Credits and costs
Enhance Your Penn State Degree
Add a minor to get even more value out of your education.
Gain Specialized Knowledge
Earning a minor enables you to complement your major, pursue a personal interest, or explore a different field of study.
Sociology is the scientific study of human behavior in social contexts, including families, schools, religions, and public or private organizations. Because all human behavior is social behavior, a background in sociology can benefit students in every field of study and offer a better understanding of how social situations inform our decision-making in both our personal and professional lives. A background in sociology can help you learn how to influence everyday processes to create better outcomes.
Penn State’s sociology minor allows you to explore a wide range of topics, from social inequalities and social problems to the core institutions of family, school, religion, and government. The sociology minor has the flexibility to allow you to explore courses that are relevant to your specific interests. In this program, you will have the opportunity to study with highly regarded faculty from Penn State's College of the Liberal Arts, one of the premier institutions in the world to study and work in the liberal arts disciplines.
The minor is open to all interested undergraduate World Campus students who meet the prerequisites.
Courses
The 18-credit course work includes the required Introductory Sociology course, along with elective courses that you may choose to match your specific area of interest.
Convenient and Flexible
Each course is taught using a blend of web technology, print, and other media to maximize flexibility while maintaining teacher and student interaction. As a Penn State World Campus student, you have the opportunity to learn when and where it's most convenient for you.
Required Course (3 credits)
Electives (select 15 credits)
At least 6 credits must be at the 400 level.
Course Availability
If you're ready to see when your courses will be offered, visit our public LionPATH course search (opens in new window) to start planning ahead.
Costs and Financial Aid
Undergraduate Tuition
Undergraduate tuition is calculated based on the number of credits for which you register and the number of total credits you have accrued at or transferred to Penn State.
Tuition is due shortly after each semester begins and rates are assessed every semester of enrollment.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
|---|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $626 per credit | $671 per credit |
| 12–19 | $7,602 per semester | $8,206 per semester |
Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19.
| How many credits do you plan to take per semester? | If you have 59 or fewer credits | If you have 60 or more credits |
|---|---|---|
| 11 or fewer | $632 per credit | $678 per credit |
| 12–19 | $7,678 per semester | $8,288 per semester |
Undergraduate students taking more than 19 credits will be charged the flat tuition rate plus the regular per credit hour rate for each credit above 19.
Financial Aid and Military Benefits
Some students may qualify for financial aid. Take the time to research financial aid, scholarships, and payment options as you prepare to apply. Military service members, veterans, and their spouses or dependents should explore these potential military education benefits and financial aid opportunities, as well.
How to Apply
Admissions Help
Please work with your adviser if you have questions about adding a minor. You can find your adviser's contact information in your student portal or by calling advising at 814-863-3283.
Admission Requirements
To be eligible for admittance into the sociology minor, you must:
- be a current Penn State undergraduate student in your 5th semester and be in a bachelor's degree major
- maintain a grade of C or better in all courses for the minor
- the minor code and major code cannot match
Adding a Minor
If you have achieved fifth-semester standing (60 credits completed), you can apply for admission to the minor. To begin, please follow these steps:
- Talk with your academic adviser about incorporating the minor into your major and to develop a semester-by-semester plan for meeting requirements.
- You can apply for the minor by adding it in LionPATH. You should do this as early as possible, but you can apply up to the late drop deadline of your graduating semester.
- You will receive a confirmation email once you declare the minor in LionPATH.
Technical Requirements
Review the technical requirements for this program.
Contact Us
To learn more about the Sociology Minor, offered in partnership with the Penn State College of the Liberal Arts, please contact:
World Campus Advisers
Phone: 814-863-3283
Email: [email protected]