Online Sociology Degree Overview
The flexibility of an online degree offers a unique opportunity for students to complete their degree on their own time. Pursuing an online degree in sociology would be an excellent option for someone who is looking to balance work, family, and school. Online degree options are offered at many different levels. While those who work as sociologists typically possess a master's or doctorate degree, there are many opportunities to work in the field of sociology with an associate or bachelor's degree. Find out more information about online programs.
The Top Online Bachelor's Programs in Sociology
Study.com dug into the vast array of online bachelor's degrees in Sociology to pick the ones that provide the most benefit to online students. We scoured Department of Education data for affordable tuition rates, stellar graduation rates, and flexible admission policies. Then we took the time to look at each program and find the schools with the features that make students excited to study in an online format - like flexible start dates, services devoted to online students, online access to sociology honor societies, scholarships, and expert faculty. Sociology is a field that permeates other fields, so we wanted programs that would provide students with the versatile skill set needed to work in a variety of fields. Take a look at our selections below to find the sociology bachelor's program that's right for you.
| School | Tuition* | Acceptance Rate | Graduation Rate | Financial Aid % | Placement Services | Career Services | Accepts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus | $9335 | 67% | 52% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 2 | Central Washington University | $8273 | 85% | 58% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 3 | Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College | $11962 | 75% | 68% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 4 | University of Florida | $6381 | 37% | 88% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 5 | Oregon State University | $11715 | 82% | 67% | 85% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 6 | Fort Hays State University | $5280 | 91% | 43% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 7 | McNeese State University | $8102 | 81% | 47% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 8 | University of Northern Colorado | $9987 | 91% | 52% | 93% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 9 | Sam Houston State University | $8536 | 83% | 54% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 10 | University of Louisville | $11928 | 69% | 59% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 11 | Nicholls State University | $7898 | 88% | 49% | 96% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 12 | University of West Georgia | $6395 | 59% | 45% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 13 | Old Dominion University | $10680 | 89% | 53% | 94% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 14 | Kutztown University of Pennsylvania | $10950 | 90% | 54% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 15 | Utah State University | $7659 | 91% | 54% | 86% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 16 | Saint Leo University | $23750 | 72% | 49% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 17 | Eastern New Mexico University-Main Campus | $6450 | 58% | 36% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 18 | University of Central Florida | $6368 | 44% | 72% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 19 | Northern Kentucky University | $10296 | 90% | 46% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 20 | Fayetteville State University | $5274 | 69% | 34% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 21 | University of Colorado Colorado Springs | $10728 | 87% | 45% | 81% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 22 | Western Kentucky University | $10802 | 97% | 48% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 23 | Mary Baldwin University | $31110 | 84% | 38% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 24 | New Mexico State University-Main Campus | $7087 | 55% | 48% | 99% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 25 | University of Arkansas at Little Rock | $9512 | 66% | 43% | 95% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 26 | University of Memphis | $9912 | 85% | 53% | 97% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE Credits |
| 27 | Lamar University | $8494 | 84% | 34% | 82% | Yes | Yes | AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits |
| 28 | Troy University | $8908 | 88% | 47% | 92% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 29 | Mansfield University of Pennsylvania | $10596 | 96% | 51% | 98% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 30 | Bemidji State University | $8940 | 65% | 48% | 90% | Yes | Yes | AP / NCCRS Credits |
| 31 | Coker University | $30196 | 63% | 39% | 100% | Yes | Yes | AP Credits |
| 32 | Virginia Wesleyan University | $36860 | 77% | 48% | 100% | No | Yes | AP / NCCRS 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).
Types of Online Sociology Degrees
Online Associate Degrees in Sociology
Earning an associate degree is a great way to gain fundamental knowledge as a future professional in the field of sociology. An online degree program may go by the name of an Associate of Arts in Sociology and can require anywhere from 60-90 total credit hours. With an associate's degree in this field, the student is set up to pursue a bachelor's degree in social science or sociology. Further, many entry-level positions require at least an associate's degree, and the student could find work with the government or in the field of behavioral health.
Online Bachelor's Degrees in Sociology
An online bachelor's degree in sociology offers a flexibility that allows students to complete their coursework on their own schedule. A Bachelor of Arts or Science in Sociology is around 120 credits and takes about four years to complete. Students may also have the opportunity to double major in sociology and psychology to gain more knowledge in the area of human services.
With a bachelor's degree in sociology, the student has the opportunity to enter the field as a marketing consultant, high school teacher, probation officer, research associate, or as a public health consultant. Once graduated, the American Sociological Association encourages students to gain real-world experience by working for a service organization such as Teach for America, AmeriCorps, or the Peace Corps. Students can even become members of ASA to stay current on sociology research.
Online Master's Degrees in Sociology
There are several types of master's degree programs in sociology. Traditional master's programs aim to prepare students for doctoral programs. Applied, clinical, and professional programs cater to students who want to immediately enter the workforce and include research components. There are options to complete a master's in sociology in an online format. Programs are typically 30 credit hours. Master's programs--whether online or in person--may also offer the opportunity for students to gain experience through internships.
Online Doctoral Degrees in Sociology
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Sociology programs prepare students to teach and research in a college or university. Accredited online doctoral programs are rare, though, so many doctoral programs will be offered in an on-campus format. Coursework typically revolves around research and interaction with classmates and professors. Prospective students should evaluate all program options, make sure that a PhD in sociology is worth the years of hard work, and make a decision that is right for their own learning styles. A doctoral degree in sociology can take up to 7 years to complete depending on a program's requirements.
Online Certificates in Sociology
After graduation from a master's or doctorate program, students in sociology have the opportunity to earn a graduate certificate to further their expertise, and many certificates are offered fully online. Certificate programs are typically about 12-18 credit hours and may take up to one year to complete. These programs will likely prepare students to further analyze statistical, qualitative, and quantitative data and become an educator in the sociology field.
Sociology Specializations/Concentrations
While bachelor's degrees in sociology cover a broad range of topics, many online programs do not offer specializations. At the graduate level, however, students of sociology have the opportunity to specialize in various areas. These specializations and concentrations can provide students with in-depth knowledge of specific areas of interest. Many of these specializations will depend on the program and faculty interest, so students should make sure to research the programs they are interested in and decide if they are a good fit. Some of specializations include, but are not limited to:
- Economic sociology
- Gender and sexuality
- Historical sociology
- Political sociology
- Culture sociology
Curriculum/Coursework for a Sociology Degree
Students interested in an online bachelor's degree in sociology will likely enter a liberal arts program, meaning that there will be general education requirements. Some students may opt to transfer credits from qualifying high school courses, Advanced Placement exam scores, or previous university courses to jump ahead to major specific courses. Students may also have the opportunity to take elective courses in social studies or psychology. Some common courses within sociology programs include, but are not limited to:
- Sociology: this course will cover a broad overview of the field of sociology and the issues that impact the field.
- Research Methods: this course will provide an overview of commonly used research methods and statistics used in the field of sociology.
- Social Theory: this course will detail the history of sociology and the major influencers on social theory.
How Long Does it Take to Get an Online Bachelor's in Sociology?
An online bachelor's in sociology is typically 120 credit hours and takes up to four years to complete. Students may finish the program in less or more time depending on the number of credits taken each quarter. While some online programs are completely asynchronous, some may have weekly lecture meetings and discussions. Each semester students will likely follow a course sequence, but will have opportunities to pick elective classes. Some programs may also offer internships for real world experience. Regardless, an online program in sociology is a good option for someone looking to work or fulfill family obligations while attending school.
Accreditation for Online Bachelor's in Sociology Degrees
Choosing an accredited program is important, not only because accreditation ensures that the program delivers quality educational material, but because some financial aid will depend on it. An accredited program meets standards set by leading organizations within the field of study. Accreditation of sociology programs is completed mostly by the Commission on the Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology (CAPACS), but students may also find useful information from the American Sociological Association (ASA). While accreditation is most important for graduate study, students interested in an online sociology bachelor's program should make sure that the program is accredited by regional organizations.
Sociology Licensure & Certification
While there is no requirement to become certified in sociology, students with a master's or doctorate in sociology may become certified by the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology. There are two types of certification that students can pursue after they have been in the field for at least 3,000 hours (2 years): Certified Applied Sociologist (CAS) or the Certified Clinical Sociologist (CCS). These certifications show that the professional sociologist is committed to best practice and standards of excellence.
Sociology Career Information
Clinical sociologists have the important job of researching the interactions and behaviors of groups and organizations. Sociologists design research studies to evaluate the causes and effects of human behavior. The data collected by sociologists may impact decisions made by government bodies, education systems, social workers, and other organizations. Sociologists may be tasked with researching education, health, crime, poverty, populations, and diversity within a given area. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for sociologists was $83,420 in 2019. The sociology industry is projected to grow by 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, which is a similar pace as most occupations.
Sociologists typically need a master's degree or doctorate degree to secure a job. However, those with a bachelor's degree may be able to find an entry level position, internship, or volunteer position in the sociology field. Those who wish to pursue a career as a sociologist will need to be critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and analytical individuals.
Listed below are some careers for those with a degree in sociology.
| Occupation | High School Teacher | Survey Researcher | Criminologist | Political Scientist |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Degree Level | Bachelor's | Master's | Master's | Master's |
| 2019 Median Pay | $61,660 | $59,170 | $83,420 | $122,220 |
| 2019-2029 Job Outlook | Increase 4% | Decrease 4% | Increase 4% | Increase 6% |
Source: BLS
How to Become a Criminologist
Criminology is a specialized branch of sociology. Criminologists are experts in crime and penal systems. They will likely be the ones who work for universities and governments to research the causes and effects of crime. The minimum degree required to work as a criminologist is a master's degree, but students will likely need a doctorate degree to guarantee an entrance into this career. To become a criminologist, a student may start by getting a bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, criminology, or human services. Once the bachelor's degree is attained, the student may begin searching for volunteer work or an internship in the field of criminology, or may apply for a master's program in sociology or criminology. Criminologists fall under the broad category of sociologists, and BLS states that the median salary for sociologists is $83,420. Because of the need for individuals to study the societal implications of crime, this career is projected to grow at a rate of 4% from 2019 to 2029.
How to Become a Behavior Sociologist
A behavior sociologist researches the ways in which human behavior is affected by society. They will likely try to answer the question of why certain people and groups do certain things by looking at societal causes. To become a behavior sociologist, students will need to first obtain a bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, or another human services degree. Then, the student may search for internship positions to gain experience. Finally, the student must enter into a master's or doctorate program to become a qualified behavior sociologist. Behavior sociologists also fall under the umbrella of all sociologists, so the median salary is $83,420 with a projected growth of 4% from 2019 to 2029.
Financial Aid and Scholarship Information for Sociology Degrees
All students applying for programs should be familiar with financial aid options. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is how students receive financial aid from the federal and state government. Below is a list of the common types of financial aid:
Federal and State Aid:
This type of aid comes in the form of grants, loans, and work-study. Federal and state aid often covers the expenses of tuition, school fees, room and board, textbooks, school supplies, and transportation. Federal aid may also cover any related expenses, such as childcare and technology.
School Specific Aid:
Students may also receive aid from their university or program. This aid may come in the form of scholarships, grants, awards, and loans. Some schools may also offer scholarships and grants for specific programs or majors, so be sure to check out your university's website or contact the school's financial aid office. Some universities even have less expensive tuition costs for online students.
Grants:
Grants do 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:
Pell Grants are awarded to students who have not previously received a bachelor's, graduate, or other degree. No repayment is required and they are applied for by filling out the FAFSA. However, those who have been incarcerated do not qualify for a Pell Grant.
Scholarships:
Scholarships are often offered to students from schools, employers, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, an individual, or an organization. They can either be rewarded based--dependent on specific requirements or achievements--or need based--students must meet criteria to receive the aid. Scholarships may target specific groups of people--such as military, women, first generation college students, or students of color. Those pursuing a degree in sociology may find relevant scholarships online or through a school's financial aid office. The U.S Department of Labor also offers a scholarship search tool.
Work-Study:
Work-Study is offered in the form of a job within the school to help the student make women while in school.
Loans:
Loans are money that is borrowed and must be repaid upon the conclusion of a program. Often, students will need to repay the loans as well as the interest that accrues over time. The three types of loans are subsidized, unsubsidized, and private.
How to Choose an Online Sociology School & Program
Choosing an online program in sociology can seem like an enormous task. Students must first consider which level of degree to pursue. If the student plans to achieve a master's or doctorate level degree, then the student should search for bachelor's programs that cater to further education--i.e., programs that offer opportunities for undergraduate research. The student should also look for programs that are accredited by the appropriate regional and institutional organizations. Additionally, students should also look into the requirements of their prospective programs. They should check for requirements to participate in an internship or experiential hours or complete a capstone, and make sure they have the resources they need to meet all requirements.
Professional Organizations in Sociology
Once students have graduated from a bachelor's program in sociology and entered the workforce, joining a professional organization is a great option to consider. 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. There are many organizations that sociologists may join, and below is a list of some that may be of interest:
American Sociological Association
The American Sociological Association (ASA) is a non-profit that was founded in 1905. Since its founding, the ASA has worked to advance the study and profession of sociology. Students and professionals alike have the opportunity to become part of the ASA. Members of the ASA enjoy benefits such as access to the annual meeting, a subscription to the ASA journal, free resources, and professional development.
Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology
The Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology (AACS) is a professional community that is dedicated to promoting sociological research and practices. This organization also accredits sociology programs and offers certification for practicing sociologists. Members of the AACS have access to networking sites, professional development, mentorship programs, sociology conferences, and a subscription to its journal.
Association for Humanist Sociology
The Association for Humanist Sociology (AHS) was founded in 1976 and is committed to researching sociological issues from a humanist standpoint. Those who are members of the AHS experience a supportive network for sociology professors and professionals who share a humanist perspective. Members of the AHS will receive a subscription to the association's journal, a newsletter, and reduced conference registration fees.
