Program Overview
Become a force for positive change with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Youngstown State University. Our major in Sociology offers an in-depth exploration of social behavior, social groups, and social change. You’ll gain the analytical tools and research skills to understand and address today’s most pressing social issues—from racial inequality to the impacts of social media.
YSU’s BA in Sociology offers a dynamic and supportive academic environment, with personalized guidance from dedicated faculty experts. Our rigorous Sociology major classes will challenge you to think critically about social forces, preparing you to tackle both national and international challenges with confidence and insight.
Additionally, our bachelor’s degree in sociology provides opportunities for hands-on learning, internships, and research projects, equipping you with vital, real-world experience to make a meaningful impact in your career and community.
Complement your Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology with minors in areas such as Africana Studies or Women’s and Gender Studies. These interdisciplinary opportunities enrich your understanding and open additional career paths. By diversifying your academic experience, you can gain a broader perspective and deeper insight into various societal issues, making you even more competitive in the job market.
Speak to a Faculty Member
Loren Lease, Ph.D
Professor, Chair
lrlease@ysu.edu
Program Options
Earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology at YSU offers numerous advantages, making it a smart choice for students interested in a comprehensive and impactful education:
A bachelor’s degree in sociology opens doors to a broad range of diverse career opportunities. YSU’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology not only provides a deep understanding of the complexities of society but also cultivates versatile skills. As a Sociology major, you’ll explore societal structures, patterns, and changes, equipping you with interpersonal, analytical, and communication expertise beneficial across numerous career paths, including:
Social worker: Help people navigate issues ranging from housing and unemployment to mental health and child welfare. With our bachelor’s degree in sociology, you’ll be well prepared to advance your education with a Master of Social Work (MSW).
Human resources: Utilize your interpersonal skills to manage personnel in various industries.
Education law: Address legal issues related to educational institutions and policy development. Our BA in Sociology provides a strong foundation for students interested in law school.
Marketing: Analyze societal trends and consumer behavior to drive business growth.
Criminal justice: Work in law enforcement or correctional systems, focusing on societal causes of crime and rehabilitation methods.
Fundraising: Engage in relationship building and resource raising for nonprofit organizations.
Additionally, with the growing emphasis on data analytics and social research, sociology degree graduates can pursue opportunities in market research, policy analysis, and community outreach. Becoming a sociologist is also a natural path, where Sociology majors who choose to pursue a master’s degree can expect a median annual salary of $101,770 and 5 percent projected job growth by 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Our sociology degree curriculum offers a deep dive into social stratification, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociology major classes also include electives such as Gender in Society, Deviance and Criminology, and Aging, preparing you for diverse sectors such as government agencies, businesses, hospitals, education, and urban affairs. Each course aims to broaden your perspective, equipping you with the skills to address complex social issues effectively.
Transform your understanding of the world and your place in it with YSU’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. Join a community committed to social justice and intellectual growth—and discover how you can make a difference with a degree in sociology.
Each year, thousands of dollars in scholarships are awarded to students enrolled in the Beeghly College of Liberal Arts, Social Sciences and Education (BCLASSE). Scholarships come from a variety of sources, vary in amount, and are available to both incoming and current Sociology majors.
Nearly 11,000 students
Over $8 Million in Scholarships Given Annually
21 Average Class Size
5 University Residence Halls with plenty of nearby apartments
14:1 Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Tuition and fees may vary by major, college, area of study or based on your location. The university reserves the right to assess fees for special services and programs applicable to students. First-time International undergraduate students’ tuition rate is established based on first enrollment and remains unchanged for four consecutive years. Graduate students should plan for a yearly tuition increase of approximately 5%.
For a complete list of additional fees and detailed tuition information please visit the University Bursar website here.
Cost of the most popular room and meal plan combination; Your cost will depend on the plans you select. Costs in the box cover the most popular room and meal plan combination (on-campus); If you choose to live off-campus, the estimated cost of room and meals will be around $12,000 based on 12 months.
Based on average books & supply costs
Health insurance is required for international students.
Estimate based on one academic year of study
9 Months – based on 12 – 18 credit hours
*Estimate
+1 330-941-2336
www.ysu.edu/ifs
intadm@ysu.edu
Applicants must have graduated from high school or have successfully completed the General Education Development (GED) test to be considered for admission. Freshman applicants applying for admission to Youngstown State University must submit a high school transcript or GED transcript. Submission of American College Test (ACT) or Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) scores is optional. Please note: some majors require test scores to be admitted into the program.
Applicants must have a cumulative weighted high school grade point average of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher, a core unweighted grade point average* of 2.00 (on a 4.00 scale) or higher and have an ACT composite score of 17 or higher or a SAT composite score of 920 or higher (evidence-based writing and reading and math) to be admitted unconditionally. (*Core gpa is calculated based on grades earned in the following courses – English, mathematics, science, social science and foreign language, if applicable, from 9th through 12th grade).
Fall Application Deadline is
August 1
