If you are interested in understanding how societies function, how social relationships shape behaviour, and how social issues can be analysed and solved, the Bachelor of Science in Sociology offers you a broad and intellectually engaging pathway. The programme examines social structures, cultural patterns, institutions, development, inequality, family dynamics, deviant behaviour, and the forces that influence human interaction.
You will study social theories, research methods, social change, population studies, criminology foundations, industrial relations, and community development. The programme provides you with strong analytical, observational, communication, and research skills that prepare you to understand and address social challenges in Nigeria and beyond.
At OOU, Sociology equips you to interpret social problems, analyse human behaviour within social contexts, and contribute meaningfully to community development, policy-making, social welfare, and organisational management.
Course Overview
The B.Sc. Sociology programme provides you with a comprehensive understanding of social behaviour, institutions, and processes that shape society. You will explore classical and contemporary sociological theories, social research, family systems, development issues, population dynamics, crime and deviance, and industrial relationships.
The programme duration is four years for UTME entrants and three years for Direct Entry students. Throughout your studies, you will develop competence in research design, data collection, social analysis, report writing, and critical thinking. You will learn how to examine social issues scientifically and how to apply sociological perspectives to real-world problems in communities, organisations, and public institutions.
Course Curriculum
The curriculum is based on the NUC Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for Sociology. It integrates theory, research, and applied learning to help you understand how society operates and how social change affects human life.
At this introductory stage, you learn foundational ideas that shape sociological thinking.
- Introduction to Sociology
- Nigerian Peoples and Culture
- Communication in English
- The Use of Library
- Introduction to Computer Studies
- Logic and Philosophy
- Basic Statistics
- Social Problems
- Introduction to Psychology
These courses prepare you to understand social behaviour and cultural systems.
You explore sociological theories, social institutions, human behaviour, and demographic patterns.
- Classical Sociological Theory
- Sociology of the Family
- Sociology of Education
- Demography and Population Studies
- Social Change and Development
- Sociology of Work and Industry
- Entrepreneurship Studies
- Social Stratification and Inequality
- Research Methods in Sociology I
These courses deepen your understanding of how society is organised and how social changes occur.
This level focuses on applied sociology, data analysis, and field engagement. You also complete SIWES.
- Contemporary Sociological Theory
- Sociology of Health and Illness
- Criminology
- Rural Sociology
- Urban Sociology
- Research Methods in Sociology II
- Social Policy and Planning
- Industrial Sociology
- SIWES (Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme)
You develop skills needed for analysing social institutions and addressing community needs.
Your final year focuses on advanced sociological analysis and independent research.
- Sociology of Law
- Gender Studies
- Social Statistics and Data Analysis
- Development Sociology
- Comparative Social Systems
- Project Work / Dissertation
- Advanced Topics in Sociology
- Community Development and Social Mobilisation
By graduation, you will be prepared for careers in social research, community work, public administration, corporate organisations, and development agencies.
Entry Requirements
To gain admission into the B.Sc. Sociology programme, you must meet the approved UTME or Direct Entry requirements of Olabisi Onabanjo University.
1. UTME Admission (Four-Year Programme)
- You must have five credit passes in relevant O’Level subjects in not more than two sittings. These must include English Language, Mathematics, and three other subjects drawn from the Social Sciences or Arts that support your interest in human behaviour and social systems.
- Sit for the UTME with English Language and three other relevant subjects
- Obtain a competitive UTME score and meet the departmental cut-off
- Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise
- Demonstrate interest in social behaviour, community development, or public affairs
2. Direct Entry Admission (Three-Year Programme)
- Five O’Level credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics
- A-Level passes in two relevant subjects OR an ND, NCE, or equivalent qualification in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Public Administration, or related fields with at least Merit or Lower Credit
All applicants must comply with the University’s screening and verification procedures and provide valid academic transcripts where required.
Why study at OOU?
Studying Sociology at Olabisi Onabanjo University offers you a broad and rigorous academic experience that helps you understand society, human relationships, and the forces shaping development and social change. You are trained to analyse social issues critically and propose solutions that improve community and organisational wellbeing. You will benefit from:
- A CCMAS-compliant curriculum that covers classical and contemporary sociology, social policy, development, demography, and social research
- Lecturers with expertise in community development, social theory, demography, criminology, and social policy
- Practical experience through SIWES, fieldwork, surveys, and community-based projects
- Training in research methods, data analysis, social planning, and policy evaluation
- A supportive learning environment that encourages debate, teamwork, and evidence-based reasoning
- Opportunities to develop strong communication, analytical, organisational, and interpersonal skills
- Preparation for careers across public service, NGOs, corporate sectors, and community development organisations
- A strong foundation for postgraduate studies in Sociology, Social Work, Demography, Public Administration, Development Studies, or related fields
At OOU, you are equipped to interpret social behaviour and contribute to building stable, inclusive, and progressive communities.
Research Project
Your final-year research project allows you to investigate a social problem or sociological question using scientific research methods. This capstone project demonstrates your ability to collect and analyse data, interpret social trends, and apply sociological theories to real-life issues.
Your research may focus on areas such as:
- Family dynamics and social change
- Crime, deviance, and social control
- Gender relations and equality
- Health behaviour and community health
- Urbanisation and rural–urban migration
- Social stratification and inequality
- Work, organisations, and industrial relations
- Population studies and demographics
- Social policy, governance, and development planning
- Youth behaviour and social movements
During your research, you will:
- Identify a sociologically relevant research topic
- Conduct a literature review and build a theoretical framework
- Collect data using interviews, surveys, observations, or document analysis
- Analyse your findings using appropriate qualitative or quantitative methods
- Prepare and defend a well-structured dissertation
This project strengthens your competence as a social researcher and prepares you for roles in community development, policy-making, social services, and organisational management.
Graduation Requirements
To qualify for the award of the Bachelor of Science in Sociology, you must fulfil the graduation requirements approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Olabisi Onabanjo University.
Academic Requirements
- Complete and pass all compulsory, required, and elective courses
- Earn a minimum of 120 credit units if admitted through UTME, or 90 credit units if admitted through Direct Entry
- Maintain a minimum CGPA of 1.00
- Complete and defend your final-year research project
Grading and Degree Classification
Your final classification is determined by your Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA), as follows:
Upon satisfying these requirements, you will be awarded the B.Sc. (Hons) Sociology, a qualification recognised for its relevance to public service, community development, policy analysis, organisational management, and social research.
Career Opportunities
A degree in Sociology prepares you for a wide range of careers across government, private organisations, social service agencies, NGOs, and research centres. Your training equips you to analyse social behaviour, solve community problems, and understand how societal structures influence human lives.
Possible Job Roles Include:
- Social Welfare Officer
- Community Development Officer
- Human Resource Officer
- Policy Analyst
- Social Researcher
- NGO Programme Officer
- Youth Development Officer
- Gender and Social Inclusion Officer
- Public Relations Assistant
- Population/Survey Analyst
- Industrial Relations Assistant
- Counselling Support Assistant
- Corporate Social Responsibility Officer
- Social Policy Assistant
Where You May Work:
- Government ministries, departments, and agencies
- Local government councils
- Non-governmental organisations
- Community-based and development organisations
- Human resource departments in companies
- Research institutes and policy centres
- Health and social service agencies
- Educational institutions
- International development organisations
- Corporate organisations (CSR and public affairs units)
The programme also prepares you for postgraduate studies in Sociology, Social Work, Demography, Development Studies, Public Administration, and related social sciences.
How to Apply?
1. UTME Entry (Four-Year Programme)
- Choose Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) as your first-choice institution.
- Select Sociology as your preferred programme.
- Sit for the UTME with English Language and three relevant subjects.
- Possess at least five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics.
- Participate in the OOU Post-UTME screening exercise and meet the departmental cut-off mark.
2. Direct Entry (Three-Year Programme)
- Possess A-Level passes in two relevant subjects OR hold an ND/NCE in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, Public Administration, or related fields with at least Merit or Lower Credit.
- Present five O’Level credits, including English Language and Mathematics.
- Upload all required transcripts and documents through the OOU Admissions Portal.
- Complete University and departmental screening procedures.
Course Coordinator
The B.Sc. Sociology programme is managed by a team of sociologists, community development experts, and research-oriented academics within the Department of Sociology, Faculty of Social and Management Sciences.
The current programme coordinator is:
Dr [Full Name]
Contact Information:
- Email:
- Phone:
- Office:
Course Overview
- Next Admission Process
- Current Academic Year
- Associated programmes = Undergraduate
- Course Duration = 4 Years
- Degree = Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.)
- Faculty = Social Sciences
- Course Type = Full Time
- Course Delivery = On campus.
- Location = Faculty of Social Sciences, Main Campus.
- Scholarship opportunities