Best Online Sociology Programs

Earning an online bachelor’s in sociology can provide an excellent foundation for both work and advanced study. Defined as the study of human relationships and behavior, sociology is a multifaceted, interdisciplinary field. A degree in sociology can be valuable in many different industries and sectors.

While the cost of these degrees can vary substantially based on what school a student attends, learners often find that online programs are less expensive than campus-based options. Regardless of where they study, degree-seekers can expect to spend approximately four years earning this degree. Given the versatility of these programs, graduates work in a wide spectrum of industries, including marketing, human resources, market research, and community services.

Keep reading to learn about standard course offerings, common job outcomes, and where this degree can take graduates now and in the future.

Students who pursue an online bachelor’s in sociology degree typically look at the world through a cerebral lens — they want to know more about how it works and why people behave the way they do. Students are often drawn to academic and intellectual pursuits and enjoy using data to make informed decisions in life and work.

The vast majority of bachelor’s in sociology programs consist of 120 credits and require four years of full-time study. Part-time programs last six years, while some schools offer accelerated options taking as few as three years.

In addition to generalist study, some programs offer learners the opportunity to specialize their studies in several concentration areas. These vary by school, but common examples include:

In addition to completing all course requirements, students must sometimes participate in an internship component that will help them learn transferable skills before graduating. Some programs also include a thesis component to help learners build research and writing skills.

While a BA in sociology typically includes a foreign language component, a BS in sociology focuses more on research and analysis coursework.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

In the first semester, this foundational course introduces students to sociological thought and methodologies. Learners will discover how to analyze subjects and communicate about them.

This course introduces students to the history of the discipline by providing a series of readings that demonstrate how the field has evolved and shifted in reaction to other intellectual developments over time.

Students taking this course examine how the role of the family plays a part in society. They often study the diversity of familial structures and how families have evolved throughout history.

This course considers how factors such as ethnicity, religion, race, and political views affect how individuals and communities interact with themselves and outside groups.

This course looks at the relationship between humans and the environment, including the human role in climate change.

While some may think of an online bachelor’s in sociology solely as a building block to advanced study, graduates of these programs can find a variety of jobs after graduating. Sociology may not be one of the most popular college majors, but as a liberal arts degree, it provides transferable skills in research and writing, analysis, and data review and use, as well as an understanding of human behavior.

Salaries for graduates can vary substantially. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), market research analysts earned a median annual wage of $74,680 in May 2023, while human resource managers brought home median pay of $136,350 during the same year. Graduates can be found in many different positions and industries, including communications, marketing, human resources, and research.

See where a bachelor’s in sociology can take you. Learn more about sociology careers.

Market research analysts use their skills in data collection and analysis to predict market conditions and how a particular service or product might do with consumers. They create marketing and sales forecasts, measure marketing effectiveness, and create questionnaires and surveys to collect primary data from customers.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $74,680

These professionals oversee all the administrative functions of an organization to ensure it runs smoothly. They specifically work on staffing management and operations, frequently posting job listings, interviewing candidates, and making decisions around hiring. They may also coordinate employee benefits and oversee disciplinary procedures.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $136,350

PR specialists work with individuals and organizations to create, maintain, and improve their public image. They frequently craft press releases and other promotional materials, manage social media outreach, coach clients on public speaking, and use other channels to enhance their client’s public image.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $66,750

Whether writing fiction or nonfiction, writers and authors convey ideas and information. Some may go the traditional publishing route, while others may work in content development roles for brands, content creation agencies, or even online publications focused on many topics.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $73,690

Whether working for a nonprofit or government entity, social and community service managers create and oversee programs that support local communities and provide needed services. These workers also look for ways to improve offerings by conducting surveys and collecting data from participants.

Median Annual Salary (May 2023): $77,030

Many students who complete an online bachelor’s in sociology continue their education — especially if they hope to work in academia or research. Pursuing an online master’s in sociology can qualify graduates to take on several supervisory and management roles. A doctorate in sociology offers the credentials needed to teach at the postsecondary level.

Sociology positions do not require specific licenses or certificates, but some students may decide to participate in academic certification programs to specialize their knowledge in particular areas of the discipline. Examples include certificates in crime and punishment or gender and sexuality.

As students begin researching various online bachelor’s in sociology programs, they may soon find a wide range of tuition costs. In general, students looking to save money attend public colleges in their state of residence, while those with a larger budget look into private institutions. Learners should understand the true cost of programs and compare costs between online and on-campus programs before deciding.

When looking at online bachelor’s programs in sociology, students can typically choose between synchronous and asynchronous learning formats. Those looking for more flexibility in their learning typically choose asynchronous programs. They can also decide on a full-time or part-time schedule. Some schools offer accelerated programs for those who wish to complete their degrees faster.

Learners must decide whether to study online or on campus. Those who decide to pursue an online program often have more choice in terms of where to study, especially when the location does not factor into the decision-making process. That said, some online programs may require some in-person learning.

In addition to finding an online college with proper institutional accreditation, learners can also look for bachelor’s in sociology with programmatic accreditation. Within this field, students should look for sociology programs accredited by the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology.

The best bachelor’s in sociology programs offer various student support services that benefit learners while enrolled and even after graduation. In addition to providing mentorship opportunities, many also help students find internships. Universities also offer online support services specifically to learners studying remotely.

Rankings compiled by the the BestColleges Ranking Team