What is the highest-paying job with a sociology degree?

Human resources managers earn the most money among professionals who often have sociology degrees. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), these workers earned a median of $136,350 per year in 2023. Human resource managers coordinate an organization's recruitment, interview applicants, advise managers on workplace conduct, and help solve staffing issues.

Are sociology majors in demand?

Yes, the BLS projects that jobs for sociologists will grow by 7% from 2023-2033. While you'll need a master's degree to work as a sociologist, an online sociology bachelor's degree program will give you a deep understanding of social dynamics as well as critical thinking and research skills. These transferable skills are valued across various industries.

Where do most sociology majors work?

Since sociology is a broad field, sociology majors work across a wide range of sectors that include the criminal justice system, education and research, government, marketing, and healthcare. Graduates can work at nonprofits as case management workers, community center directors, and youth services specialists. In the education and research world, you can find a job as a grant writer, social researcher, or academic and career counselor. The business world employs sociology majors as human resources representatives and training and development specialists.

What's the difference between a sociology and psychology major?

While sociology and psychology are both social sciences that study human behavior, sociology focuses on the macro level, while psychology focuses on the micro level. Sociology majors study social constructs and institutions and how they influence human behavior over time. They analyze social structures and the behaviors of groups and societies. Psychology majors, on the other hand, study the human mind and how individual humans think and behave. Psychology is focused on individual thought patterns and behaviors, while sociology looks at the behaviors of groups and social systems at large.

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.

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Updated January 7, 2025

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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.

Popular Online Sociology Programs

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In this Article

Best Online Bachelor’s in Sociology Programs

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$25,694

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

31%

Acceptance Rate

92%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,335

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

53,372

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,694

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,477

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,694

Acceptance Rate

31%

Online Enrollment

92%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$10,770

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$27,335

Retention Rate

97%

Students Enrolled

53,372

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Florida International University

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$4,721

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$16,529

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

58%

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,912

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,393

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

58,836

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,721

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,529

Florida International University

Miami, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,721

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,529

Acceptance Rate

58%

Online Enrollment

86%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$8,912

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$21,393

Retention Rate

91%

Students Enrolled

58,836

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online

$4,478

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$19,810

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

45%

Acceptance Rate

96%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,916

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,759

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

71,881

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,478

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,810

University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,478

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,810

Acceptance Rate

45%

Online Enrollment

96%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,916

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$25,759

Retention Rate

92%

Students Enrolled

71,881

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,622

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

68%

Acceptance Rate

100%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,680

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

42,051

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

Acceptance Rate

68%

Online Enrollment

100%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,680

Retention Rate

89%

Students Enrolled

42,051

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Arizona State University Online

Scottsdale, AZCampus + Online

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Arizona State University Online

Scottsdale, AZCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Acceptance Rate

N/A

Online Enrollment

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

N/A

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

N/A

Retention Rate

N/A

Students Enrolled

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

California State University-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,622

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

78%

Acceptance Rate

100%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,680

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

11,745

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

California State University-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

Acceptance Rate

78%

Online Enrollment

100%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,680

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

11,745

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

California State University-Chico

Chico, CA4 yearCampus + Online

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$17,622

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

90%

Acceptance Rate

100%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,680

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

16,746

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

California State University-Chico

Chico, CA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$5,742

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$17,622

Acceptance Rate

90%

Online Enrollment

100%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$7,176

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$16,680

Retention Rate

83%

Students Enrolled

16,746

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS4 yearCampus + Online

$4,140

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$14,580

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

91%

Acceptance Rate

57%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,726

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,602

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

15,033

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,140

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,580

Fort Hays State University

Hays, KS4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$4,140

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$14,580

Acceptance Rate

91%

Online Enrollment

57%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$3,726

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$10,602

Retention Rate

78%

Students Enrolled

15,033

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Texas State University

San Marcos, TX4 yearCampus + Online

$8,326

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$19,778

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

85%

Acceptance Rate

93%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,946

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,127

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

37,812

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,326

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,778

Texas State University

San Marcos, TX4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$8,326

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$19,778

Acceptance Rate

85%

Online Enrollment

93%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$6,946

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$15,127

Retention Rate

77%

Students Enrolled

37,812

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

#10

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA4 yearCampus + Online

$6,475

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$22,551

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

86%

Acceptance Rate

97%

Online Enrollment

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,822

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,007

Retention Rate

70%

Students Enrolled

11,174

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,475

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,551

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA4 yearCampus + Online

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, In-State

$6,475

Avg. Undergrad Tuition, Out-of-state

$22,551

Acceptance Rate

86%

Online Enrollment

97%

Avg. Grad Tuition, In-State

$9,822

Avg. Grad Tuition, Out-of-state

$23,007

Retention Rate

70%

Students Enrolled

11,174

Institution Type

Public

Accreditation

Yes

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.