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: New
Duke University
Art of the MOOC: Art, Culture, and Society
Skills you'll gain: Color Theory, World Music, Disabilities, Art History, Diversity Awareness, Culture, Music History, Social Justice, Performing Arts, Music, Community Organizing, Liberal Arts, Peer Review, Musical Composition, Cultural Diversity, Music Theory, Pedagogy, International Relations, Social Sciences, Advocacy
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
321 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
Status: Free
Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
Introducción al estudio de los bienes comunes
Skills you'll gain: Community Development, Natural Resource Management, Environment and Resource Management, Social Sciences, Land Management, Water Resources, Governance, Sociology, Systems Thinking, Economics, Policy Analysis
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
128 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Race and Cultural Diversity in American Life and History
Skills you'll gain: Cultural Diversity, Diversity Awareness, Social Studies, Social Sciences, Culture, Sociology, Social Justice, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, World History, Research, Immigration Law, Demography, Policy Analysis, Political Sciences
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
299 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Pittsburgh
Law You Can Use
Skills you'll gain: Law, Regulation, and Compliance, Court Systems, Legal Research, Compliance Management, Human Resource Policies, Arbitration, Regulatory Requirements, Legal Proceedings, Health Care Procedure and Regulation, Business Ethics, Disabilities, Mediation
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
6 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California, Davis
Computer Simulations
Skills you'll gain: Simulations, Social Sciences, Systems Thinking, Agentic systems, Network Analysis, Computational Thinking, Sociology, Economics, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Computer Programming
4.4
Rating, 4.4 out of 5 stars
80 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of Geneva
Cultures et pédagogies
Skills you'll gain: Pedagogy, Education and Training, Cultural Diversity, Adult Education, Environmental Issue, Cultural Sensitivity, Higher Education, Mindfulness, Culture, Critical Thinking, Social Justice
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
37 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 3 Months
University of California, Davis
Computational Social Science Methods
Skills you'll gain: Social Sciences, Network Analysis, Data Science, Machine Learning, Computational Thinking, Economics, Policy, and Social Studies, Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Simulations, Big Data, Scientific Methods
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
342 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of Copenhagen
Constitutional Struggles in the Muslim World
Skills you'll gain: Political Sciences, Social Sciences, Cultural Diversity, International Relations, Governance, World History, Policy Analysis, Sociology, Civil Law, Socioeconomics, Legal Proceedings, Economics
4.8
Rating, 4.8 out of 5 stars
696 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 3 Months
Johns Hopkins University
Systems Science and Obesity
Skills you'll gain: Systems Thinking, Epidemiology, Systems Analysis, Simulations, Network Analysis, Public Health, Network Model, Agentic systems, Social Sciences, Behavioral Health, Economics, Software Installation
4.6
Rating, 4.6 out of 5 stars
205 reviews
Beginner · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
University of Minnesota
Social Determinants of Health: Data to Action
Skills you'll gain: Health Equity, Health Disparities, Health Systems, Community Health, Public Health, Health Informatics, Healthcare Ethics, Health Policy, Maternal Health, Public Health and Disease Prevention, Statistical Analysis, Systems Thinking, Statistical Software, Box Plots, Data Ethics, Research Methodologies, Correlation Analysis, Scatter Plots, Environmental Science, Data Analysis
4.7
Rating, 4.7 out of 5 stars
16 reviews
Beginner · Specialization · 3 - 6 Months
University of Michigan
The Influence of Social Context on Health
Skills you'll gain: Health Equity, Health Disparities, Health Policy, Public Health, Socioeconomics, Community Health, Stress Management, Social Sciences, Mental and Behavioral Health, Sociology, Psychology
4.9
Rating, 4.9 out of 5 stars
8 reviews
Intermediate · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks
Status: Free
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Negotiating Learner Differences: Towards Productive Diversity in Learning
Skills you'll gain: Education Software and Technology, Differentiated Instruction, Diversity Awareness, Cultural Diversity, Cultural Responsiveness, Blended Learning, Special Education, Pedagogy, Higher Education, Student-Centred Learning, Instructional Strategies, Social Justice, Diversity Equity and Inclusion Initiatives, Socioeconomics
4.5
Rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars
27 reviews
Mixed · Course · 1 - 4 Weeks