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Sociology

Earn a Sociology Associate Degree at Aims

Are you fascinated by the way groups, organizations, and societies are structured and how people interact within them? Sociology studies the science of social change, social causes, and the many ways human behavior affects society. 

While studying the foundations of race, class, gender, sexuality, and social groups, you’ll learn to analyze and interpret historical and contemporary issues by using critical thinking skills and linking individual experiences to social structures. Explore how factors such as family, religion, race, and education shape societies through a local and global lens.

The associate degree in sociology is designed to transfer to a participating public Colorado four-year institution where you will enter as a junior to complete your bachelor’s degree. Earn general education credits towards a bachelor’s for considerably less cost with an associate Degree with Designation at Aims.

Your Aims instructors, Pathway Advisors and Transitions Center coaches will work with you to ensure you have a smooth transfer to a four-year program.

You can also choose to enter the workforce after graduating from Aims with a sociology associate degree and begin working in an entry-level position in a variety of professions.

Gain Sociology Knowledge and Skills

Study an exciting variety of subjects in sociology that will help you develop your career path, including:

  • Culture
  • Race
  • Class
  • Gender and sexuality
  • Family
  • Religion
  • Education
  • Social movements
  • Deviance
  • Data analysis and interpretation

While earning a sociology degree, you’ll also learn soft skills that are vital to success in volunteer opportunities, undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and employment, including:

  • Critical thinking
  • Global and diversity awareness
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Ethical behavior
  • Job preparation
  • Time management

Careers and Bachelor’s Degrees in Sociology

There are a wide variety of employment options with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, as this scientific field intersects with many other fields and industries. 

Examples of sociology careers include:

  • Business analyst
  • Consumer relations specialist
  • Human resources manager
  • Human rights officer
  • Career counselor
  • Legislative aide
  • Correctional counselor
  • Admissions counselor
  • Social researcher

Continue Your Sociology Degree at a Four-Year Public University in Colorado

Thanks to a Statewide Transfer Articulation Agreement in Colorado, after graduating from Aims with an Associate of Arts in Sociology, you can go on to study at any participating public university statewide.

Below is a list of colleges and universities in Colorado that are a part of this statewide agreement and offer bachelor's degrees in sociology:

Here’s what your journey from Aims to a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology will look like:

  • When you’re applying to Aims, an Aims Enrollment Coach can answer your questions about this degree transfer program and help you get started on the path to earning your degree. 
  • After becoming an Aims student, you’ll choose classes to earn your psychology associate degree. Your Pathway Advisor will help you ensure you follow the pathway that best suits you and helps you reach your goals. You'll also meet with your Aims Transfer Coach to explore transfer school and scholarship options. 
  • You can reach out to a transfer advisor at your chosen four-year school to make sure you're choosing classes that will support you when you go on to complete your bachelor's degree.  
  • Before graduating from Aims, your Transfer Coach can help you prepare for the transition to your new school as a junior.

Leverage Your Associate Degree in Sociology to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Related Subjects

While many Aims sociology students go on to earn a bachelor’s or higher degree in this social science, you can also apply your credits to a major in other disciplines, including:

  • Human services
  • Social work
  • Statistics
  • Any research science major
  • Counseling 
  • Criminal justice
  • Police academy
  • Psychology
  • Nursing

Sociology Faculty and Staff

Aims sociology faculty have real-world experience in a variety of disciplines within the field. With smaller class sizes compared to four-year schools, you’ll have more opportunities for personalized instruction and meaningful interaction with other students. 

  • ShawnaLee Washam headshot

    ShawnaLee Washam

    Department Chair - WEBSA
    Professor, Psychology
  • HEadshot of Cathy Beighey

    Cathy Beighey

    Professor, Sociology
  • PICTURE OF DARLENE HAFF

    Darlene Haff

    Part-Time: Substitute, Sociology
  • Margaret Lambeth

    Marge Lambeth

    Adjunct Faculty Sociology
    Coaching, Mentoring, Trainings, Behavioral Sciences
  • Elizabeth Osborn headshot

    Elizabeth Osborn

    Part-time Instructor, Advancing Academic Achievement, Sociology and Women & Gender Studies
  • Headshot, Jami Ryba

    Jami Ryba

    Part-Time: Faculty, Sociology
  • Portrait of Karen Scarpella

    Karen Scarpella

    Adjunct Instructor: Psychology, Sociology and Women & Gender Studies
  • Mark Shuey

    Mark Shuey

    Part-Time: Faculty, Sociology