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Compare Master’s in Sociology Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

Compare Master’s in Sociology Programs

Most schools have rolling admissions and financial help so you can start your degree in a few weeks!

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Compare Master’s in Sociology Programs
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Best Master’s in Sociology Degree Programs of 2025
Compare Master’s in Sociology Programs
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Master’s degree in sociology programs provide a comprehensive education in social behaviors and societies, preparing students for employment or further studies in the field. Students graduate with the research, analytical, and social science skills that equip them for roles in industries including counseling, education, human resources, and community development. Graduates often work as sociologists, human resources managers, mental health counselors, and community service managers.

The median annual salary for sociologists is $101,770. However, wages vary depending on the position, location, and industry. Those in scientific research and development services have a median annual salary of $98,040, while those in educational services have a median annual salary of $86,800.

Most master’s in sociology programs require two years of full-time study, with 30 to 36 credits needed to graduate. Some sociology graduate schools offer accelerated programs in which students can complete their bachelor’s and master’s in sociology degrees simultaneously in a shortened duration of five years. The average annual tuition for a master’s degree is $20,513, and students will need to pay more if they require on-campus housing.

Why Trust Us

The Intelligent.com Higher Education Team is dedicated to providing students with independent, equitable school and program rankings and well-researched resources. Our expert-driven articles cover topics related to online colleges and programs, paying for school, and career outlooks. We use data from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Center for Education Statistics, and other reputable educational and professional organizations. Our academic advisory team reviews content and verifies accuracy throughout the year for the most current information. Partnerships do not influence rankings or editorial decisions.

  • Analyzed over 2,000 national, accredited, and nonprofit colleges and universities
  • 800+ rankings pages are reviewed and updated yearly
  • Content is informed by reputable sources, surveys, and interviews with academic advisors and other experts
  • Over 100 data points are reviewed for accuracy and quality throughout the year, including sources

How we rank schools

Our list features the best Sociology degree programs at top colleges nationwide. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions.

We evaluated each school’s program on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, reputation, and the student resources provided for online students. We collected data from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics, individual school and program websites, school admissions counselors, and other data sources. Then, we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100 based on the following criterion:

Academic Quality:

  • Admission rate versus enrollment rate
  • Retention rate of students who return after year one
  • Accreditation status (regional and programmatic)
  • Nonprofit status, both private and public institutions

Graduation Rate

  • Overall graduation rate
  • Total number of currently enrolled students, including diversity metrics
  • Student-to-faculty ratio

Cost and ROI

  • In-state and out-of-state per-credit tuition rates and fees
  • Required credits to graduate
  • Earning potential after graduation
  • Availability of federal student loans, scholarships, and other financial aid options

Student Resources

  • Available student services for online-only and hybrid programs
  • On-campus amenities like tutoring centers and the number of libraries

Read more about our ranking methodology.

Best 50 Accredited Master’s in Sociology Degree Programs

Best Master's in Sociology Programs badge
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Stanford University
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University of California, Los Angeles
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Columbia University
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University of Wisconsin-Madison
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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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University of Pennsylvania
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The University of Texas at Austin
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New York University
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Indiana University - Bloomington
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University of California, Irvine
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University of Washington
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University of Maryland
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Penn State University
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University of Minnesota Twin Cities
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Vanderbilt University
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University of Arizona
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North Dakota State University
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Virginia Tech
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Boston College
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Brigham Young University
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Middle Tennessee State University
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Prairie View A&M University
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Florida Atlantic University
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University of South Florida
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University of Massachusetts Amherst
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Minnesota State University, Mankato
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University of Mississippi
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Idaho State Universit
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Morgan State University
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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
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University of Cincinnati
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Illinois State University

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How to Choose a Master’s in Sociology Program

Choose your area of study

Consider your professional goals and interests when selecting a graduate school. Colleges or universities offer most master’s in sociology degrees as either a Master of Arts or a Master of Science. A Master of Arts degree focuses on humanities and theoretical thinking, whereas a Master of Science focuses on scientific and analytical skills.

If you’re planning to continue your studies and apply for a doctorate, look for a master’s in sociology program that includes a thesis track. These programs require the completion of a detailed investigation or research project, preparing students to join a doctorate program or research center.

The best schools for a master’s in sociology will allow students to choose a specialization for their degree. The most common focus areas include social theory, urban sociology, medical sociology, historical sociology, social stratification, and criminology.

Research schools and programs

When researching your options for graduate school, look for those accredited by a reputable organization. Accreditation is provided at a national and regional level to institutions that meet a set quality standard and can assist with transferring classes, getting hired, and receiving financial assistance.

The Commission on the Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology (CAPACS) accredits many master’s in sociology degree programs. This accreditation ensures the quality of the program curriculum and that it adequately prepares students for their future careers.

To learn more about potential graduate programs, you can:

  • Visit the campus in person
  • Attend open houses
  • Meet with faculty members
  • Browse the school and program website
  • Follow the graduate school on social media

You can also speak with admissions counselors and academic advisors to learn more about the degree and school culture.

Prepare for tests and applications

To apply for a master’s in sociology program, you must submit your undergraduate transcripts. Most schools prefer students to have at least a 3.0 GPA and a bachelor’s degree in sociology, but they will consider applicants from all programs. You will likely need to include a personal essay, letters of recommendation, and a letter of intent along with your transcripts.

Speak with an admissions counselor before applying to ensure you have all the required materials and meet the admission requirements. Also, watch the admissions deadline to ensure your application is complete before the cut-off.

Select your program

If accepted into multiple sociology graduate schools, review your options and consider your academic and logistical needs. Consider if the program is online or in-person, full-time or part-time, and synchronous or asynchronous. Assess the cost, length, location, and housing options.

If you need help deciding, speak with an academic advisor. They’ll discuss your options and help guide you toward the right choice for your needs.

Determine how you’ll pay for your degree

Consider your financial situation to determine how you’ll pay for your master’s in sociology. Create a budget to establish if you can pay for it alone or require financial assistance. Include tuition, fees, supplies, housing, transportation, and living expenses.

Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form to discover the amount of financial aid you can receive, including government loans, scholarships, grants, and work-study funds. Some employers also offer tuition assistance to students completing courses related to their current field.

What Can You Expect From a Master’s in Sociology Program?

A master’s degree in sociology equips students to understand the history, organizational structure, and effect of social, cultural, religious, and political groups. Students graduate with the research, analytical, and social sciences skills required for leadership or senior positions in sociology. The core courses for these graduate degrees will typically cover the environment, family studies, gender and sexuality, healthcare, race and ethnicity, and globalization.

Master’s in sociology programs expand upon the groundwork knowledge of an undergraduate degree to delve deeper into theories and interpretations of existing research. Students use various learning methods, including coursework, exams, lectures, and research papers. Those in a thesis-track program will conclude the course with a completed thesis and research project.

Potential courses you’ll take in a master’s in sociology program

  • Environmental Sociology. This course focuses on the relationship between humans and their natural environments, including the causes and consequences of environmental problems. Students will study the role of economic and political structures, population dynamics, cultures, and technology in environmental issues.
  • Race, Class, and Gender. Students will discuss how society interprets gender, race, and class. The course analyzes the origins, biases, and realities of these societal inequalities.
  • Health and Society. This course will discuss how particular social arrangements affect disease distribution, disease prevention practices, and health promotion.
  • Economy and Society. Students will examine the structure and operation of institutions in which the economy and society interact, including education, labor markets, professional associations, and industrial organizations.
  • Citizenship and Rights. Students examine the relationship between citizenship and rights. Topics include the structural and discursive conditions of citizenship, the rights of women and minorities, and the struggles for recognition and equality.

Master’s in Sociology Degree Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply to a master's in sociology degree program?

To apply for a master’s in sociology program, review the program’s website to determine the application requirements and deadline. You will likely be required to submit your undergraduate transcripts, letters of recommendation, essay, and a letter of intent. Speak with an admissions advisor to learn more about the application process and ensure you have all the required materials.

How much does a master's in sociology degree cost?

The average annual tuition and fees for a master’s in sociology degree is $19,749 but will vary depending on the school and program. Students should consider additional costs, including supplies, housing, transportation, and living expenses. Part-time or online students may have lower annual expenses.

How long does it take to earn a master's in sociology degree?

A master’s degree in sociology takes, on average, two years of full-time study with the completion of 30 to 36 credits required to graduate. Some schools offer online, part-time, or asynchronous enrollment, which allows students to complete the program at their own pace. Accelerated programs are also available, where students can complete their undergraduate and graduate degrees within five years.


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