Sociology Degrees
Degrees in sociology are designed to prepare students to research social structures and how social and human behavior affect society. Sociologists are analytical, critical, and data-based individuals who work to uncover the 'whys' behind sociological issues. Because of their valuable research and data, sociologists play an important role in influencing policy and may have an impact on new laws. Sociologists can study a wide variety of areas and have the opportunity to specialize in topics of their choice.
The Top Bachelor's Degree Programs in Sociology
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California-Berkeley | $14253 | 16% | 93% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 2 | University of California-Los Angeles | $13240 | 12% | 92% | 61% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | Harvard University | $51925 | 5% | 97% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin-Madison | $10725 | 54% | 88% | 61% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 5 | Princeton University | $52800 | 6% | 98% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | University of California-Davis | $14495 | 39% | 87% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 7 | California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $9943 | 28% | 82% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | San Jose State University | $7852 | 64% | 64% | 73% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 9 | California State University-East Bay | $7000 | 76% | 50% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | University at Buffalo | $10524 | 61% | 75% | 84% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 11 | University of Washington-Seattle Campus | $11465 | 52% | 84% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 12 | Texas A & M University-College Station | $11361 | 58% | 82% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | California State University-Sacramento | $7368 | 82% | 55% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | California State University-Fullerton | $6924 | 53% | 69% | 77% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 15 | California State University-Channel Islands | $6802 | 86% | 54% | 83% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 16 | Duke University | $57931 | 8% | 95% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 17 | Sonoma State University | $7880 | 91% | 62% | 71% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | University of Utah | $8615 | 62% | 70% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | California State Polytechnic University-Pomona | $7396 | 55% | 69% | 78% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 20 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | $9335 | 67% | 52% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 21 | Georgetown University | $56058 | 14% | 95% | 55% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 22 | The University of Texas at Austin | $10824 | 32% | 86% | 67% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 23 | University of Virginia-Main Campus | $17935 | 24% | 95% | 57% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 24 | Keene State College | $14568 | 88% | 63% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 25 | Binghamton University | $10201 | 41% | 82% | 75% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 26 | University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus | $9063 | 80% | 70% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 27 | CUNY Hunter College | $7382 | 35% | 57% | 88% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 28 | University of California-Santa Barbara | $14391 | 30% | 83% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 29 | University of Maryland-College Park | $10779 | 44% | 87% | 66% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 30 | CUNY Queens College | $7538 | 49% | 56% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 31 | California State University-Northridge | $6977 | 59% | 55% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 32 | California State University-Los Angeles | $6768 | 48% | 52% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 33 | California State University-Chico | $7806 | 72% | 67% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 34 | University of Florida | $6381 | 37% | 88% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 35 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | $16540 | 23% | 93% | 65% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 36 | Western Washington University | $8343 | 90% | 68% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 37 | University of California-Irvine | $13727 | 27% | 84% | 63% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 38 | College of Staten Island CUNY | $7490 | No Available Data (2019-2020) | 32% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 39 | California State University-Long Beach | $6834 | 39% | 74% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 40 | Texas State University | $10581 | 81% | 54% | 76% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 41 | SUNY at Albany | $10176 | 54% | 63% | 85% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 42 | California State University-Dominguez Hills | $6946 | 77% | 44% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 43 | California State University-San Marcos | $7717 | 62% | 54% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 44 | California State University-Stanislaus | $7542 | 89% | 59% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 45 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $11962 | 75% | 68% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 46 | California State University-San Bernardino | $6952 | 69% | 55% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 47 | University of California-Riverside | $13853 | 57% | 76% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 48 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County | $12028 | 61% | 71% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 49 | Stony Brook University | $10175 | 44% | 76% | 79% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 50 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | $8980 | 23% | 91% | 65% | No | Yes | AP Credits |
To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.
*Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
What Kinds of Sociology Degrees Are There?
Students can obtain degrees in sociology at the associate, bachelor's, master's and doctoral levels. Sociology programs will typically cover social theory, research methods, statistics, and specialty areas of sociology such as medical, population, cultural, and environmental issues. Additionally, students can often choose to specialize in a certain area of sociology. These concentrations allow students to take a deeper dive into a topic of interest and prepare for a more specialized career within the field. Most careers in sociology require at least a master's degree, but there are opportunities to work in an entry-level position or internship with a bachelor's degree.
Associate Degrees in Sociology
An Associate of Science in Social Sciences is composed of about 60 credits and typically takes around two years to complete. Associate degrees in this field are usually intended for students who plan to transfer or apply to a bachelor's degree program and, as such, are designed to introduce students to the fundamental information needed to succeed in a four-year institution. Students participating in an associate degree in social sciences program may encounter courses such as psychology, sociology, political science, history, and economics.
Bachelor's Degrees in Sociology
Students in a sociology program will likely take core sociology classes, electives, and general education courses. Because of the similarities in skills and careers, some students may decide to double major in sociology and psychology. Other students may begin by taking sociology courses, and become interested in how political science and sociology interact. The two degrees are similar, and students might want to look at sociology vs. a political science majors to decide which degree is right for them. After a program, many sociology departments require students to take a comprehensive exam to test the skills retained from the sociology curriculum or complete a senior thesis. Upon completion of a bachelor's degree in sociology, students may be able to find entry-level positions, start an internship, or apply for graduate school.
Master's Degrees in Sociology
Typically, a practicing sociologist must hold at least a master's degree in sociology. These programs are about 30 credits in length and take as little as one year to complete. Students training in a master's program will receive intensive training in analytical sociological skills and research methods. With coursework in qualitative methods, classical theory and field experiences, master's programs are designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in sociology or further education at the doctorate level.
Doctoral Degrees in Sociology
For those who wish to teach at the postsecondary level or improve their research abilities, it may be worth it to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociology. Students in sociology PhD programs will likely expand their knowledge of general sociology and be required to choose a specialty. A doctorate in sociology typically takes around 5 to 6 years to complete; some programs may give students up to 7 years to finish. PhDs require students to complete original research and publish journal articles. At the end of the program, students are expected to deliver and defend a dissertation.
Certificates in Sociology
Once students have graduated from a master's or doctorate program, students in sociology can take classes to get a certificate. Programs for a graduate certificate in sociology are typically 12-18 credit hours and can take up to one year to complete. These programs don't usually include general education courses; they're hyper-focused and designed to prepare students to analyze statistical, qualitative, and quantitative data. These certificate programs may also prepare students to become an educator in the field of sociology.
Sociology Bachelor's Degree Concentrations
Students interested in a bachelor's degree in sociology may have the opportunity to specialize in certain areas of sociology. These concentrations can help students gain specific knowledge in an area of interest and prepare them for specific careers or graduate programs. Some areas of concentration include:
- Research Methods and Social Data
- Environmental Sociology
- Family, Gender and Society
- Medical Sociology
- Social Inequality
Curriculum for a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology
Many bachelor's degrees in sociology are part of a liberal arts program, meaning that there will be requirements for general education. Students may also be required to take elective courses in social studies or psychology. Towards the end of the program, some universities may also offer internships for students to gain real-world experience. Some common courses within sociology bachelor programs include:
- Race, Ethnicity, and Gender. Curriculum in sociology will often cover the topics of race, ethnicity, sex, and gender from a sociological perspective. Students might discuss how these groups are impacted by greater society.
- Political Sociology. Students of sociology have a chance to learn about the sociology of political organizations and discuss current political issues
- Organizations and Social Institutions. Many programs in sociology will offer coursework in social organizations. When taking these courses, students can expect to learn about how urbanization affects different groups of people.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Bachelor's in Sociology?
Bachelor's in sociology degree programs are typically 120 credit hours and take around four years to complete. Oftentimes, there is an option to transfer credits from qualifying high school courses, Advanced Placement exams, or previous university courses to opt-out of some courses and shorten the degree program. Students might also choose to take courses during the summer, which can help cut a bachelor's degree program down to three and a half years.
Some universities may offer online or hybrid bachelor's programs in sociology. These programs offer flexibility that on-campus programs typically don't, giving students a chance to knock out courses at their own pace.
Professional Organizations in Sociology
Professional organizations offer sociologists the opportunity to learn from other professionals, network, receive job postings, and keep up to date on the most recent research. Additionally, many organizations offer unique benefits for their members. Two examples of professional organizations that sociology professionals may join are the Association for Humanist Sociology (AHS) and the American Sociological Association (ASA). The AHS offers a supportive network for sociology professors and professionals who share a humanist perspective. Further, members of the AHS will receive a journal subscription, a newsletter, and discounted conference registration fees. The ASA was established in 1905 and is a nonprofit organization that implements new programs and advocates for the advancement of sociology. The American Sociological Association has 10 professional journals and magazines and holds an annual meeting for sociologists. Students and professionals alike can get a membership to the ASA.
Accreditation for Bachelor's in Sociology Degrees
An accredited program in sociology is one that meets standards set by leading organizations within the field. Accreditation ensures that the sociology program incorporates quality educational material and successfully prepares students for their future careers. The Commission on the Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology is the main accrediting body for sociology master's and doctoral programs but it also accredits a handful of undergraduate programs.
Accreditation is also offered at the school level by accrediting bodies like the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). These bodies are approved by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). School accreditation is important in three ways:
- It increases your chances of getting a quality education
- It makes your credits more transferable
- It's necessary to receive federal financial aid
Sociology Licensure & Certification
Licensure and certification are not required to practice as a sociologist, but students do have the option to become certified by the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology. Certification demonstrates to employers that a professional sociologist is committed to the best practices in the field. After working in the field for at least 3,000 hours (2 years), students can pursue a certification as a Certified Applied Sociologist (CAS) or the Certified Clinical Sociologist (CCS).
What Can I Do With a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology?
Sociologists research the social behavior and interactions of groups, cultures, and organizations. They will design projects, create surveys, and analyze data to research social theories and impact policy. Once they have collected and drawn conclusions about the data, sociologists will present their findings to lawmakers, educators, and administrators. There are many specializations that sociologists may choose to study, such as education, health, crime, poverty, populations, gender, and race relations. Sociologists will typically work for state government and educational agencies, and some may even work in private practice. While most sociologists will spend their day in an office setting, many may also conduct research, interviews, and observations in the field.
The field of sociology is competitive, so many professionals will need at least a master's, if not a doctorate, to practice. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for sociologists is 4% between 2019 and 2029. Those with the best job prospect are typically individuals who have a Ph.D., strong research skills, and a background in applied sociology. The median annual salary for a sociologist was $83,420, according to 2019 numbers from the BLS. However, there are more job opportunities for students with degrees in sociology. Other possible careers in sociology may include:
- Criminologist
- High School Teacher
- Survey Researcher
- Statistician
- Economist
How to Become a Medical Sociologist
Medical sociologists specialize in understanding the social contexts of health care. Someone who has career as a medical sociologist may study the subjective experience of health, illness, the Medicare system, the factors that influence poor health, the doctor-patient relationship, and individual responses to illness. Students interested in medical sociology can pursue a bachelor's degree in medical sociology. Many of these bachelor's programs will prepare students to research statistical data for medical research at the graduate level. Similar to other careers in sociology, a medical sociologist will likely need at least a master's degree to practice. According to BLS, medical sociologists fall under the broad category of social scientists and related workers. As of 2019, their median salary was $80,220, with projected job growth of 4% from 2019 to 2029.
How to Become a Criminologist
Students interested in specializing in the causes and effects of crime, the foundations of crime, law, and justice may be interested in becoming a criminologist. Criminology is a branch of sociology that specifically targets punitive systems. While students may find bachelor's degree in criminology, entry-level positions as a criminologist will likely require a master's degree. To prepare for graduate studies in criminology, students may also pursue undergraduate degrees in psychology, sociology, or social work. After completing a bachelor's degree, aspiring criminologists should apply to a master's or doctorate in criminology. According to PayScale, someone with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology can make a median salary of $60,371 and a Bachelor's of Science may make a median salary of $58,425.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Information for Bachelor's in Sociology Degrees
All students applying for programs should be familiar with financial aid options. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form that students complete to receive financial aid from the federal and state government. Federal and state aid comes in the form of grants, loans, and work-study. It often covers the expenses of tuition, school fees, room and board, textbooks, school supplies, and transportation. Students may also receive grants, scholarships, and loans from their university or specific program.
Grants are aid that does not need to be repaid. They are often need-based and awarded to students by the federal government, state government, and individual schools. Pell Grants are a specific type of grant that is awarded to students who have not previously received a bachelor's, graduate, or another degree.
Scholarships are often offered to students from schools, employers, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, an individual, or an organization. They can either be rewarded based on merit or need and may target specific groups of people. Those pursuing a degree in sociology may find relevant scholarships online or through a school's financial aid office. Students can use the U.S Department of Labor's scholarship search tool to look for valid scholarships.
Loans are one of the most common types of aid, and they must be repaid upon the completion of a program. Students will need to repay the loans as well as the interest that accrues over time.
Should I Get a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology?
Degrees in sociology cover a wide span of content areas, so students interested in a degree have the opportunity to study many topics. If a student is interested in studying the effects of human and social behavior on society, then sociology may be the right discipline. Unlike many other degrees, students may choose to study specific areas such as culture, crime, health, population, the environment, and economics. If the student is open to higher education, then A bachelor's in sociology is a good way to gain the fundamental knowledge and skills required for further study. Because a sociologist needs to have at least a master's, the bachelor's degree focuses on preparing students for master's and doctorate study. If a student is interested in the topics but not necessarily a career in sociology, he or she might want to look into similar degrees, such as psychology, social work, or political science.
