2023 Most Affordable Online Colleges for Sociology Degrees

American Public University System (APUS) is a private for-profit university offering an online Master of Arts in Sociology (30 credit hours). Students should graduate with the ability to conduct social science research and analyze data through a sociological lens. Core classes include Social Theory in Action, Advanced Data Analysis for Social Science, Professionalism for Sociologists: Ethics, Collaboration, and Career Planning, and Sociology Capstone. Students will have the opportunity to focus on education, healthcare, or social services during their program. APUS uses Brightspace as its learning management platform, where students can access class materials and complete coursework.

Public school New Mexico State University (NMSU) offers a Master of Arts in Sociology online, requiring 36 credit hours. The degree is designed to teach students effective analytical skills and strategies and different social factors that contribute to healthy communities. Students will take classes such as Advanced Quantitative Analysis, Qualitative Research Methods, and Sociological Research. Career opportunities for graduates include jobs in education, data analysis, human resources, law, and research. Students at this Hispanic-Serving Institution use the learning management platform Canvas to submit assignments and access readings and other materials.

Emporia State University (ESU) is a public school offering a 30-credit Master of Arts in Applied Sociology online. Students can choose from concentrations in Community Leadership or Criminal Justice, both of which require a capstone community partnership project. The master's program aims to give students experience in research methods, grant writing, program evaluation, and effective relationships. Career opportunities for graduates include working in research, management, policy analysis, healthcare, social services, or criminal justice. ESU uses Canvas, a learning management system (LMS) that allows students to participate in discussions and access class materials online.

Public school Sam Houston State University (SHSU) offers an online Master of Arts in Sociology (37 credits), which focuses on public sociology in areas such as grant writing, social justice, and community-based research. The program aims to give students foundational skills in data management and analysis and an understanding of core sociological theories adequate to teach at the high school and community college levels. Core courses for the master's program include Social Statistics, Applied Research Methods, and Seminar in Sociological Theory. Students will need to complete either a thesis or capstone project and presentation in order to graduate. The university uses Blackboard, a LMS that allows students to complete coursework and access class materials online.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offers an online Master of Arts in Applied Sociology(30 credits) which gives students experience in sociological research, theories, and perspectives while allowing them to choose other areas of study related to their personal and professional interests. Students will take core classes in topics such as Sociology Research Methods, Sociological Theory, and Social Psychology alongside a capstone project. UAB is a public university and uses Canvas to administer online programs, classes, and assignments.