900 | 5.3 years |
| 10% | $3,800 | 2.6 years |
| 15% | $5,700 | 1.8 years |
| 20% | $7,600 | 1.3 years |
Even with modest financial discipline—say, putting just 10% of your income toward repayment—you could be debt-free in under three years. Sociology graduates not only gain critical skills that make them valuable in today’s workforce, but also start their careers with a manageable financial burden and strong upward mobility. Whether your goal is to transfer to a bachelor’s program or step directly into a career, these associate degrees offer both affordability and long-term value.