Conduct an internet search for colleges that offers online sociology classes. It may be useful to consider long-range goals, such as earning an associate's or bachelor's degree. This will determine if classes should be taken at a community college or a four-year university (See References 1).
Search college course listings for keywords such as virtual, web, or online sociology classes. Some sociology courses may be listed within a criminal justice or social work program (See References 2).
Read the college or university's registration process. It may be necessary to apply for a specific term (spring, summer or fall).
Determine funding needs, scholarship or loan options, and the cost of sociology classes.
Compare the cost between a community college or another online university.
Pay all required fees before logging into the course. Purchase required textbooks or other reading materials.
Learning a theoretical topic online takes study and discipline. Online courses may be easy to ignore because there is no face-to-face interaction. However, some instructors require specific log in times to chat or post assignments.
Review course requirements. Determine if there are required times to be logged into the course. Time management is necessary for online learning (See References 3). Set a schedule based on these times and stick to it.
If no required times are necessary for the sociology course, it is still important to develop a study schedule. Devote at least one hour per day for course reading, for both online notes and materials, as well as the textbook.
Chat with other members of the online class. Sociology students may have different points of view on diverse subjects that may be studied, such as poverty or race relations. Classmates can form study groups and help each other throughout the class. Be sure to check online course messages and updates frequently.
Lastly, contact the sociology instructor with a friendly introduction. Message the instructor if help is ever needed when studying theoretical material.