• For Individuals
  • For Businesses
  • For Universities
  • For Governments
Degrees
Log In
Join for Free
  • Browse
  • Sociology

Sociology Courses

Sociology courses can help you learn social theories, research methodologies, cultural analysis, and the dynamics of social institutions. You can build skills in critical thinking, qualitative and quantitative research, and effective communication of complex ideas. Many courses introduce tools like statistical software for data analysis and survey design platforms, that support conducting research and interpreting social trends.


Popular Sociology Courses and Certifications


  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Amsterdam

    Classical Sociological Theory

    Skills you'll gain: Sociology, Social Studies, Social Sciences, Socioeconomics, Culture, Political Sciences, Economics, Qualitative Research, Research Methodologies, Science and Research

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    3K reviews

    Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of Pennsylvania

    Social Norms, Social Change I

    Skills you'll gain: Sociology, Social Sciences, Social Impact, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Public Policies, Cultural Diversity, Surveys, Qualitative Research, Data Collection, Research

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    2.1K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    W

    Wesleyan University

    Social Psychology

    Skills you'll gain: Social Sciences, Psychology, Persuasive Communication, Sociology, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Behavior Management, Conflict Management, Research, Diversity Awareness, Ethical Standards And Conduct

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    5.1K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    Y

    Yale University

    Introduction to Psychology

    Skills you'll gain: Psychology, Child Development, Psychiatry, Mental Health, Human Development, Human Learning, Social Sciences, Behavioral Health, Sociology, Neurology, Critical Thinking, Scientific Methods, Problem Solving

    4.9
    Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
    ·
    32K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free
    Free
    U

    Utrecht University

    Understanding child development: from synapse to society

    Skills you'll gain: Child Development, Human Development, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Speech Language Pathology, Systems Thinking, Pediatrics, Research, Neurology, Cultural Diversity

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    457 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    U

    University of California, Santa Cruz

    Feminism and Social Justice

    Skills you'll gain: Social Justice, Advocacy, Community Organizing, Sociology, Social Sciences, Jury Trial, Case Studies, World History, Labor Law

    4.8
    Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
    ·
    6.4K reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

What brings you to Coursera today?

  • Status: Preview
    Preview
    E

    Emory University

    Understanding Violence

    Skills you'll gain: Substance Abuse, Public Health, Conflict Management, International Relations, Cultural Diversity, Mental and Behavioral Health, Social Sciences, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Media and Communications, Child Welfare

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    292 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California, Davis

    Computational Social Science

    Skills you'll gain: Social Network Analysis, Network Analysis, Data Wrangling, Natural Language Processing, Web Scraping, Social Sciences, Data Ethics, Databases, Artificial Intelligence, Research, Simulations, Data Processing, Big Data, Systems Thinking, Social Studies, Trend Analysis, Data Science, AI Enablement, Research Methodologies, Agentic systems

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    1.2K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free
    Free
    S

    Sciences Po

    Cities are back in town : urban sociology for a globalizing urban world

    Skills you'll gain: Sociology, Sustainable Development, Social Sciences, Demography, Social Justice, International Relations, Cultural Diversity, World History, Technology Strategies, Governance, Policy Analysis, Economics, Innovation, European History

    4.4
    Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
    ·
    190 reviews

    Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Amsterdam

    Methods and Statistics in Social Sciences

    Skills you'll gain: Qualitative Research, Scientific Methods, Statistical Analysis, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Research, Research Design, Sampling (Statistics), Research Reports, Science and Research, Interviewing Skills, Data Analysis, Data Collection, Research Methodologies, Social Sciences, Surveys, Quantitative Research, Statistics, Regression Analysis, Statistical Inference, R Programming

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    7.8K reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of California, Davis

    Digital Technology and Social Change

    Skills you'll gain: Digital Transformation, Innovation, Responsible AI, Digital Communications, Machine Learning, Data Ethics, Business Transformation, Blockchain, Emerging Technologies, Social Impact, Technology Strategies, Data Storage, AI Enablement, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Assets, Fundraising and Crowdsourcing, Technology Solutions, Business Ethics, Artificial Neural Networks, Generative AI

    4.6
    Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
    ·
    37 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months

  • Status: Free Trial
    Free Trial
    U

    University of Colorado Boulder

    Animals and Society

    Skills you'll gain: Social Studies, Social Sciences, Sociology, Anthropology, Culture, Laboratory Research, Behavioral Health, Healthcare Ethics, Research, Media and Communications, Empathy & Emotional Intelligence, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Health Care, Cultural Diversity, Mental and Behavioral Health, Food and Beverage, Rehabilitation, Biology, Nutrition and Diet, Sports Medicine

    4.7
    Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
    ·
    208 reviews

    Beginner · Specialization · 1 - 3 Months

Searches related to sociology

psychology and sociology
cities are back in town : urban sociology for a globalizing urban world
cities are back in town : sociologie urbaine pour un monde globalisé
cities are back in town : sociología urbana para un mundo globalizado
1234…22

In summary, here are 10 of our most popular sociology courses

  • Classical Sociological Theory : University of Amsterdam
  • Social Norms, Social Change I: University of Pennsylvania
  • Social Psychology: Wesleyan University
  • Introduction to Psychology : Yale University
  • Understanding child development: from synapse to society: Utrecht University
  • Feminism and Social Justice: University of California, Santa Cruz
  • Understanding Violence: Emory University
  • Computational Social Science: University of California, Davis
  • Cities are back in town : urban sociology for a globalizing urban world : Sciences Po
  • Methods and Statistics in Social Sciences: University of Amsterdam

Frequently Asked Questions about Sociology

Sociology is the study of society, social relationships, and social institutions. It explores how individuals interact with one another and how societal structures influence behavior, culture, and identity. Understanding sociology is crucial because it helps us comprehend the complexities of social dynamics, including issues related to inequality, diversity, and social change. By studying sociology, individuals can gain insights into the factors that shape human behavior and societal trends, which is essential for fostering empathy and informed decision-making in various contexts.‎

A degree in sociology can open doors to a variety of career paths. Common job roles include social worker, community service manager, market researcher, and policy analyst. Additionally, sociology graduates often find opportunities in education, public health, and non-profit organizations. These roles typically involve analyzing social data, developing programs to address social issues, and advocating for community needs. The skills gained through sociology studies are valuable in understanding human behavior and societal trends, making graduates well-equipped for diverse professional environments.‎

To succeed in sociology, several key skills are essential. Critical thinking is paramount, as it enables individuals to analyze complex social issues and evaluate different perspectives. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are also important for articulating ideas and findings effectively. Additionally, research skills, including data collection and analysis, are crucial for conducting studies and interpreting social phenomena. Empathy and cultural awareness are vital for understanding diverse communities and fostering inclusive environments.‎

Some of the best online sociology courses focus on various aspects of social behavior and structures. For instance, the course Psychology and Sociology provides a foundational understanding of both fields. Another notable course is Cities are back in town: urban sociology for a globalizing urban world, which explores urban dynamics and their implications. These courses can help learners gain a comprehensive understanding of sociological concepts and their real-world applications. ‎

Yes. You can start learning sociology on Coursera for free in two ways:

  1. Preview the first module of many sociology courses at no cost. This includes video lessons, readings, graded assignments, and Coursera Coach (where available).
  2. Start a 7-day free trial for Specializations or Coursera Plus. This gives you full access to all course content across eligible programs within the timeframe of your trial.

If you want to keep learning, earn a certificate in sociology, or unlock full course access after the preview or trial, you can upgrade or apply for financial aid.‎

Learning sociology can be approached through various methods. Enrolling in online courses is a convenient way to gain structured knowledge. Participating in discussions, whether in forums or study groups, can enhance understanding through diverse perspectives. Additionally, reading sociological literature, including textbooks and research articles, can deepen your insights. Engaging with real-world social issues through volunteering or internships can also provide practical experience and reinforce theoretical concepts.‎

Sociology courses typically cover a wide range of topics, including social theory, research methods, social stratification, race and ethnicity, gender studies, and the sociology of family and education. These subjects help learners understand the complexities of social interactions and the structures that influence them. Courses may also explore contemporary issues such as globalization, urbanization, and social change, providing a comprehensive overview of the field.‎

For training and upskilling employees, sociology courses that focus on social dynamics and organizational behavior can be particularly beneficial. Courses like Psychology and Sociology can help employees understand team dynamics and improve communication skills. Additionally, courses that address diversity and inclusion can enhance workplace culture and foster a more collaborative environment. These skills are increasingly valuable in today's diverse and interconnected work settings.‎

This FAQ content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.

Other topics to explore

Arts and Humanities
338 courses
Business
1095 courses
Computer Science
668 courses
Data Science
425 courses
Information Technology
145 courses
Health
471 courses
Math and Logic
70 courses
Personal Development
137 courses
Physical Science and Engineering
413 courses
Social Sciences
401 courses
Language Learning
150 courses

Coursera Footer

Skills

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Cybersecurity
  • Data Analytics
  • Digital Marketing
  • English Speaking
  • Generative AI (GenAI)
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Power BI
  • Project Management
  • Python

Certificates & Programs

  • Google Cybersecurity Certificate
  • Google Data Analytics Certificate
  • Google IT Support Certificate
  • Google Project Management Certificate
  • Google UX Design Certificate
  • IBM Data Analyst Certificate
  • IBM Data Science Certificate
  • Machine Learning Certificate
  • Microsoft Power BI Data Analyst Certificate
  • UI / UX Design Certificate

Industries & Careers

  • Business
  • Computer Science
  • Data Science
  • Education & Teaching
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • Healthcare
  • Human Resources (HR)
  • Information Technology (IT)
  • Marketing

Career Resources

  • Career Aptitude Test
  • Examples of Strengths and Weaknesses for Job Interviews
  • High-Income Skills to Learn
  • How Does Cryptocurrency Work?
  • How to Highlight Duplicates in Google Sheets
  • How to Learn Artificial Intelligence
  • Popular Cybersecurity Certifications
  • Preparing for the PMP Certification
  • Signs You Will Get the Job After an Interview
  • What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Coursera

  • About
  • What We Offer
  • Leadership
  • Careers
  • Catalog
  • Coursera Plus
  • Professional Certificates
  • MasterTrack® Certificates
  • Degrees
  • For Enterprise
  • For Government
  • For Campus
  • Become a Partner
  • Social Impact
  • Free Courses
  • Share your Coursera learning story

Community

  • Learners
  • Partners
  • Beta Testers
  • Blog
  • The Coursera Podcast
  • Tech Blog

More

  • Press
  • Investors
  • Terms
  • Privacy
  • Help
  • Accessibility
  • Contact
  • Articles
  • Directory
  • Affiliates
  • Modern Slavery Statement
  • Do Not Sell/Share
Learn Anywhere
Download on the App Store
Get it on Google Play
Logo of Certified B Corporation
© 2025 Coursera Inc. All rights reserved.
  • Coursera Facebook
  • Coursera Linkedin
  • Coursera Twitter
  • Coursera YouTube
  • Coursera Instagram
  • Coursera TikTok