30 Best Bachelor’s in Sociology Online Degrees

An image of sociology students for our ranking of 30 Best Bachelor’s in Sociology Online Degrees

In this article, we profile the 30 best online bachelor’s in sociology degrees at some of the nation’s top-ranked institutions.

Today’s increasingly interconnected world and rapidly changing job market call for skills in:

Featured Programs

  • analytic problem solving
  • critical thinking
  • multicultural and global understanding

Employers are looking to hire people with excellent verbal and written expression and the ability to work sensitively with diverse populations. Sociology programs are designed to equip students with the skills needed to contribute intelligently to our globalizing world.

Methodology

We reviewed 55 accredited institutions that offere online bachelor’s in sociology degree programs. From our list, we examined rankings from major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. Most of the colleges and universities on our list have earned national or regional rankings from at least one major publication. We then selected the most affordable schools based on recent undergraduate tuition rates listed by NCES College Navigator. The most affordable school ranks #1 on our list.

30 Best Bachelor’s in Sociology Online Degrees

Below are the resulting selections for our 30 best online bachelor’s in sociology degrees.

30. Brandman University

Online Bachelor’s in Social Science

Irvine, California

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $12,240

For those interested in an accredited online bachelor’s in sociology program, Brandman University offers a related degree. The online bachelor’s in social science program provides students with studies in cultural, economic, organizational, political, and social processes. The program offers an integrated approach to improve critical thinking skills. It provides a strong knowledge base in various social science disciplines, including sociology. Areas of concentration include:

  • criminal justice
  • history
  • political science
  • sociology

These allow students to customize the degree. Brandman is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the online bachelor’s programs 47th in the country.

29. Park University

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Parkville, Missouri

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $11,470

The affordable online sociology bachelor’s degree programs from Park University are offered face-to-face, online, or as an extended learning program. For those needing flexible options, the online bachelor’s in sociology can be finished by completing 42 credit hours. Classes are delivered entirely online and include:

  • ethical issues in sociology
  • introduction to sociology
  • social issues in contemporary society
  • social psychology

A comprehensive exam must also be taken during the student’s senior year. Park University is a regionally ranked university in the Midwest. U.S. News ranks the school as a top institution. Also, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists Park University as having the 183rd best online bachelor’s programs in the country.

28. Northern Arizona University

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Flagstaff, Arizona

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $10,358

Northern Arizona University offers an accredited online sociology bachelor degree that is designed for working and busy students. The program is offered entirely online. Students have the flexibility needed to take classes without giving up their day job or struggling to balance life obligations while attending school. Online courses include:

  • family issues and social change
  • introduction to sociology
  • race and ethnic relations
  • social problems
  • topics in contemporary social issues

Northern Arizona University is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report list the school as a best national university. Also, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #159 in the nation.

27. Arizona State University

Online BS in Sociology

Tempe, Arizona

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $10,158

Arizona State University’s online sociology bachelor’s programs are offered as part of the School of Social and Family Dynamics. In addition to the liberal arts education focus, students enrolled in the sociology program develop strong research and critical thinking skills. The program is designed for busy students who require the flexibility online learning offers. All classes are delivered online and include:

  • gender and health in today’s society
  • politics of race
  • religion
  • research methods

ASU is ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News lists the school as the 129th best national university and the #1 most innovative institution. The online bachelor’s programs rank #11 and the graduate sociology school ranks #59.

26. Oregon State University

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Corvallis, Oregon

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $10,107

Oregon State University offers an accredited online sociology bachelor degree program that explores the study of human society and social interaction. All classes are delivered online and have been developed by the university’s distinguished faculty. Online classes include:

  • crime and justice
  • environmental sociology
  • population trends and policy
  • sociology of education

The school is regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. It’s  ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. OSU is ranked as the 135th best national university and the 68th top public school. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #7 in the nation.

25. Western Kentucky University

Online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Bowling Green, Kentucky

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $9,482

Western Kentucky University’s online sociology bachelor’s degree program is designed to equip students with the skills needed to pursue a career in sociology. It is also good preparation for a graduate level sociology program. Coursework is delivered entirely online and includes classes in:

  • contemporary social problems
  • introduction to sociology
  • sociological theory – perspectives on society
  • strategies of social research
  • using statistics in sociology

Western Kentucky University is an accredited institution that is also ranked by major publications. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school #31 for best regional universities in the South. Also, the school’s online bachelor’s programs are ranked #3 in the nation.

24. Westfield State University

Online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Westfield, Massachusetts

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $8,815

Westfield State University offers an affordable online bachelor degree in sociology that may be completed without any campus visits. The program is designed for graduates of the Massachusetts Community Colleges who have transfer credit that allows them to enroll as a junior. Students take the same courses as offered on campus. Online classes may include:

  • principles of sociology
  • research methods
  • sociological theory

A capstone in sociology and an internship may also be required. Westfield is a ranked and accredited institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 116th best regional university in the North. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #58 in the nation.

23. Saint Leo University

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Saint Leo, Florida

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $8,730

Saint Leo University’s School of Arts and Science offers an online sociology bachelor degree program for busy students who want to earn a degree without attending traditional classes. All courses are delivered online and include:

  • building a multiracial society
  • human ecology
  • methods of social research
  • sociological theory

A comprehensive examination in sociology is required to graduate from the program. Saint Leo is a top-ranked institution by major publications like Forbes and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 71st best regional university in the South. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #43 in the nation.

22. University of Colorado

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Denver, Colorado

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $8,692

University of Colorado offers an affordable online sociology bachelor’s degree program that prepares students with the skills needed for entry-level sociology careers or graduate programs. All classes are delivered online and cover topics in:

  • globalization and family dynamics
  • race and ethnicity
  • social class stratification

The program is accredited and considered to be one of the more affordable on our list. Also, UC-Denver is a nationally ranked institution. U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 199th best national university and the 116th top public school. Globally, the institution ranks #194 in the world.

21. Central Washington University

Online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Ellensburg, Washington

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $8,688

Central Washington University (CWU) offers an affordable online sociology bachelor degree that requires 45 credits to complete the major. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. Courses include:

  • data analysis in sociology
  • methods of social research
  • principles of sociology
  • social theory

Students are also required to select one course from three different categories, which include:

  • deviance, law, and social control
  • inequality and social change
  • social structure and institutions

CWU is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 52nd best regional university in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #195 in the country.

20. Columbia College

Online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Columbia, Missouri

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $8,240

Columbia College’s online bachelor’s degree in sociology is an affordable program designed to equip students for careers in:

  • advocacy
  • government
  • teaching

Courses are delivered online and explore topics such as:

  • crime
  • poverty
  • racism
  • sexism
  • social movements

Online courses may include:

  • American social problems
  • cultural anthropology
  • environment and society
  • religion and society
  • social deviance
  • sports and society

A six semester-hour foreign language requirement is also needed to complete the program. Columbia College is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the current edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as having the 106th best online bachelor’s programs in the nation.

19. University of Northern Colorado

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Greeley, Colorado

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $8,166

University of Northern Colorado offers an online bachelor’s in sociology program for working and busy students. The online program follows the same curriculum as found in the on-campus sociology program, with courses taught by the same distinguished professors. Online courses may include:

  • classical social theory
  • contemporary social theory
  • introduction to sociological practice
  • methods of sociological research

Four concentrations are available, including:

  • deviance, crime, and delinquency
  • family
  • inequalities and institutions
  • social psychology and life course

The school and its programs are accredited and ranked by major publications. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the online bachelor’s programs #179 in the nation.

18. North Dakota State University

Online BS in Sociology

Fargo, North Dakota

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $8,098

The affordable online bachelor’s degree in sociology program offered at North Dakota State University prepares students who are considering a graduate degree in sociology. The program is designed to provide a solid sociological foundation through:

  • classes
  • projects
  • small group interaction

Classes are delivered entirely online and include:

  • cultural diversity
  • development of social theory
  • introduction to sociology
  • social interaction
  • social problems
  • social research methods

The school is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks North Dakota State as the 185th best national university and the 103rd top public school.

17. Lamar University

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Beaumont, Texas

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $8,002

Lamar University offers an accredited online bachelor’s in sociology program that provides a solid foundation in:

  • data analysis skills
  • research methods
  • sociological theory

Classes are delivered entirely online and follow the same content as those taught in the classroom. In fact, the same professors who teach on-campus also teach online. Online courses include:

  • introduction to sociology
  • marriage and family
  • race and ethnic relations
  • sociology of gender
  • urban sociology

Lamar is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best national university. Also, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #58 in the country.

16. Troy University

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Troy, Alabama

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $7,924

For those interested in pursuing an accredited online bachelor’s degree in a social science like sociology, Troy University offers an affordable option. Students explore various sociological topics and learn to put curriculum into practice as they embark on a career in teaching or research. The program also equips students with the skills required to pursue an advanced sociology degree. Online courses include:

  • cultural anthropology
  • gender in America
  • introduction to sociology
  • marriage and sociology

Troy University is a regionally ranked institution by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 65th best regional university in the South. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #100 in the country.

15. University of North Alabama

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Florence, Alabama

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $7,774

University of North Alabama offers a unique online bachelor degree in sociology that allows students to minor in five different areas. Depending on interests and career goals, students may minor in:

  • family studies
  • history
  • management
  • marketing
  • political sciences

All sociology classes are delivered online and include:

  • current social problems
  • introduction to sociology
  • juvenile delinquency
  • marriage and the family
  • parenting and socialization
  • sociology of gender and sexual behavior

The university is regionally ranked and accredited. U.S. News and World Report lists the institution as the 71st best regional university in the South and the 32nd top public school.

14. Wichita State University

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Wichita, Kansas

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $7,528

Wichita State University’s online sociology bachelor degree program provides a flexible option for busy and working students. Classes are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who teach in the traditional classroom. Online courses include:

  • introduction to social research
  • introduction to sociology
  • measurements and analysis
  • sociological statistics
  • sociological theory
  • The program equips students with the skills needed to enter a graduate level sociology program or pursue a sociological career. Wichita State is a nationally ranked university. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution as among the best. In fact, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #159 in the nation.

13. McNeese State University

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Lake Charles, Louisiana

Undergraduate tuition: $7,290

McNeese State University offers an affordable online bachelor degree in sociology program that provides adult learners with flexible learning options that do not disrupt life obligations. Admission to the sociology program at McNeese is reserved for non-traditional students 25 years of age and older, or those who have difficulty juggling job, family, and school. All classes are delivered online and include:

  • introduction to sociology
  • policy and analysis
  • research methods in sociology
  • statistics

McNeese is an accredited and ranked institution. In fact, major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the school as the 87th best regional university in the South and the 42nd top public school.

12. Tennessee State University

Online Bachelor of Science in Sociology

Nashville, Tennessee

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $7,112

Tennessee State University offers an accredited online bachelor’s in sociology degree program. It equips students with the foundation needed to work in sociology-related careers or enter a graduate-level program. All classes are delivered online. They include a core sociology component and 12 hours of sociology electives. Courses may include:

  • classical sociological theory
  • contemporary sociological theory
  • introduction to social research
  • introduction to sociology
  • social statistics

The university is nationally ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, U.S. News lists the institution as the 21st best historically black college or university and one of the best national universities in the country.

11. West Texas A&M University

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Canyon, Texas

Undergraduate tuition: $7,041

West Texas A&M University’s online sociology degree is designed for those interested in an online bachelor’s degree in social science. Students may pursue the bachelor of arts or bachelor of science track, depending on education goals and interests. All classes are delivered online and include courses that explore:

  • the development of human society
  • human social behavior
  • the study of origins

Students may be required to complete an internship in a social agency, which satisfies the sociology practicum requirement. West Texas A&M is a regionally ranked institution. Major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report rank the school as among the best regional universities in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s degree programs are ranked #11 in the nation.

10. CUNY School of Professional Studies

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

New York, New York

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $6,760

For those interested in pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in social science that focuses on sociology, CUNY School of Professional Studies provides an option. The online bachelor’s in sociology degree program shapes students into:

  • researchers
  • law students
  • educators

Online courses make the major a flexible program for working students who are unable to attend traditional daytime classes. Sociology classes include:

  • introduction to sociology
  • critical thinking
  • social problems
  • urban life and culture

The institution is accredited and ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as a best regional college.

9. University of Nebraska

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Kearney, Nebraska

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $6,711

The University of Nebraska offers an accredited and affordable online bachelor’s degree in social science that focuses on sociology. The program is delivered entirely online with courses taught by the same university professors who teach at the Kearney campus. Online courses include:

  • behavioral statistics
  • global cultures and diversity
  • introduction to sociology
  • social inequality
  • social psychology
  • sociological inquiry
  • sociological theory

Students have access to coursework at all hours of the day and are not tied to specific class times. University of Nebraska is accredited and ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the publication ranks the school as the 46th best regional university in the Midwest. Also, the school is ranked #11 for top public schools and #34 for best colleges for veterans.

8. University of Central Florida

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Orlando, Florida

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $6,368

University of Central Florida’s accredited online bachelor’s in sociology program prepares students for careers in sociology or for graduate level social science programs. All classes are delivered online and are taught by university professors with research and extensive teaching background. Online courses include:

  • applied social statistics
  • data analysis
  • research methods
  • social theory

Students may enroll in a 3 to 6 credit-hour internship per term as long as the department coordinator has approved the opportunity. A maximum of 12 credits may be earned for the internship. University of Central Florida ranks as the 168th best national university. Also, the school’s online bachelor’s programs are ranked #20 in the country.

7. Kennesaw State University

Online Bachelor of Science in Sociology

Kennesaw, Georgia

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $6,060

Kennesaw State University’s online bachelor degree in sociology program is designed for career preparation and graduate school admissions. Students take various sociological classes that explore:

  • problem solving
  • critical thinking
  • community awareness

Students also become skilled in data analysis and research. All courses are delivered online and include:

  • cultural diversity in the U.S.
  • human communication
  • intersections of race and gender
  • professional development for sociology students
  • social problems

Students also have the option of selecting a concentration in an area of interest. Concentrations include:

  • criminology
  • cultural diversity
  • medical sociology
  • organizational and social change

Kennesaw is a regionally ranked institution by U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the online bachelor’s programs rank #143 in the country.

6. University of North Carolina Pembroke

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Pembroke, North Carolina

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $5,564

University of North Carolina at Pembroke is a regionally ranked university. It offers an accredited online bachelor degree in social sciences. Students may choose from criminal justice or sociology. Those enrolled in the online bachelor’s in sociology program explore a wide range of topics specific to the field. Students also explore current research methods and learn how to analyze and synthesize data and statistics. Online courses include:

  • computers and society
  • development and globalization
  • introduction to sociology
  • social inequalities
  • sociological writing and rhetoric

UNC-Pembroke is a regionally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school as the 93rd best regional university in the South.

5. Central Methodist University

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Fayette, Missouri

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $5,280

Central Methodist University offers an affordable online sociology bachelor degree that equips students with the knowledge needed to enter a graduate level sociology program or work as an applied sociologist. Classes are delivered online and include:

  • gender and sexuality
  • introduction to sociology
  • race and ethnicity in the United States
  • research design and data analysis
  • social theory

Students complete a thesis and sociology senior seminar during the last year of the program. The university is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 36th best regional college in the Midwest. Other rankings include #25 for best colleges for veterans.

4. University of Texas Permian Basin

Online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Odessa, Texas

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $5,250

The University of Texas at Permian Basin offers online sociology bachelor’s degrees that may be completed in four years. All classes are delivered online. They require a total of 120 credits composed of at least 34 sociology major courses. Online classes include:

  • introduction to sociology
  • introductory statistics
  • social determinants of energy use
  • social research methods
  • social stratification
  • women’s studies

UT Permian Basin is a regionally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school among the best regional universities in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs, including sociology, rank #92 in the country.

3. Fayetteville State University

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $4,885

The Department of Sociology at Fayetteville State University offers an affordable online sociology bachelor’s degree program that prepares students for careers in:

  • education
  • government
  • law
  • the private sector

Currently, the program is for students who have completed most of their prerequisites, including 100 and 200-level courses. Online classes include:

  • contemporary social theory
  • history of sociological thought
  • marriage and family relations
  • sociology of education
  • sociology of work

Fayetteville State is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the 2016 edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 84th best regional university in the South. For those interested in graduate programs, the institution’s graduate social work school ranks #220 in the country.

2. Fort Hays State University

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Hays, Kansas

Undergraduate tuition: $4,654

The accredited online bachelor degree in sociology at Fort Hays State University is for busy students who need flexible education options. Classes are delivered entirely online and include 21 core sociology courses. In addition to the BA or BS in Sociology degree, students may choose from seven online certificate programs. These allow a more in-depth understanding of topics like:

  • community development
  • nonprofit corporations
  • sociology of aging

Sociology courses include:

  • advanced sociological research
  • grant proposal development
  • methods of social research
  • principles of culture

Fort Hays offers an affordable sociology program that is also ranked. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school’s online bachelor’s programs #24 in the nation.

1. University of Florida

Online Bachelor’s in Sociology

Gainesville, Florida

Website

Undergraduate tuition: $3,876

The most affordable online bachelor’s in sociology program on our list is found at the University of Florida. Through coursework and instruction, students receive a liberal arts education that emphasizes diverse social causes and the consequences of human behavior. All classes are delivered online and taught by the same professors who teach on-campus. Online courses include:

  • development of social thought
  • methods of social research
  • principles of sociology

A total of 120 credits are required to complete the degree. The University of Florida is a nationally ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the institution as the 47th best national university and the 14th top public school in the country. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank #11 and the graduate sociology school ranks #52 in the nation. Due to the affordable tuition costs, University of Florida is our #1 pick for an online bachelor’s in sociology degree.

Related Resources:

Brenda Rufener
Author

Julie McCaulley
Expert

Carrie Sealey-Morris
Editor-in-Chief