Top 5 Best Online Sociology PhD Degree Programs (Doctorates) 2023

BEST ONLINE DOCTORATE IN SOCIOLOGY
By Dave Tomar
Published:
Updated:

We rank the best online PhD in sociology degree programs.

Key Takeaways

  • Sociology PhD programs can lead to research, leadership, and post-secondary education opportunities.

  • The best online sociology doctorates are institutionally and programmatically accredited.

  • An online sociology PhD program can help you balance professional responsibilities alongside your graduate studies.

Featured Programs

Only a select number of universities offer a fully online doctoral of sociology program. In most cases, online doctoral studies in areas like educational leadership, public policy, and health policy will offer sociology program concentrations. These programs are the focus of this ranking.

This sociology doctoral program is considered a terminal degree, which means it is the highest degree that you can earn in the field. Online doctoral level sociology programs typically prepare students for opportunities for leadership, public consultation, research, and post-secondary education.

Online PhD in sociology candidates are typically already working at a high level in their field. This means that students seeking their doctorate must balance existing work and personal responsibilities with a challenging course of education.

For many graduate students, online courses and fully online programs provide a way to achieve this balance.

For a look at how these online doctoral programs stack up against traditional on campus programs, check out our look at the Best Research Universities for Sociology Degrees.

Or find out what your options are with a look at our College Rankings Guide.

 

Otherwise, read on and learn more about how you can earn an online PhD in sociology or a related subject through a top-ranked online doctorate program.

people in a meeting

About Accredited Online Sociology PhD Programs

Quality and credibility are important when it comes to finding an online PhD in sociology program. The best online doctorate programs will have proper accreditation:

  • Institutional Accreditation: Accreditation is vital for online doctoral programs. It signifies that the online PhD programs offered by the graduate school are in compliance with the standards of a Department of Education-approved accrediting body. A school must also be accredited in order to offer federal financial aid to its online doctorate candidates.

    • When looking for an online doctoral program, seek out options with accreditation from a colleges and schools commission in your region. This stamp of approval is critical for ensuring the quality and credibility of your online program.

  • Programmatic Accreditation: In addition to institutional accreditation, consider online doctorate degree programs with programmatic accreditation. Employers and other industry professionals may look for this specialized accreditation to determine the credibility of your degree. Sociology degrees may be accredited by The Commission on the Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology (CAPACS) or the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology.
  • Carnegie Classification: The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, or as it is more commonly known, the Carnegie Classification, is a framework for categorizing all accredited, degree-granting institutions in the United States. Originally formulated in 1970 by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, and administered through the University of Indiana’s Center for Postsecondary Research since 2014, the Carnegie Classification is “the leading framework for recognizing and describing institutional diversity in U.S. higher education.”

    • Under this classification, top research universities for doctoral degrees and PhD candidates are identified as either R2: Doctoral Universities for “high research activity” or R1: Doctoral Universities for “very high research activity.” Look for these classifications when considering options for your online Phd programs.

Key Point: The best online doctoral programs will have both institutional and programmatic accreditation.

Two students walking down an alley

Sociology PhD Program Admission Requirements

Schools that offer online doctorate programs have different admission requirements. However, most online doctoral programs will carry the same basic threshold for admission:

  • A completed online application
  • Official undergraduate college transcripts
  • A cumulative GPA of at least 3.0
  • Graduate Record Examination (GRE scores), MAT scores, or GMAT scores
  • Letters of recommendation
  • Personal interviews
  • Personal statement or essay
  • Plan of study

Key Point: In most cases, you’ll be eligible to enter a doctoral degree online after earning a bachelor’s degree. However, some specialized online PhD programs may require you to have earned a master’s degree as well.

Sociology Program Curriculum and Courses

Research is the central component of your online sociology PhD program. This is true for fully online doctorate degrees as well as hybrid degrees combining online education with traditional on-campus courses. Regardless of whether you complete traditional, hybrid or online graduate study, the typical time to completion is three to five years.

The typical components of your PhD degree in sociology online program may include:

Foundational Courses

Most students will begin their program in sociology with core courses in areas like sociological theory, political science, social inequality, and more. Doctorate program students will also complete sociology courses in a chosen concentration such as economic sociology, environmental sociology, political sociology, urban sociology, and more.

Moreover, most doctoral studies in sociology will incorporate advanced research methods courses as well as instruction in experimental design. You may be able to complete many of these requirements through online classes.

Examinations for PhD Candidacy

Many online doctoral students are required to complete certain examinations to enter into online PhD candidacy. This will typically occur after you’ve completed one to two years of foundational courses.

Dissertation

In most cases, the central component of your online PhD program will be the completion of your dissertation. After gaining status as an online PhD candidate, you will typically work closely with a professorial advisor or mentor to develop an original research question. This research question will form the basis of your dissertation—an ongoing project designed to address this research question through applied research. Students develop research methodologies while working closely with an advisor or mentor. Much of your dissertation will be rooted in independent research. This is especially true for students pursuing an online PhD.

Oral Defense

Upon completion of the written portion of your dissertation—which will typically present the findings from your original research project—you will be expected to defend your findings. This “oral defense” will typically be conducted by a commission of professors and experts in your field. PhD candidates in some online degree programs may be able to conduct this defense via teleconferencing.

Teaching Requirements

Some online PhD programs will also include a teaching practicum, which will require you to work as an adjunct professor or teacher’s assistant in the sociology department of your university. It may be possible for students in the online doctoral degree program to also serve teaching requirements by instructing online students.

Research Apprenticeship

Some program in sociology degrees will require students to work closely with faculty members in a mentor-apprenticeship capacity. Other programs may require participation in specific research seminars.

Key Point: The online PhD is a research-focused degree. Your dissertation will be a central part of your online doctoral degree program.

A group of students on laptops
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Careers for Students Who Complete Online Doctoral Degree Programs in Sociology

Accredited online sociology doctorates are generally terminal degree programs. This means that students who complete credible online doctoral degrees in sociology or a related field like public policy or educational leadership will generally be eligible for top positions and opportunities in their field.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the top 10% of sociologists work in areas like research, development, and policy implementation, and earned more than $136,000 in 2021.

Working professionals who earn an accredited online doctorate in sociology or a related area may be eligible to work in the following areas.

  • Survey Research
  • Urban and Regional Planning
  • Economics
  • Sociology
  • Post-Secondary Education
  • Public Policy Consultation
  • Public Services Leadership

Key Points: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students with a doctorate in sociology or a related subject will be eligible to work in research, post-secondary education, and policy development.

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What’s the difference between online doctoral programs and online Ph.D programs?

Technically, a PhD is a type of doctorate degree. This means that all online PhD candidates are doctoral students. By contrast, not all doctoral students are PhD candidates.

The primary distinction is that doctoral students are primarily focused on putting existing theories into practice. Depending on your chosen field, your online doctoral degree may require participation in an educational leadership program, engagement in clinical practice, work as a resident in a nursing program, and much more.

By contrast, online PhD students are focused on creating new knowledge in their area of study. This usually means that online PhD candidates are focused on introducing new theories, creating research projects around these theories, and presenting new findings that demonstrate a mastery of existing knowledge and the insight to introduce new ideas into the field.

Today, more working professionals than ever before are pursuing both online doctoral degrees and online Phd programs.

A woman with headphones on a laptop

Sociologists Salaries by Percentile in the U.S.

The following graph depicts the average salaries of Sociologists for each percentile in the U.S.

Source: U.S. BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS

SVG Attribution: Wikipedia

Total Employed: 2640
10%
15%
50%
15%
10%
bell-curve
607706553092910114300135420
10th Percentile25th Percentile75th Percentile90th Percentile
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The Best Online Sociology Doctorates (PhDs)

The online PhD programs identified here are ranked based on influence, with weighting for graduation rate and full-time online enrollment. While only a limited number of colleges and universities offer a fully online doctorate program in sociology, a number of top-ranked graduate schools offer fully online degrees in related areas.

Many students pursue careers in sociology after earning concentrated degrees in areas like public policy development, public administration, educational leadership, public health administration, and more.

  1. #1

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2023 #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/32

    What is University of Michigan known for?

    University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about the University of Michigan?

    University of Michigan was founded in 1817, which is actually about 20 years before the territory of Michigan became a state. Roughly half of the students at the University of Michigan are from the state of Michigan, which means they enjoy discounted state tuition rates.

    The University of Michigan draws students from all over the world. International students make up about 15% of the school’s population.

    University of Michigan offers several online PhD concentrations geared toward sociology graduates. Several are housed in its Educational Studies PhD including concentrations in Educational Foundations and Policy and Literacy, Language, and Culture.

    • The University of Michigan is great for students who:

      Enjoy a vaunted athletics program and a large student body—roughly 32,000 undergrads and 16,000 grad students.

    • The University of Michigan might not be the best fit for students who:

      Prefer a small campus. The Ann Arbor campus is so large that it is divided into four distinct campus sections, all connected by bus service.

    Compare school
  2. #2

    Johns Hopkins University

    Baltimore , MD
    #10 50 Best Research Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #11 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2023 #11 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2023 #14 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    95%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1515/35

    What is Johns Hopkins University known for?

    Johns Hopkins University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Johns Hopkins University?

    Johns Hopkins University was formed in 1876 and, in addition to being the oldest research university in the U.S., Johns Hopkins is actually the oldest research institution in the western hemisphere! In fact, Johns Hopkins was considered a groundbreaking institution from its very formation for its innovative merging of research and teaching.

    Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Johns Hopkins serves more than 26,000 students today.

    Johns Hopkins University offers a number of online doctoral degree programs, including any array of Doctorate of Public Health degrees with concentrations in sociology. Among them, doctoral candidates can conduct research in focused areas such as Environmental Health (Environmental Health or Health Security Track), Health Equity and Social Justice, and Global Health: Policy & Evaluation.

    • Johns Hopkins University is great for students who:

      Are looking to conduct research at the graduate level. The vast majority of Johns Hopkins students—well over 20,000—are pursuing advanced postgraduate degrees.

    • Johns Hopkins University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a social campus experience. Many students at Johns Hopkins are primarily focused on the rigorous academic experience.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Louisiana State University

    Baton Rouge , LA
    #13 15 Best Online Colleges for Veterans to Start Their Careers #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Louisiana 2023 #1 Best Public Colleges in Louisiana 2023 #2 Best Colleges in Louisiana 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    71%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    30K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1195/25

    What is Louisiana State University known for?

    Louisiana State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Louisiana State University?

    Louisiana State University is a public research university based in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Founded in 1860, LSU is both the flagship institution in the state university system and the largest school in the state of Louisiana.

    With an estimated 36,000 students pursuing degrees at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, Louisiana State University offers more than 230 degree programs across 11 academic colleges.

    LSU offers an online doctorate of education in leadership studies with several concentrations related to the practice of sociology including its Leadership Studies concentration and its Health Communication & Leadership concentration.

    • Louisiana State University is great for students who:

      Are seeking a diverse student body. With students from all 50 states and more than 100 nations, LSU offers the opportunity to meet people from a wide range of backgrounds.

    • Louisiana State University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a small, liberal arts college experience. LSU is a large, comprehensive university with numerous educational, athletic, and recreational opportunities to choose from.

    Compare school
    4. Students in a classroom
  5. #4

    Colorado State University

    Fort Collins , CO
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Colorado 2023 #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Colorado 2023 #3 Best Research Universities in Colorado 2023 #3 Best Colleges in Colorado 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Acceptance

    90%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    27K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1175/26

    What is Colorado State University known for?

    Colorado State University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    What do we love about Colorado State University?

    Colorado State University was formed in 1870 as the flagship institution in what would become the Colorado state school system. The Fort Collins-based public research university is noted today for including the biomedical sciences, engineering, environmental science, and more.

    Colorado State University was formed as a small agricultural school in the years leading up to Colorado’s 1876 statehood. Today, Colorado State serves more than 34,000 students.

    Colorado State University offers a small selection of online PhD programs, including a PhD in Higher Education Leadership. For sociology students, this advanced degree offers an opportunity to apply social theory and research to issues such as inclusiveness and admissions equality on the higher education landscape.

    • Colorado State University is great for students who:

      Are pursuing careers in healthcare. Colorado State ranks high for spending on its various medical sciences programs.

    • Colorado State University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Are seeking a small campus experience.

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Walden University

    Minneapolis , MN
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Minnesota 2023 #1 Top 10 Fastest Accelerated Online PhD in Criminal Justice (Doctorates) #1 Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Work PhDs (Doctorates) #1 Most Affordable Online Criminal Justice PhDs (Doctorates)
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $12K

    Student body

    39K

    What do we love about Walden University?

    Walden University is a private online school with headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Walden operates on a for-profit business model.

    Walden University was established in 1970 with the goal of helping working adults—specifically those in education—earn their doctoral degree. Today, Walden serves nearly 50,000 students in countless areas of study.

    Walden University offers two online doctoral programs of interest to sociology students. Both its Doctor of Public Administration and its PhD in Public Policy and Administration can offer inroads into sociology research, policy consultation, or postsecondary education.

    • Walden University is great for students who:

      Are studying nursing, public health, and healthcare administration. Walden is one of the nation’s top degree providers in these fields.

    • Walden University might not be the best fit for students who:

      Plan to earn PhDs in psychology. Walden’s PhDs do not have accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA).

    Compare school

Other Options for Aspiring Sociologists

Students considering an online doctoral in sociology should also check out the best on-campus options to compare features like cost, curriculum, acceptance rate, and more.

  1. #1

    University of California, Berkeley

    Berkeley , CA
    #1 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2023 #1 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #1 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023 #1 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $14K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    43K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1420/32

    What is University of California, Berkeley known for?

    University of California, Berkeley’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Michigan

    Ann Arbor , MI
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2023 #2 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #2 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023 #2 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $17K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/32

    What is University of Michigan known for?

    University of Michigan’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  3. #3

    New York University

    New York , NY
    #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2023 #9 50 Best Graduate Schools Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2023 #13 Best Universities in the World 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    49K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1455/32

    What is New York University known for?

    New York University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  4. #4

    University of California, Los Angeles

    Los Angeles , CA
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2023 #3 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #3 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023 #3 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    46K

    What is University of California, Los Angeles known for?

    University of California, Los Angeles’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  5. #5

    University of Wisconsin–Madison

    Madison , WI
    #7 Most Affordable Colleges and Universities in the U.S. 2023 #7 50 Best Public Grad Schools 2023 #9 50 Best Public Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023 #12 Best Value Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2023
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $11K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    38K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1360/29

    What is University of Wisconsin–Madison known for?

    University of Wisconsin–Madison’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school

Find out more with a look at our Guide to Online Degrees.

 
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