Best Online Sociology Degree Programs
Learn about the top online sociology degree programs and how they prepare students for careers in various industries. Find rankings and courses.
3,700+ Nonprofit, accredited colleges analyzed
6,000+ Users connected with programs every month
300+ College and university partners
40+ Expert reviewers
Learn more about our Editorial Policy and Standards and Advertising Disclosure.
An online sociology degree may be a good fit for you if you want to study social life and learn how people interact with each other and various social institutions, such as the workplace and the government.
In an online sociology bachelor’s degree program, you’ll learn the complexities of how human behavior is seen as either socially acceptable or immoral.
You’ll gain excellent critical thinking, communication, and research skills, and the ability to present and evaluate information. With an online sociology degree, you can make positive changes in your community.
Best Online Bachelor’s in Sociology Programs
How We Rank Schools
To create this ranking, BestColleges sourced the most recent data available from the National Center for Education Statistics and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. We then ranked each school according to the top variables college students selected in our College Choice and Admissions Survey. To learn more, check out our full rankings methodology or read the summary below.
To qualify for our rankings lists, each school must be an accredited public or private, nonprofit institution. Each eligible school was then ranked based on a formula measuring:
- Affordability (30%)
- Student outcomes (30%)
- Reputation (20%)
- Diversity and social mobility (20%)
In addition, we only included colleges with graduation rates in the top third of all online colleges.
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$4,477
$25,694
31%
92%
UF delivers online programs through the Canvas platform, enrolling over 3,500 distance learners annually. The university's undergraduate catalog includes an online bachelor of arts in sociology that focuses on the complex causes and consequences of human behavior. Throughout a 120-credit curriculum, learners gain the research and communication skills needed to pursue graduate studies or entry-level jobs in marketing, criminal justice, and social services.
Program coursework includes introduction to statistics and methods of social research. Students also delve into advanced topics like poverty and inequality, medical sociology with regard to aging, and family and gender studies. Students must pass a comprehensive exam to graduate from this online bachelor's in sociology program.
First-year applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA and adequate ACT or SAT scores. Transfer applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA.
$10,770
$27,335
97%
53,372
Public
Yes
$4,477
$25,694
Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$4,477
$25,694
31%
92%
$10,770
$27,335
97%
53,372
Public
Yes
UF delivers online programs through the Canvas platform, enrolling over 3,500 distance learners annually. The university's undergraduate catalog includes an online bachelor of arts in sociology that focuses on the complex causes and consequences of human behavior. Throughout a 120-credit curriculum, learners gain the research and communication skills needed to pursue graduate studies or entry-level jobs in marketing, criminal justice, and social services.
Program coursework includes introduction to statistics and methods of social research. Students also delve into advanced topics like poverty and inequality, medical sociology with regard to aging, and family and gender studies. Students must pass a comprehensive exam to graduate from this online bachelor's in sociology program.
First-year applicants need a minimum 2.0 GPA and adequate ACT or SAT scores. Transfer applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Florida International University
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$4,721
$16,529
58%
86%
With over 20 years of experience, FIU is a leader in distance learning. The university delivers more than 100 online certificates and degrees, including a fully online bachelor's degree in sociology and anthropology. After completing this comprehensive program, students are prepared to shape positive social change as counselors, policy analysts, and community organizers.
Required courses in the sociology track cover topics like societies in the world, sociological theories, and quantitative social research. Students use 42 elective credits to pursue specialized topics in the major or complete a complementary minor. FIU offers one-on-one support by pairing each student with a personal success coach.
Distance learners may enroll in the fall, spring, or summer. Admission requirements include a minimum 2.0 GPA and ACT or SAT scores.
$8,912
$21,393
91%
58,836
Public
Yes
$4,721
$16,529
Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$4,721
$16,529
58%
86%
$8,912
$21,393
91%
58,836
Public
Yes
With over 20 years of experience, FIU is a leader in distance learning. The university delivers more than 100 online certificates and degrees, including a fully online bachelor's degree in sociology and anthropology. After completing this comprehensive program, students are prepared to shape positive social change as counselors, policy analysts, and community organizers.
Required courses in the sociology track cover topics like societies in the world, sociological theories, and quantitative social research. Students use 42 elective credits to pursue specialized topics in the major or complete a complementary minor. FIU offers one-on-one support by pairing each student with a personal success coach.
Distance learners may enroll in the fall, spring, or summer. Admission requirements include a minimum 2.0 GPA and ACT or SAT scores.
University of Central Florida
Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$4,478
$19,810
45%
96%
UCF offers over 90 online academic programs through the Canvas platform. Distance learners can earn an online bachelor's degree in sociology to prepare for work as human resources administrators, behavioral analysts, and diversity training specialists.
The program's curriculum includes required coursework in applied social statistics and research. Students in the program can earn a BA or a BS. BA students must take two semesters of a foreign language or American Sign Language, while BS learners need to complete an advanced methods course. All students round out the program by completing a data analysis capstone project.
In addition to good ACT or SAT scores, first-year applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA. Learners can complete the program entirely online or take some classes at the Miami campus.
$6,916
$25,759
92%
71,881
Public
Yes
$4,478
$19,810
Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online
$4,478
$19,810
45%
96%
$6,916
$25,759
92%
71,881
Public
Yes
UCF offers over 90 online academic programs through the Canvas platform. Distance learners can earn an online bachelor's degree in sociology to prepare for work as human resources administrators, behavioral analysts, and diversity training specialists.
The program's curriculum includes required coursework in applied social statistics and research. Students in the program can earn a BA or a BS. BA students must take two semesters of a foreign language or American Sign Language, while BS learners need to complete an advanced methods course. All students round out the program by completing a data analysis capstone project.
In addition to good ACT or SAT scores, first-year applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA. Learners can complete the program entirely online or take some classes at the Miami campus.
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
68%
100%
Founded in 1957, Cal State Fullerton currently serves about 40,000 students. The university offers 55 undergraduate programs, including an online bachelor's degree in sociology. By taking accelerated classes that span five or eight weeks, learners can complete this degree completion pathway in under three years.
The program's curriculum includes courses like social behavior in organizations, race and ethnic relations, and deviant behavior. Students also examine sociological theories related to family dynamics and the aged population. Graduates can find work as market researchers, mental health counselors, and public administrators.
To gain full admission into this program, applicants must have completed at least 69 transfer credits with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
$7,176
$16,680
89%
42,051
Public
Yes
$5,742
$17,622
Fullerton, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
68%
100%
$7,176
$16,680
89%
42,051
Public
Yes
Founded in 1957, Cal State Fullerton currently serves about 40,000 students. The university offers 55 undergraduate programs, including an online bachelor's degree in sociology. By taking accelerated classes that span five or eight weeks, learners can complete this degree completion pathway in under three years.
The program's curriculum includes courses like social behavior in organizations, race and ethnic relations, and deviant behavior. Students also examine sociological theories related to family dynamics and the aged population. Graduates can find work as market researchers, mental health counselors, and public administrators.
To gain full admission into this program, applicants must have completed at least 69 transfer credits with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Arizona State University Online
Scottsdale, AZCampus + Online
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
One of the largest distance education providers in the nation, ASU serves approximately 30,000 students in over 200 online programs, including a bachelor's track in sociology. This program helps learners develop transferable critical thinking, analytical, and research skills. With six start dates each year and accelerated, 7.5-week classes, distance learners can complete their degree with plenty of flexibility.
ASU's bachelor's in sociology curriculum covers topics like applied statistics, history of social thought, and American cultural diversity. Learners also explore modern social problems like gender dynamics and racial/ethnic relations.
Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, rank in the top 25% of their high school class, or meet ACT or SAT thresholds based on residency status. About 87% of ASU students receive job offers within 90 days of graduation.
N/A
N/A
N/A
0
Public
No
N/A
N/A
Scottsdale, AZCampus + Online
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0
Public
No
One of the largest distance education providers in the nation, ASU serves approximately 30,000 students in over 200 online programs, including a bachelor's track in sociology. This program helps learners develop transferable critical thinking, analytical, and research skills. With six start dates each year and accelerated, 7.5-week classes, distance learners can complete their degree with plenty of flexibility.
ASU's bachelor's in sociology curriculum covers topics like applied statistics, history of social thought, and American cultural diversity. Learners also explore modern social problems like gender dynamics and racial/ethnic relations.
Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, rank in the top 25% of their high school class, or meet ACT or SAT thresholds based on residency status. About 87% of ASU students receive job offers within 90 days of graduation.
California State University-Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
78%
100%
CSUB offers 21 online certificates and degrees, including an online bachelor's degree in sociology that focuses on the systematic examination of human behavior. Students in this degree completion program learn to help individuals and groups coordinate their activities to achieve diverse goals. Graduates can pursue careers related to teaching, family planning, and social work.
Learners complete courses like self and society, multicultural diversity and the U.S. education system, and social stratification. All learners take a quantitative analysis class, which provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. They can also pursue an optional communications minor.
This degree completion program requires applicants to have at least 60 transferable credits earned with a minimum 2.0 GPA. CSUB powers distance education with the Blackboard Learn platform.
$7,176
$16,680
83%
11,745
Public
Yes
$5,742
$17,622
Bakersfield, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
78%
100%
$7,176
$16,680
83%
11,745
Public
Yes
CSUB offers 21 online certificates and degrees, including an online bachelor's degree in sociology that focuses on the systematic examination of human behavior. Students in this degree completion program learn to help individuals and groups coordinate their activities to achieve diverse goals. Graduates can pursue careers related to teaching, family planning, and social work.
Learners complete courses like self and society, multicultural diversity and the U.S. education system, and social stratification. All learners take a quantitative analysis class, which provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. They can also pursue an optional communications minor.
This degree completion program requires applicants to have at least 60 transferable credits earned with a minimum 2.0 GPA. CSUB powers distance education with the Blackboard Learn platform.
California State University-Chico
Chico, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
90%
100%
Chico State was founded in 1887, making it the second-oldest school in the California State University system. The university offers eight degree completion programs for online learners, including a bachelor's in sociology. Through a curriculum that combines humanistic and scientific perspectives, students learn to evaluate current events and changes to the global economy.
Program coursework includes classes like statistical analysis, ethnic and race relations, and sociology of wealth and inequality. Students also develop grant writing skills and complete an internship to gain practical experience. The program culminates in an integrative capstone seminar.
The program maintains fall and spring entry dates. Prospective learners need at least 60 credits and a minimum 2.0 GPA. The university provides a variety of financial aid opportunities, including the general Wildcat Scholarship.
$7,176
$16,680
83%
16,746
Public
Yes
$5,742
$17,622
Chico, CA4 yearCampus + Online
$5,742
$17,622
90%
100%
$7,176
$16,680
83%
16,746
Public
Yes
Chico State was founded in 1887, making it the second-oldest school in the California State University system. The university offers eight degree completion programs for online learners, including a bachelor's in sociology. Through a curriculum that combines humanistic and scientific perspectives, students learn to evaluate current events and changes to the global economy.
Program coursework includes classes like statistical analysis, ethnic and race relations, and sociology of wealth and inequality. Students also develop grant writing skills and complete an internship to gain practical experience. The program culminates in an integrative capstone seminar.
The program maintains fall and spring entry dates. Prospective learners need at least 60 credits and a minimum 2.0 GPA. The university provides a variety of financial aid opportunities, including the general Wildcat Scholarship.
Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS4 yearCampus + Online
$4,140
$14,580
91%
57%
FHSU delivers online certificates and degrees through the Blackboard platform . Undergraduate students can earn an online BA or BS in sociology. Through electives and a concentration option, this flexible program allows learners to align coursework with their research interests and professional goals.
Both degree types require 120 credits and include coursework in advanced sociological research, cultural anthropology, and social inequality. BA students must satisfy a foreign language requirement. Students can also complete an optional addictions counseling concentration to learn how to deliver prevention, recovery, and crisis care services.
Applicants who live in Kansas need a minimum 2.0 GPA. Non-resident applicants need a GPA of at least 2.5. Additionally, applicants must rank in the top one-third of their high school graduating class or submit adequate ACT or SAT scores.
$3,726
$10,602
78%
15,033
Public
Yes
$4,140
$14,580
Hays, KS4 yearCampus + Online
$4,140
$14,580
91%
57%
$3,726
$10,602
78%
15,033
Public
Yes
FHSU delivers online certificates and degrees through the Blackboard platform . Undergraduate students can earn an online BA or BS in sociology. Through electives and a concentration option, this flexible program allows learners to align coursework with their research interests and professional goals.
Both degree types require 120 credits and include coursework in advanced sociological research, cultural anthropology, and social inequality. BA students must satisfy a foreign language requirement. Students can also complete an optional addictions counseling concentration to learn how to deliver prevention, recovery, and crisis care services.
Applicants who live in Kansas need a minimum 2.0 GPA. Non-resident applicants need a GPA of at least 2.5. Additionally, applicants must rank in the top one-third of their high school graduating class or submit adequate ACT or SAT scores.
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,326
$19,778
85%
93%
Texas State serves more than 38,000 students and offers nearly 100 undergraduate degrees, including a bachelor of science in applied sociology. This hybrid program requires distance learners to take 51-75% of their classes at Texas State's San Marcos campus.
Major courses cover topics like sociological theory, statistics for the behavioral sciences, and applied data analysis. The program emphasizes hands-on skill development, requiring students to complete a 300-hour internship. Learners can collaborate with university partners in the Austin-San Antonio Corridor or find their own internship opportunities.
Texas State maintains a competitive admissions process that evaluates first-year applicants based on their class rank and ACT or SAT scores. Transfer applicants do not need to submit standardized test scores if they have 16 or more college credits.
$6,946
$15,127
77%
37,812
Public
Yes
$8,326
$19,778
San Marcos, TX4 yearCampus + Online
$8,326
$19,778
85%
93%
$6,946
$15,127
77%
37,812
Public
Yes
Texas State serves more than 38,000 students and offers nearly 100 undergraduate degrees, including a bachelor of science in applied sociology. This hybrid program requires distance learners to take 51-75% of their classes at Texas State's San Marcos campus.
Major courses cover topics like sociological theory, statistics for the behavioral sciences, and applied data analysis. The program emphasizes hands-on skill development, requiring students to complete a 300-hour internship. Learners can collaborate with university partners in the Austin-San Antonio Corridor or find their own internship opportunities.
Texas State maintains a competitive admissions process that evaluates first-year applicants based on their class rank and ACT or SAT scores. Transfer applicants do not need to submit standardized test scores if they have 16 or more college credits.
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$6,475
$22,551
86%
97%
Based in Ellensburg, CWU delivers distance learning through the Canvas platform. Online students can choose from 21 undergraduate and graduate programs, including a fully online bachelor's in sociology. Learners develop the conceptual and methodological tools needed to pursue careers in market research, demography, and public administration.
The program's curriculum includes required courses in social theory and applied research methods. Students can pursue their own interests through electives, wth options like punishment and corrections, sociology of immigration, and death and dying. All students must complete a minor or second major and fulfill a foreign language requirement.
First-year applicants with a 3.4 GPA or higher do not need to submit ACT or SAT scores. Transfer applicants must have a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA.
$9,822
$23,007
70%
11,174
Public
Yes
$6,475
$22,551
Ellensburg, WA4 yearCampus + Online
$6,475
$22,551
86%
97%
$9,822
$23,007
70%
11,174
Public
Yes
Based in Ellensburg, CWU delivers distance learning through the Canvas platform. Online students can choose from 21 undergraduate and graduate programs, including a fully online bachelor's in sociology. Learners develop the conceptual and methodological tools needed to pursue careers in market research, demography, and public administration.
The program's curriculum includes required courses in social theory and applied research methods. Students can pursue their own interests through electives, wth options like punishment and corrections, sociology of immigration, and death and dying. All students must complete a minor or second major and fulfill a foreign language requirement.
First-year applicants with a 3.4 GPA or higher do not need to submit ACT or SAT scores. Transfer applicants must have a minimum 2.5 undergraduate GPA.
What Is Sociology?
Sociologists study social institutions and how people operate and interact with each other within those institutions. The field may interest you if you want to learn more about society and human interaction and if you’re interested in making positive changes to society.
A sociology program can teach you more about yourself and the people surrounding you. You’ll explore social inequality, culture, and social change, gaining a deeper understanding of societal structures.
An online bachelor’s in sociology degree program can prepare you for various career paths, including business, law, education, and social services.
Popular Courses in a Bachelor’s in Sociology Program
Online sociology bachelor’s degree programs offer courses that explore societal institutions and social dynamics. You’ll gain the critical thinking and analytical skills needed to address societal challenges.
Sociological Theory
This course is a survey of classical and contemporary sociological theory. You’ll explore social relationships, particularly how people relate to and communicate with each other in various settings.
Social Science Research
In this course, you’ll learn how to apply scientific methods to social research. You’ll learn about ethical issues, research design, theory building, and measurement and sampling. And you’ll conduct field research, experiments, and surveys.
Sociological Analysis
This course teaches you about society and social interaction. You’ll explore cultural patterns and social forces and how these social elements impact groups and individuals within society.
Social Stratification
Social stratification refers to how society ranks its members based on wealth, income, and other factors, creating a hierarchy of social layers. You’ll explore how social stratification creates social inequalities and impacts social mobility and status.
Social Inequality
This course introduces you to the idea of social inequality. You’ll explore theories of stratification and patterns of inequality based on race, gender, and class. The course also examines disparities in income, access to education, and treatment in the justice system.
What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s in Sociology?
Sociology is a broad field. So, once you graduate with your online sociology bachelor’s degree, you’ll be prepared for various roles in government, business, education, human resources, and market research.
With an online bachelor’s degree in sociology, you can work as a program manager, a human resources specialist, a market research analyst, a social and community service manager, a public relations specialist, or an urban and regional planner.
While you’ll need a master’s degree to work as a sociologist, an advanced degree can also open doors to specialized roles leading research in business, nonprofits, or government.
Frequently Asked Questions About an Online Bachelor’s in Sociology
Yes, if you are interested in societies and social groups, you’ll likely find studying sociology rewarding.
The degree program will give you in-demand skills — such as interpersonal, problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication and presentation skills — that employers value.
Plus, a bachelor’s degree makes you eligible to go to graduate school, and you’ll need a master’s degree to work as a sociologist.
Explore More College Resources
Other Liberal Arts and Humanities Resources
Liberal Arts and Humanities
programs