BA in Sociology

Last Updated on July 29, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

Hi! In this post, we will have an in-depth analysis of BA in Sociology program. Here you will find the following details about this academic program and domain – duration, eligibility criteria, colleges, syllabus, fees, PG courses, careers, scope and more.

  BA in Sociology is an Undergraduate level Bachelor’s Degree program. It means that 12th pass students are eligible to pursue this course!   Technically, this academic program belongs to the category of – Social Science. And there’s a notion that Social Science programs are meant for Arts stream students only!   While Social Science programs are ideal for arts stream students, these programs are not restricted to this particular stream! Interested candidates from other streams such as Science and Commerce are also eligible to pursue them!   Here’s an overview of the academic program –

• Name of the course: BA in Sociology
• Type of course: Bachelor’s Degree
• Duration: 3 years
• Eligibility: 10+2 pass (any stream) from a recognized board OR equivalent

BA in Sociology – what does BA stands for? BA stands for Bachelor of Arts. Technically, this program is a BA course, an Honors program!   A typical BA honors program focuses on a specific domain/discipline. In this case, the academic program focuses on the domain called – Sociology.   So, what is Sociology all about, you may ask. What’s the scope and potential associated with this field? What is it like to become a Sociology graduate? You will find answers to these questions in the next section.   Here it is –

Sociology: Introduction, Scope & Details

In simple terms, Sociology is the scientific study of society. It is a part of Social Science.   This field deals with the study of social development, interaction, culture, relationships etc. In the past, this branch of social science primarily focused on then-relevant topics such as – social class, religion, culture, law, gender etc.   With time, Sociology has underwent considerable changes. Modern day sociology also deals with aspects such as healthcare, education, internet, economy etc.   Social researchers use principles of sociology to study and analyze various kinds of social phenomena. Data and insights obtained this way can be used to draft social policy as well as welfare programs.   There are many applications of Sociology. Some of the main areas where it is used are –

• Education
• Governance
• Healthcare
• Economy
• Business

In short, Sociology is a very important part of social science. BA in Sociology program trains students in various aspects of Sociology.   Come, let us take a closer look at the course details. In the next section, you will find vital information such as – course format, duration, eligibility criteria, syllabus etc. Here it is –

Course Details

Type of course

It is an Undergraduate level Bachelor’s Degree program.

Duration

The academic program is 3 years long.

Eligibility Criteria

Passed 10+2 (any stream) from a recognized board OR equivalent qualification.

Colleges

BA in Sociology course is being offered by many arts colleges across India. These colleges can be classified into two main types. They are –

• Government Colleges
• Self Financed Colleges

Government Colleges can further be divided into two categories – State Government Colleges and Central Government Colleges. Government Colleges are known to charge relatively lower tuition fees.   Expenses are borne by the Government. This enables these colleges to offer subsidized education to its students. SF colleges are known to charge relatively higher fees.   Some of the popular Colleges/Universities offering this course are –

• Ahmedabad University
• MSU
• DU
• University of Kerala
• RKU
• VNSGU
• Gujarat University
• Saurashtra University
• MGU

Admission Process

Reputed institutes rely on merit based admission process. Seats are allotted to deserving candidates on the basic of marks scored by them in board exam and/or relevant entrance test. Some institutes are also known to carry out direct as well as donation based admission process. You may also check – Entrance exams after 12th.

Fees

Fees charged for this course may vary from one institute to another. Tuition fees depends upon factors such as –

• Type of college (Government of SF)
• Rating and status of the college
• Scholarship status of the student
• Mode of learning (distance or regular)

On an average, tuition fees could be anywhere between 50-150K INR per year. Government Colleges are known to charge relatively lower fees. Apart from tuition fees, additional expenses (lodging, mess, library, sports etc) may also apply.

Syllabus

Here are some of the important subjects present in BA in Sociology program –

• Basics of Sociology
• Sociology in India
• Communication Skills
• Social Demography
• Sociological Thought
• Research Methodoology
• Environmental Studies
• Science and Technology
• Religious Sociology
• Gender Sociology
• Population and Society
• Economic Sociology
• Social Stratification
• Health and Society
• Education and Society
• Project Work

PG Courses

BA Sociology graduates, who are interested in higher studies, have access to a handful of PG courses. Notable PG courses are –

• MA Sociology
• MSW
• Other relevant MA programs
• MBA programs
• PG Diploma (Management) programs
• PG Diploma (Sociology) programs
• Other relevant PG Diploma programs

Career Prospects

BA Sociology graduates have access to diverse job profiles and opportunities. They have access to both Government and Private job opportunities. Some of the prime recruiters are –

• NGOs
• Relevant Government Departments
• Educational Institutes
• Consultancies
• Cultural Centers
• Survey Agencies
• MNCs

In the above mentioned firms, BA Sociology graduates may don the following roles –

• Social Worker
• Social Researcher
• Officer
• Manager
• Counselor
• Trainer/Instructor
• Surveyor

Salary

Predicting the starting salary is a difficult task. Because it depends upon factors such as –

• Profile of the employer
• Institute from which one has pursued the course
• Job location
• Academic qualification of the applicant (UG/PG)

On an average, starting salary could be anywhere between 30-40K INR. In case of a Government job, the salary will be based on the pay scale and grade.