Best Colleges and Universities for Sociology Degrees 2025

Badge for BEST FOR SOCIOLOGY COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

The best sociology degree programs are those with rich histories of influence, proven through the work produced by the program’s faculty and alumni. Beyond demonstrating scholarly impact in the field, the best sociology degree programs maximize your opportunities to interact with outstanding sociology faculty.

Key Takeaways

  • Sociology is a discipline that covers diverse topics involving the study of the relationship between human beings and their surroundings.
  • Sociology students are taught to understand how human beings and their activities and consciousness shape and are shaped by surrounding cultural and social systems.
  • Undergraduate and graduate degrees in sociology cover sociological research methods, such as using statistics, conducting in-depth interviews, analyzing the language used in media articles, and evaluating different settings where interactions exist.

2025 Ranking Update

Our Influence Ranking Engine™ leverages machine learning to track the real-world influence of colleges and universities over time. Below you’ll see which schools gained or lost ground for the 2025 school year.

In 2025, the top ten schools in our ranking of the best colleges and universities for sociology degrees saw a large amount of movement. Amherst College gained the most ranking positions as the college expanded its course offerings in areas such as race, inequality, and social justice, reflecting current social movements and global challenges.

Additionally, Amherst has increased opportunities for experiential learning, including partnerships with local organizations and nonprofits, allowing sociology students to engage in community-based research and internships. The program has also integrated more data analysis and research methods courses, equipping students with the tools to conduct rigorous sociological research, which is increasingly valuable in both academic and professional settings.

Featured Programs

The Best Colleges and Universities for Sociology Degrees

  1. #1

    Harvard University

    Cambridge , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    3%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/35

    Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Harvard University

    Cost of Degree: $59,076
    Expenses: $27,629
    Starting Salary: $89,551
    Salary after 4 years: $122,305
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    48K

    Career Outlook for Sociology degree at University of California, Berkeley

    Cost of Degree: $14,850
    Expenses: $30,203
    Starting Salary: $55,090
    Salary after 4 years: $69,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #3

    Columbia University

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $66K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    37K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1535/34

    Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Columbia University

    Cost of Degree: $68,171
    Expenses: $20,542
    Starting Salary: $74,422
    Salary after 4 years: $101,642
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #4

    University of Chicago

    Chicago , IL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    96%

    Student body

    21K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Sociology degree at University of Chicago

    Cost of Degree: $65,619
    Expenses: $23,421
    Starting Salary: $66,310
    Salary after 4 years: $90,564
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #5

    Yale University

    New Haven , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    5%

    Graduation

    98%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1540/34

    Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Yale University

    Cost of Degree: $64,700
    Expenses: $23,600
    Starting Salary: $80,087
    Salary after 4 years: $109,380
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. #6

    Wesleyan University

    Middletown , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $67,016
    Expenses: $21,704
    Starting Salary: $40,816
    Salary after 4 years: $55,745
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. #7

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $64K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1485/33

    Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Amherst College

    Cost of Degree: $67,280
    Expenses: $20,360
    Starting Salary: $53,628
    Salary after 4 years: $73,242
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #8

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1500/33

    Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Swarthmore College

    Cost of Degree: $62,412
    Expenses: $21,691
    Starting Salary: $45,065
    Salary after 4 years: $61,548
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #9

    University of Missouri

    Columbia , MO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    75%

    Student body

    34K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1240/26

    Career Outlook for Sociology degree at University of Missouri

    Cost of Degree: $14,130
    Expenses: $18,142
    Starting Salary: $39,470
    Salary after 4 years: $50,081
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Missouri’s Online Degrees

    BS in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 126
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education In A Mobile Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BES in Educational Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in English
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BGS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing: RN to BSN
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHS in Radiography
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHS in Respiratory Therapy
    • Required Credits: 30
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 60
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHS in Health Science
    • Required Credits: 64
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Fitness Programming And Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  10. #10

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1490/34

    Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Wellesley College

    Cost of Degree: $64,320
    Expenses: $21,970
    Starting Salary: $46,224
    Salary after 4 years: $63,131
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    78%

    Student body

    39K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1280/29

    Career Outlook for Sociology degree at University of South Carolina

    Cost of Degree: $12,688
    Expenses: $19,289
    Starting Salary: $37,587
    Salary after 4 years: $47,692
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of South Carolina’s Online Degrees

    BS in Hospitality Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Accounting
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Information Management And Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Computer Science
    Degree Concentrations
    • Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Elementary Educational Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Special Education
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Human Services
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Health Informatics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Health
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Aiken
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Beaufort
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  12. #12

    University of Louisville

    Louisville , KY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    82%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    26K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1170/23

    Career Outlook for Sociology degree at University of Louisville

    Cost of Degree: $12,828
    Expenses: $20,878
    Starting Salary: $33,891
    Salary after 4 years: $43,002
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Louisville’s Online Degrees

    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accountancy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Communication
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Business Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Organizational Leadership & Learning
    Degree Concentrations
    • Counseling and Human Relations Track
    • Early Childhood Education
    • Healthcare Leadership Track
    • Career & Technical Education
    • Counseling & Human Relations
    • Early Childhood Education
    • Healthcare Leadership (term or flex option)
    • Leadership
    • Training & Organization Development
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA/BS in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 121
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Sport Administration
    • Required Credits: 123
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  13. #13

    Pomona College

    Claremont , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Pomona College

    Cost of Degree: $62,326
    Expenses: $22,974
    Starting Salary: $49,765
    Salary after 4 years: $67,967
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  14. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    79%

    Graduation

    65%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1225/25

    Career Outlook for Sociology degree at University of Nebraska–Lincoln

    Cost of Degree: $10,108
    Expenses: $18,548
    Starting Salary: $36,750
    Salary after 4 years: $46,630
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Online Degrees

    BGS in Fine Arts
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration
    Degree Concentrations
    • Entrepreneurship
    • Marketing/Management
    • Accounting
    • Logistics And Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Business Administration Comprehensive
    Degree Concentrations
    • Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in General Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Nonprofit Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Organizational And Relational Communication
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Management Information Systems
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Criminology And Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminology And Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Cybersecurity
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Emergency Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood & Family Advocacy
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education In A Mobile Society
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BAEd in Early Childhood Inclusive
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BGS in General Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BGS in Humanities
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSEd in Library Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Library Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Multidisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BGS in Professional Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSG in Social Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Work
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Women'S And Gender Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical Imaging & Therapeutic Sciences
    • Required Credits: 20
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    Degree Concentrations
    • Rn To Bsn
    • Required Credits: 20
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Medical Laboratory Science
    • Required Credits: 35
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Health Sciences
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Gerontology
    Degree Concentrations
    • Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BMS in Gerontology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Applied Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
  15. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $7K

    Acceptance

    64%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    72K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1155/23

    Career Outlook for Sociology degree at Florida International University

    Cost of Degree: $6,565
    Expenses: $19,406
    Starting Salary: $36,262
    Salary after 4 years: $46,010
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Florida International University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Theatre
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BFA in Theatre
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Finance
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Hospitality Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Beverage Management
    • Culinary Management
    • Event Management
    • Hotel/Lodging Management
    • Restaurant/Food Service Management
    • Travel And Tourism Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Human Resource Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in International Business
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Logistics And Supply Chain Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Marketing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Public Relations Advertising And Applied Communications
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BBA in Real Estate
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Recreation And Sport Management
    Degree Concentrations
    • Parks Management
    • Recreation And Sport Management
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Computer Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 39
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Information Technology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Internet Of Things
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Crime Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Criminal Justice
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Early Childhood Education Bs
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Anthropology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Asian Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in History
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in International Relations
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Latin American and Caribbean Studies Ba
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Communication Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Political Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BPA in Public Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Religious Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Social Welfare
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Sociology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Women's And Gender Studies
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BHSA in Health Services Administration
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BSN in Nursing
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Psychology
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Computer Engineering
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Electrical Engineering
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BS in Statistics
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

Career Outlook for Students with Sociology Degree

Go to Degree Finder tool

Sociology

Degree Level: Bachelor's

  • Location: The U.S. (Private Schools)
  • Avg. Cost of Degree*: $10,651
  • Avg. Expenses*: $17,673
  • Avg. Starting Salary*: $33,930
  • Avg. Salary after 4 Years*: $43,052
  • Avg. Cost Recoup Time**: 12 years
  • Job Growth: 5.74%
  • Number of Jobs: 1,339,400
  • * denotes ‘annually’
  • ** denotes ‘at 15% of annual salary’

Career Salaries

CareerJob GrowthAvg. Salary
Managers, All Other5.75%$133,560
Sociologists9.09%$101,770
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary3.11%$82,670
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other2.46%$77,750
Social Science Research Assistants6.40%$56,400

Top Industries

IndustryAvg. Salary
Managers, All Other$133,560
Sociologists$101,770
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary$82,670

The Best Sociology Schools in Your State

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Learn More About Sociology

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A bachelor’s degree in sociology is an excellent starting point for a career in public service, policy development, activism and a host of other socially conscious fields. The sociology degree centers on how systems like families, groups, and communities intersect. Sociology also concerns the way human beings relate to one another over matters of religion, culture, race, gender, and more. Sociology students will learn how to conduct research, study populations, and understand how these populations are impacted by factors like geography, race, economics, and more. The best schools for sociology are those which are regionally accredited, which offer a full array of sociology concentrations, and which give you the chance to work with the best and most influential professors and classmates.

Sociology: A Valuable Degree Program

Sociology is a diverse and vast field, and different jobs require different educational requirements. Some positions only require a bachelor’s degree, while some demand applicants to have a graduate degree.

Given the wide variety of sociology programs available, it’s crucial to comprehend the distinctions between degree levels in sociology before applying.

Fortunately, the majority of the best colleges and universities for sociology degrees provide on-campus and online degree programs. Online degree programs have helped working students dedicate the necessary time to a sociology degree without having to leave their current positions.

Degree Levels in Sociology

Associate Degree in Sociology

Students who want to test the waters before committing to a four-year college or university can begin by obtaining an associate degree in sociology. This degree level is a two-year post-secondary option that covers a variety of basic sociological concepts. Graduates of an associate’s degree program in sociology have access to a wide range of employment prospects.

It is an appropriate, less expensive alternative with the possibility for profitable work placements within several fields of sociology, even though it is not as in-depth as a four-year degree in sociology.

Basic Requirements:

  • Proof of graduation from a high school, such as a high school diploma or GED.
  • Transcripts from previous levels of education.
  • Proficiency in the English language

Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology

Bachelor’s degree programs in sociology open up several career opportunities in different industries involving sociology. Undergraduate students are often allowed to customize their degree programs by choosing a concentration.

The most common concentrations in this degree level include:

  • class, race, and ethnicity
  • social change
  • political and social movements
  • criminal justice
  • gender and sexuality
  • social stratification
  • culture
  • globalization
  • economics
  • medicine
  • organizations
  • urban sociology

Bachelor’s degrees in sociology typically require students to complete 120 credits or 40 courses in at least two years. Many factors affect the duration of a bachelor’s degree. Undergraduate students need to consider whether they can attend full- or part-time classes.

There are two types of undergraduate degrees in sociology: bachelor of science (BS) and bachelor of arts (BA). Compared to BA degrees, BS in sociology programs emphasize research theories and methodology, focusing on data gathering and analysis.

BA in sociology programs adopt a more multidisciplinary approach and place a greater emphasis on the liberal arts.

Bachelor’s degrees that are often intertwined with sociology are political science and social science.

Basic requirements:

  • A minimum GPA of 2.0 to 3.0.
  • SAT and ACTs
  • GRE scores

Master’s Degree in Sociology

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in sociology or its closely-related fields, students planning to enter upper-level positions are encouraged, often required, to obtain a master’s degree in sociology. This degree level equips students with advanced skills and knowledge in quantitative methods, ethnographic research, and global perspectives.

A master’s degree in sociology requires students to complete 30 to 45 credits and can last up to two years of full-time study. A thesis requirement could make it take longer to finish. Enrolling part-time will take you longer to graduate.

Basic Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s in sociology or any closely-related field
  • Minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Two to three letters of recommendation
  • GRE scores

A few of the best schools to obtain a master’s degree are the University of California Berkeley, Harvard University, Princeton University, Stanford University, Duke University, Northwestern University, and the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill, among others.

Doctoral Degree in Sociology

A doctorate in sociology is the highest level of education available. This terminal education equips graduates with research, teaching, and leadership careers. Students often concentrate their study on a specific topic, such as social deviance, criminal justice, or gender, racial, or ethnic disparities.

A doctorate in sociology typically takes 4-8 years to complete. You spend roughly a year preparing a qualifying paper and taking tests to move to doctoral candidacy after two to three years of in-class study. As a doctoral candidate, you spend one to two years conducting original research and writing your dissertation before presenting it in front of a faculty panel in a public setting.

Basic Requirements:

  • Master’s degree in a social science discipline
  • At least three years of professional experience in sociology
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