Sociology encompasses the study of human interactions. These interactions may involve small or large groups or people. For example, it may involve studying team dynamics or even historical relationships between growing cultures. Those who study the field look at aspects of society such as behavioral patterns, sources of conflict, and societal pressures.

What career opportunities can arise from learning about sociology?

Learning about sociology can prepare you for careers such as survey researcher, HR representative, social worker, public relations specialist, or marketing strategist. Survey researchers design surveys intended to measure public opinion on subjects such as politics or purchasing habits. The researchers then analyze the results of those surveys and offer guidance to clients, including businesses and other organizations. HR representatives often rely on their knowledge of group dynamics to recruit and train new employees, ensuring organizations are well staffed. Social workers use their knowledge of societal trends to identify and help vulnerable individuals, families, and communities. Social workers may offer everything from mental health to child welfare services. Public relations specialists and marketing strategists need an understanding of concepts such as social pressures and trends to reach target audiences. Knowledge of behavioral theories can also help them create persuasive messages.

How can online courses on Coursera help me learn about sociology?

Online courses on Coursera can help introduce you to and expand your knowledge of sociological concepts including organizational theory. Certain courses focus on specific areas, such as the role of sports in society, types of conflicts, and international leadership. You'll also have the opportunity to learn practical skills, such as conflict management strategies, which you can use in the workplace.

What are the benefits of taking an online Sociology course?

Online Sociology courses offer a convenient and flexible way to enhance your knowledge or learn new Sociology skills. Choose from a wide range of Sociology courses offered by top universities and industry leaders tailored to various skill levels.

What Sociology courses are best for training and upskilling employees or the workforce?

When looking to enhance your workforce's skills in Sociology, it's crucial to select a course that aligns with their current abilities and learning objectives. Our Skills Dashboard is an invaluable tool for identifying skill gaps and choosing the most appropriate course for effective upskilling. For a comprehensive understanding of how our courses can benefit your employees, explore the enterprise solutions we offer. Discover more about our tailored programs at Coursera for Business here .

Top Sociology Courses - Learn Sociology Online

Explore the Sociology Course Catalog

Status: Free
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Epidemiology: The Basic Science of Public Health
Skills you'll gain: Epidemiology, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Public Health, Infectious Diseases, Research Design, Health Policy, Biostatistics, Science and Research, Health Care, Probability & Statistics, Statistical Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
4.9K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
The University of Tokyo
Welcome to Game Theory
Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Strategic Thinking, Socioeconomics, Social Sciences, Behavioral Economics, Economics, Strategic Decision-Making, Decision Making, Business Strategy, Probability
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Michigan
Social Work Practice: Advocating Social Justice and Change
Skills you'll gain: Social Work, Community and Social Work, Social Justice, Advocacy, Cultural Sensitivity, Diversity Awareness, Research, Systems Thinking, Human Development, Policy Development, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Interpersonal Communications
Build toward a degree
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
409 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
Wesleyan University
The Modern and the Postmodern (Part 1)
Skills you'll gain: Aesthetics, Art History, European History, Liberal Arts, World History, Culture, Socioeconomics, Political Sciences, Sociology
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
1K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Stanford University
Organizational Analysis
Skills you'll gain: Organizational Structure, Decision Making, Organizational Leadership, Organizational Change, Professional Networking, Strategic Decision-Making, Business, Social Sciences, Culture, Sociology, Analysis, Resource Management, Learning Theory, Innovation, Negotiation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
1.6K reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Stanford University
Love as a Force for Social Justice
Skills you'll gain: Compassion, Interpersonal Communications, Social Justice, Communication, Empathy, Relationship Building, Liberal Arts, Social Sciences, Community and Social Work, Collaboration, Cultural Diversity, Creativity, Research, Psychology, Ethical Standards And Conduct, Neurology
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
421 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Peking University
人群与网络
Skills you'll gain: Game Theory, Graph Theory, Network Analysis, Market Dynamics, Social Sciences, Web Analytics and SEO, Computational Thinking, Information Technology, Sociology, Political Sciences, Economics, Behavioral Economics, Probability
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
114 reviews
Mixed · Course · 3 - 6 Months
Sciences Po
Migrations internationales : un enjeu mondial
Skills you'll gain: International Relations, World History, Immigration Law, Social Sciences, Environmental Issue, Governance, European History, Demography, Political Sciences, Socioeconomics, Cultural Diversity, Social Justice, Public Policies
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
126 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
University of Pennsylvania
Network Dynamics of Social Behavior
Skills you'll gain: Network Analysis, Social Sciences, Sociology, Agentic systems, Systems Thinking, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Simulations, Culture, Complex Problem Solving, Innovation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
392 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of Amsterdam
Quantitative Methods
Skills you'll gain: Scientific Methods, Research Design, Sampling (Statistics), Science and Research, Research, Research Methodologies, Surveys, Quantitative Research, Social Sciences, Experimentation, Ethical Standards And Conduct
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
2.3K reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Peking University
社会调查与研究方法（上）Methodologies in Social Research (Part I)
Skills you'll gain: Research Methodologies, Surveys, Research Design, Experimentation, Research, Social Sciences, Scientific Methods, Data Collection, Qualitative Research, Sociology, Sample Size Determination, Probability & Statistics, Ethical Standards And Conduct
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
50 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Status: Free
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Israel State and Society
Skills you'll gain: Social Studies, Demography, Political Sciences, International Relations, Sociology, Anthropology, World History, Cultural Diversity, Governance, Economics, Conflict Management
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
377 reviews
Beginner · Course · 3 - 6 Months