Best Online Master's Degrees in Sociology

1. Virginia Commonwealth University

2. South Dakota State University

3. Sam Houston State University

4. University of Alabama at Birmingham

5. Morehead State University

6. Fayetteville State University

7. University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

8. New Mexico State University

9. Texas A & M University-Commerce

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).

Many online MA or MS in sociology programs will admit students with a bachelor's degree in any subject. However, some may require a minimum amount of credits in sociology or the social sciences. Undergraduate degrees in sociology, psychology, anthropology, or the humanities could be most helpful for entering a master's program. Double majors that combine sociology and psychology give insight into human behavior both on the individual and group level and could be good preparation for graduate study.

Students wishing to gain further training and education in sociology may choose to pursue a Ph.D. There are a number of careers for doctoral level sociology graduates including postsecondary education, research, and social services. If you're wondering if a Ph.D. in sociology is worth it, jobs for individuals with a Ph.D. in sociology are projected to grow over the next ten years.

MA or MS in sociology degrees open doors to higher-level positions with the potential for salary increases. Pursuing these degrees online is ideal for those with family, work, or other time commitments that make it hard to study on-campus. Online degrees are also convenient for those living out of state or overseas. Most programs are asynchronous meaning lectures are recorded and other materials and assignments are available within a designated time window for students to complete.

Online master's degrees in sociology generally consist of core required courses and electives which may or may not make up a specialization. Most give the option of completing a thesis or doing a comprehensive exam. Those choosing the non-thesis track will complete more coursework than those who opt to complete the thesis. Students undertaking a thesis will generate a research question to explore within their chosen area of interest in sociology.

Sociology Foundational Courses

Foundational classes in sociology focus on underlying theory as well as the ins and outs of research and analysis. These courses teach many practical skills that may be utilized in the workplace. Common core courses found in online sociology master's degrees include but are not limited to:

• Qualitative research methods
• Quantitative research methods
• Sociological theory
• Social research

Quantitative research deals with data represented numerically while qualitative deals with non-numeric sources of data including texts, audio recordings, or video. The latter can be analyzed by assigning numerical values to common themes or by using qualitative software such as NVivo.

Sociology Specialist & Elective Courses

Online MA or MS in sociology programs may offer clearly defined concentrations or have a variety of electives to choose from that will allow the student to craft their own specialization. Sociologists study many areas of society and behavior so prospective students may want to choose their online degree based on the subcategories of sociology the program offers. Some areas available to students are:

• Education
• Criminology
• Digital sociology
• Medical sociology

Conversely, those wishing to pursue a more generalist degree have the option to take classes across a range of topics.

Licensure & Certification in Sociology

Due to sociology's broad reach as a discipline, several different areas and subfields of study offer certification opportunities. The Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology, for example, has two types of certification for master's or doctoral level sociology graduates who have been working as full-time sociologists within the past five years. Master's level professionals must demonstrate two years of full-time work experience while those with a doctorate must have one. Interested candidates must submit a resume, academic transcripts, portfolio, and letters of reference in order to be considered. Practitioners can apply for certification as a Certified Applied Sociologist (C.A.S.) or a Certified Clinical Sociologist (C.C.S.).

Applying for an online master's degree in sociology requires students to fulfill basic requirements in addition to submitting an application and supporting materials. Some programs have a minimum GPA which, depending on the university, may be at least a 3.0 overall undergraduate GPA. Additionally, students may be required to have completed several credit hours in undergraduate sociology or the social sciences through classes such as research methods and/or statistics. Most universities ask for official copies of undergraduate degree transcripts.

Other requirements may include:

• Application fee
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• GRE/GMAT scores

Because sociology studies a broad range of human behavior and interactions, there are many career options for someone with a master's degree in sociology. Some graduates may use their knowledge to enter the social or human services sector, engage in community work, conduct social or market research, or pursue a career in health promotion. Specialties within sociology master's degrees could help guide a student's career trajectory.

Job Outlook for a Master's in Sociology

The job outlook for careers requiring an MA or MS in sociology is on a positive upward trend for the next ten years according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Sociology often addresses social problems such as crime, neighborhood disorganization, health, and inequality which plague many societies. Due to this, individuals with advanced training and knowledge of how to tackle these issues will be in high demand in the job market.

With the exception of survey researchers, jobs for those holding an advanced degree in sociology are projected to grow. Among those fields include postsecondary education (9%), community and social services (14%), and regional and urban planning (11%). Sociologists and market research analysts will also see increased job creation between 2019-2029.

How to Become a Sociologist

Sociologists study groups and how they interact. They consider the influence of politics, religion, ethnicity, culture, and other defining labels on human behavior. Sociologists design and conduct research studies, both qualitative and quantitative, and analyze the findings to draw tangible conclusions. Research can be conducted in controlled experimental settings as well as in naturalistic environments such as ethnographies that immerse the researcher in a culture or group.

Sociologists are generally educated to at least the master's level although some positions require a doctorate. There are several different types of sociology programs including applied sociology and clinical sociology that focus on research methods, statistics, and analysis. These courses are indispensable for those with an interest in pursuing a career as a sociologist. Candidates must understand how to design and execute a study from start to finish.

Sociologists will see 4% job growth between 2019-2029. Those holding a Ph.D. will typically have the best prospects but master's level sociologists with experience will also have an edge over the competition. The BLS reported that sociologists earned a median annual income of $83,420 in 2019, and those working in state government earned a median of $92,460 the same year.

How to Become a Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts follow buying trends among consumers and help companies understand how to market and move products. They examine marketing campaigns and assess the effectiveness by gathering data about buyers including demographics, spending habits, preferences, and needs. Often they will analyze the data and present it visually and through easy-to-understand reports for companies and other organizations. Market research analysts may be employed by companies directly or work as consultants.

Students interested in a career as a market research analyst should be educated to at least the bachelor's level, although some employers may prefer a master's. Students should be sure to take classes focusing on statistical analysis and research methods, and some background in communications or marketing may be helpful as well. Analysts with at least three years of experience may opt to pursue the Professional Researcher Certification (PRC) credential through the Marketing Research Association. In addition to completing 12 credit hours of industry-related education courses, candidates must also pass an exam.

Individuals working as market research analysts can expect to make a median yearly salary of $63,790, according to the BLS in 2019. The analysts with the highest salaries worked in the publishing industry and earned a median income of $75,720. Between 2019-2029, this field is expected to grow much faster than average, with an 18% increase in jobs.

Sociology students or professionals may opt to join a professional organization related to their area of interest or to the field in general. These organizations generally charge yearly dues and in return offer a host of benefits to members. Membership in a professional organization may help further career goals or provide additional educational opportunities. Some popular professional organizations within sociology include:

• Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology (AACS) - AACS's mission is to promote the application of social scientific knowledge and methods in order to achieve sustainable solutions. Its focus is on sociology as a science rather than simply theory. Professional networking, access to live remote and recorded conferences, and eligibility for certification are some of the perks for members of AACS.
• International Sociological Association (ISA) - the ISA is made up of more than 6,000 members from across 126 countries. Membership is offered to both individuals and groups. Members enjoy several benefits including participation in working groups and research committees, access to international databases and journals, and a discount on registration fees at the ISA World Congress and Forum of Sociology.
• American Sociological Association (ASA): founded in 1905, the ASA supports over 50 special interest areas and hosts an annual meeting with over 6,000 participants. Its members include students, teachers from both the secondary and postsecondary levels, researchers, and government workers. Benefits for members include access to online and print journals, the ability to run for ASA office, and participation in special interest areas such as Marxist sociology, sociology of human rights, and Asia and Asian America.

Those studying an online master's in sociology at an accredited university are eligible for federal financial aid. Interested students must first complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online to qualify. Loans must be repaid after graduation and a designated grace period, but repayment plans are available. It is generally recommended that students only take out private loans in the event they've exhausted the borrowing limits for federal aid.

Scholarships are a free way to off-set education costs. Generally awarded to students after an essay or other competition, scholarships do not need to be repaid and can go toward tuition, fees, books, or other costs. The Alma Adams scholarship awards two $5,000 scholarships yearly to undergraduate and graduate students studying fields like sociology who are interested in health communication. Scholarship winners must participate in a campaign to end smoking, especially in low-income and underserved communities, and demonstrate a commitment to community service and health equality.