Sociology aims to analyze and understand the various components that make up a society or civilization. Students learn how these societies are organized, as well as how they are sustained. Issues related to other humanities may also be studied.

An associate degree is an undergraduate degree offered in the US and a few other countries. Associate degrees are a qualification below a bachelor's degree. Many students earn associate degrees during their first few years of higher education. Since they usually require about two years of study, these degrees can act either as job qualifications or as precursors to more advanced degrees.