2023 Best Online Sociology Degrees

The University of Massachusetts Global (UMass Global) is a private institution with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology requiring 120 units. In a typical bachelor's degree program, full-time students complete all requirements in around four years. The acceptance rate for UMass Global applicants is 95%, while 57% of enrolled students end up graduating.

Blackboard is the learning management system (LMS) used by UMass Global to deliver online coursework. This software allows students to finish their degrees fully online and asynchronously (i.e., at their own pace). For the sociology program's curriculum, students look at sociological factors from a national and global scale by analyzing diversity, compiling research, and utilizing sociological theory. Required classes include Intercultural Communication, Human Diversity, and Social Research Design. Students must also complete a social science capstone. Occupational options for graduates may include social and human service assistants, sociologists, and community health workers.

Troy University is a public university that hosts a Bachelor of Science in Sociology. This program requires 120 credits, which typically takes full-time students four years to complete. Troy's acceptance rate is 92%, with 37% of students graduating.

At Troy Online, students use Canvas to complete their coursework, which is an LMS that delivers online classes in a blended format of synchronous and asynchronous learning. The sociology curriculum looks at important social issues — such as inequality, crime, and food insecurity — along with practical skills in writing, research, and social interaction. There are a number of required core classes, including Sociological Statistics, Research Methods in the Social Sciences, and Sociological Theory. Before graduation, students must also complete a professional seminar in the social sciences, and there's an option to attend an internship, which the school helps facilitate. A number of viable career options are often open to graduates, such as research analyst, research assistant, and case manager.

American Public University System (APUS) is a private set of institutions offering a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. This online degree requires 120 credit hours, which is generally completed in four years while studying at a full-time pace. APUS accepts 100% of applicants, while 18% of students achieve degrees.

MyClassroom is the main LMS used by APUS students to achieve their online degrees. The sociology degree explores the institutions and key issues that make up modern-day society. Concentrations allow students to focus on specific areas of interest within this framework — such as health, public policy, social justice, digital society, education, and community action. The majority of required credits are devoted to the core curriculum, including classes such as Social Deviance, Research Methods for Sociology, and Statistics for Social Science. Additional credits are required for the senior seminar in sociology. Most sociology graduates enter the fields of human resources, marketing, and customer relations.

The University of North Dakota (UND) is a public institution offering a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. This online program requires 120 credit hours and may take students up to four years to complete on a full-time schedule. The acceptance rate at UND is 87%, and the graduation rate is 50%.

UND students use Blackboard for their online coursework, which is an LMS that delivers fully online classes that students can take at their own pace. Through these classes, sociology students learn how to collect and analyze important social data that can be used to solve issues and inform an understanding of how society functions. Core classes include Drugs and Society, Criminology, and Sociology of Gender. A capstone course is also required. Graduates may pursue careers in corrections, environmental activism, and human resources.

California Baptist University (CBU) is a private, Christian university offering a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. This online sociology degree requires the completion of 50 major credits in addition to at least 40 general education credits. On average, students complete all the requirements in approximately four years while studying full time. The acceptance rate for CBU is 80%, and it has a 61% graduation rate.

Blackboard is the primary LMS used by CBU for remote learning, and it allows students to complete coursework completely online. This curriculum focuses on the behavioral topics necessary for social work, such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and building strategic skills. Along the way, students explore social issues, collective behavior, and the various institutional structures within society. There are 18 required courses, including Reading and Writing in the Behavioral Sciences, Statistics and Research Methodology, and Social Problems. Students must also complete six credits of Bible and Christian studies. Career opportunities for graduates may include human resources representatives, management consultants, and market research analysts.

National University (NU) is a private, nonprofit institution offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, which requires 180 quarter units. Full-time students can spend four years finishing this program. NU accepts 55% of applicants, with 36% graduating.

At NU, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. This online degree program is designed for working adults and includes real-world skills. Sample courses include Environmental Ethics, Classical Social Theory, and Power and Social Change. Students are required to complete a senior project. Graduates may pursue careers like advocates, social workers, and mental health counselors.

At Arizona State University (ASU), a public university, prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Sociology totaling 120 credit hours. It can take four years to complete this program. The university’s acceptance rate is 70%, with a 47% graduation rate.

ASU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. This online program in sociology explores sociological theories and research techniques. Some of the program’s courses are Sociological Theories, Careers in Sociology, and Advanced Sociological Perspectives. Potential careers for graduates are human behavior researchers, probation officers, and social services directors.

The University of Utah (UOnline) is a public university offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, which equals 48 major credit hours. Students can spend two years finishing this degree. The university accepts 95% of applicants, with 71% graduating.

At UOnline, online students complete courses available asynchronously and synchronously. A bachelor’s in sociology from UOnline introduces students to various social issues and discusses ways to address them. The program’s courses include Social Statistics, Social Theory, and Digital Society. Students are required to take six credits in individual research, directed reading, an internship, a senior thesis, or an honors thesis. Prospective careers include child advocates, program managers, and data research coordinators.

At South Dakota State University (SDSU), a public institution, future students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Sociology requiring 120 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to spend four years finishing this program. SDSU’s acceptance rate is 87%, with a 54% graduation rate.

SDSU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on D2L Brightspace. This program’s curriculum is delivered from a liberal arts approach. Sample courses include Investigating the Social World, Sociological Theory, and Sociology of Work. A capstone course is required for graduation. Graduates may go on to careers like social science researchers, data analysts, and community outreach coordinators.

Saint Leo University Online is a Roman Catholic, private, nonprofit institution that offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology totaling 120 credit hours. It can full-time students at least four years to finish this sociology program online. The university accepts 71% of students, with 42% graduating.

At Saint Leo, online students complete coursework delivered asynchronously and synchronously on D2L Brightspace. The program offers two specializations: (1) Applied and Clinical and (2) Diversity and Inequality. Example courses are Sociological Theory, Sociology of Aging, and The Family in Cross-Cultural Perspective. Students must complete a seminar and an internship to graduate. Prospective careers for graduates are social workers, policy analysts, and research assistants.

At Texas Woman’s University (TWU), a public university, prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Sociology equaling 120 credit hours. Full-time students can spend four years to complete this program. The acceptance rate at TWU is 96%, with a graduation rate of 58%.

TWU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. This program helps students develop the skills to study and understand social interactions. Some of the program’s courses are Social Research, Social Statistics, and Current Social Problems. A sociology seminar is required. Future careers for graduates include management consultants, youth workers, and administrative assistants.

Central Washington University (CWU), a public university, prospective students can pursue two online bachelor’s in sociology: (1) a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (45 Credits Major) and (2) a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (60 Credits Major). Students can take two years to finish either of these programs online. CWU’s acceptance rate is 88%, with a 64% graduation rate.

At CWU, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. The first program is designed to complement another major or minor, while the second includes more courses and can be a standalone degree. Sample courses include Child Abuse, Criminology, and Sociology of Sexualities. Students must complete a senior seminar to graduate. Prospective career paths for graduates include corrections officers, project managers, and journalists.

Fort Hays State University (FHSU) is a public university offering two online degrees in sociology: (1) a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and (2) Bachelor of Science in Sociology. Both programs require students to complete 120 credit hours, which can take four years. The university accepts 90% of applicants, with 57% graduating.

FHSU facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Blackboard. A Bachelor of Arts focuses more on critical thinking and social change, while a bachelor’s in science can explore analytical and research skill development. Example courses include Social Inequality, Popular Culture, and Changing Faces of Culture. Graduates may pursue careers like social workers, researchers, and teachers.

Lamar University (LU) is a public university that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Sociology totaling 120 credit hours. Full-time students can spend four years completing this program. The acceptance rate at LU is 88%, with a graduation rate of 41%.

LU’s online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Blackboard. In this program, students explore topics like sociological theory, research methods, and data analysis. Some of the courses include Sociology of Gender, Deviant Behavior, and Population Problems. Graduates may go on to careers like market researchers, data analysts, and urban planners.

Kennesaw State University (KSU), a public university, offers an online Bachelor of Science in Sociology requiring 120 credit hours. Full-time students can expect to complete this program within four years. KSU’s acceptance rate is 82%, with 49% graduating.

At KSU, online students complete asynchronous and synchronous online learning on D2L Brightspace. The program offers four concentrations: (1) Criminology, (2) Culture and Social Change, (3) Medical Sociology, and (4) General Sociology. Some of the core courses include World Regional Geography, Crimes and Defenses, and Values and Society. The program requires students to complete a senior seminar. Prospective careers for graduates are statisticians, project managers, and social services directors.

The University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee (UWM) is a public university that offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology requiring 120 credit hours. Prospective students can expect to spend four years finishing this program. UWM accepts 89% of applicants, with 50% graduating.

At UWM, online students complete courses available asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. Students explore the causes and consequences of human behavior in this program. Sample courses are Social Theory, Research Methods in Sociology, and Psychological Statistics. Potential career options for graduates include school counselors, social researchers, and career counselors.

At Columbia College, a public college, prospective students can pursue an online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. It can take approximately four years to complete this 120-credit degree with a full class schedule. The college’s acceptance rate is 100%, with a graduation rate of 28%.

Columbia College facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Canvas. The program offers three emphases, such as (1) Culture and Globalization, (2) Crime and Social Inequality, and (3) Gender and Identity. Some of the core courses include Contemporary Social Theory, Minority Cultures and Relations, and Diversity and Society. Students must complete a seminar to graduate. Prospective careers for graduates include social science researchers, survey researchers, and policy analysts.

At Oregon State University (OSU), a public university, prospective students can pursue two online degrees in sociology: (1) a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and (2) Bachelor of Science in Sociology. Each one equals 180 credit hours, and full-time students can spend four years completing this program. The university accepts 89% of applicants, with 65% graduating.

OSU’s online students complete courses asynchronously and synchronously on Canvas. Both programs offer concentrations, like (1) Crime and Justice, (2) Environmental and Natural Resources, and (3) Social Service and Advocacy. Sample courses include Sociological Theory, Population Trends and Policy, and Rural Sociology. Students may be required to complete an internship. Future careers for graduates include social science researchers, public relations coordinators, and marketing representatives.

McNeese State University is a public university offering two online bachelor’s in sociology: (1) a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology - Family Science and (2) a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology - Family Science. These online degree programs are 120 credit hours each. Students can spend around four years finishing these programs. The acceptance rate at McNeese is 69%, and it has a 49% graduation rate.

At McNeese, online students complete coursework asynchronously and synchronously on Moodle. The first program offers a concentration in family science, while the second provides a general overview of sociology. Some of the courses include Family Relations, Social Problems, and Adult Development and Aging. Students are required to complete a capstone and internship to graduate. Potential career options include data analysts, rehabilitation counselors, and criminologists.

At Mercy College — a private, nonprofit institution — future students can pursue an online Bachelor of Science in Sociology requiring 120 credit hours. Students often take four years to complete this sociology program online. Mercy’s acceptance rate is 86%, with 52% graduating.

Mercy facilitates asynchronous and synchronous online learning on Blackboard. The program explores topics such as deviance, urbanization, and sociocultural change. Sample courses include Managing Human Conflict, Race, Culture, & Ethnicity, and Classics in Social & Behavioral Science. Students must complete 18 residency credits and an internship. Graduates may pursue careers like urban planners, social researchers, and project managers.