Why This Matters

  • 23% OF SOCIOLOGISTS HAVE MASTER’S DEGREES

    O*NET reports that a little under one-fourth of sociologists have master’s degrees, while the other 77% have doctorate degrees. A bachelor’s degree is required to go on to a master’s degree, making online bachelor’s in sociology programs a crucial stepping stone.

  • DEMAND FOR SOCIOLOGISTS TO INCREASE BY 4%

    Graduates can expect a positive job outlook over the next decade, as sociologists are needed to research the effects of social structures and groups on public policy. Sociologists will also be needed to collaborate with other researchers across various fields including economics and psychology.

  • SOCIOLOGISTS EARN $83,420 PER YEAR

    The median salary for sociologists with a master’s degree is more than twice the median U.S. salary of $39,810 for all other occupations.

Our Research

We examined online undergraduate programs that have received accreditation for their academic curriculum. Accreditation is given to bachelor’s programs at the national and regional level, and these degrees and credits can often be easily transferred to other institutions. The schools on this list are accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Sociology is considered a science; however, graduates are awarded either a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Sociology. The programs on this list deliver all coursework online.

  • 59 hours to write this article
  • 150 universities and colleges we assessed
  • 296 education programs we compared

The Top 50 Online Bachelor’s in Sociology Programs

Best Online Bachelor's in Sociology Programs Badge
01
Intelligent Pick
Fort Hays State University
01
Best in the South
Western Kentucky University
01
Best for International Students
Florida International University
01
Best in the Southwest
Arizona State University
01
Best in the Midwest
University of Nebraska at Kearney
01
Best for Global Environment Track
Northern Arizona University
01
Best for Health Track
University of Nebraska Omaha
01
Best for Social Work
Nicholls State University
01
Best in the West
Adams State University
01
Best Prior Learning Credit
CUNY School of Professional Studies
01
Best for Theory
University of Florida
01
Best in the Northwest
Oregon State University
01
Best Liberal Arts Option
University of Northern Colorado
01
Best Criminal Justice Minor
South Dakota State University
01
Best Dual Major Options
Central Washington University
01
Best for Research
Saint Leo University
01
Best Field Concentrations
Washington State University
01
Best for Applied Sociology
The University of Texas Permian Basin
01
Fastest to Completion
California State University, Fullerton
01
Best for Vets
University of Louisville
01
Best Hybrid Option
Umass Global
01
Best Family Science Track
McNeese State University
01
Best Inequality and Society Track
Sam Houston State University
01
Best Evening/Weekend Option
University of Colorado Colorado Springs - Department of Sociology
01
Best Full-Time Option
Lamar University
01
Best for Adult Learners
The University of Memphis
01
Most Affordable
Kennesaw State University
01
Best for Medical Sociology
Wichita State University
01
Best for Non-Traditional Students
Tennessee State University
01
Best for Gender and Identity
Columbia College
01
Best for Transfer Students
American Public University
01
Best for Studying Abroad
University of Colorado Denver
01
Best for Degree Completion
California State University, Chico
01
Best Accelerated Law Option
Troy University
01
Best Criminal Justice Degree
University of North Carolina at Pembroke
01
Best for Social Organization
Westfield State University
01
Best Accelerated Master's Option
University of North Alabama
01
Most Flexible
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
01
Most Customizable
University of Southern Mississippi
01
Best Minor Options
Old Dominion University
01
Best Part-Time Option
University of West Georgia
01
Best Community Health Option
Southern New Hampshire University
01
Best Accelerated Option
Arkansas State University
01
Best Criminology Option
Maryville University
01
Best Multicultural Option
Eastern New Mexico University
01
Best Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Madonna University
01
Best Integrated Degree Program
Western Illinois University
01
Best for Social Deviance
California University of Pennsylvania
01
Best for Social Stratification
Charter Oak State College
01
Best for Critical Race Studies
California State University, San Marcos

What You Should Know About This Degree

Most jobs in sociology require a master’s degree, and undergraduate programs are designed to prepare students for their graduate studies. While it’s possible to become a social worker with a bachelor’s in sociology, you may want to consider other degree programs that are more specialized if you do not intend on obtaining a master’s degree.

If you’re interested in studying the nuances of different cultures, you may want to consider a bachelor’s program in anthropology. Psychology studies the individual and students often pursue careers in human and social services. Determine if you want to work with individuals or with larger groups in society when choosing a major.

Businesses will continue to seek out employees who have a deep understanding of human behavior. However, competition will remain high, so it’s best to acquire certifications to validate your expertise. Joining professional organizations, such as the American Sociological Association, can also help to open up additional career opportunities.

What’s Next?

Here are some questions to ask when researching online bachelor’s in sociology programs:

  • Am I eligible for this program? Students who hold a high school diploma are eligible to pursue a bachelor’s in sociology. However, many programs have additional requirements such as a minimum GPA and standardized test scores. You’ll find information about academic prerequisites on the program’s website.
  • How long does it take to complete this degree? Undergraduate programs in sociology take four years of full-time study to complete. Most programs on this list require 120 credits to graduate. Remember that most career opportunities in sociology will require you to obtain a master’s degree or Ph.D. These programs take another 1-2 years to complete.

Make sure to check all application deadlines and submit materials on time. If you need financial assistance to cover the cost of your higher education, research financial aid opportunities that are available at the federal and state level. There are grants and scholarships that you don’t have to pay back, and some are also based on academic merit instead of financial need.