Online Bachelor's Degree in Sociology - Best of 2023

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Overview of a Bachelor’s in Sociology

Sociology is the study of humans and the ways in which they interact. Sociology studies the way humans create groups, tribes, and other types of social factions. Educators place sociology in the humanities group and the field involves many social behavior and scientific subjects.

A bachelor of psychological science and sociology can be a highly sought degree by businesses, non-profits, and government employers. Because a sociology major involves things like human motivations and understanding human social behavior, the field has multiple uses in commercial and public policy or public health settings. Some sociology majors even include a community health concentration into their social education and sociology programs. From marketing to corporate management, the knowledge of human interactions that come from sociological studies offers a valuable set of skills and knowledge. Luckily, since this is a science based on reading, surveys, and other non-lab-focused work, it can easily be translated to an online format. An online sociology degree allows students who are already in the work force or busy with other obligations to find time for their ongoing education.

Here are just a few of the subjects that might be included in a sociology major or bachelor's in sociology program offering a sociology degree to students.

Criminal Justice
Social Sciences
Social Services
Gender Studies
Sociological Theory
Social and Community Service
Social Behavior & Human Behavior
Social Change
Research Methods
Substance Abuse
Sociological Research Methods
Social Structures from a Sociological Perspective
And More

In courses covering these subjects, sociology majors will learn skills including communication skills, critical thinking, research skills and data collection, problem-solving, etc. Gaining various skills in sociology offers a myriad of career opportunities for sociology graduates including faculty positions as postsecondary sociology educators, social workers, community health workers, sociologists with various social institutions, survey researcher, social services worker, human resources specialist, community service manager, etc. However, higher-level positions as sociology researchers or research-oriented sociologists will require sociology training at the master's or doctorate level and postsecondary sociology educators may need a degree specifically in social education.

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PROS

A bachelor’s in sociology or any major offers a financial advantage over a high school education. The total lifetime earnings of a bachelor degree holder may be as much as $1 million greater than a high school graduate. This degree can open many job options and career path employment opportunities. It also offers opportunities for further edcation, training, and certifications.

Some surveys show salary advantages for Bachelor of Science degrees over Bachelor of Arts degrees. This may reflect the demand for technical skillsets in the current marketplace. The Bachelor of Psychological Science and Sociology may favor those that intend to work in the field of sociology. A BA may provide opportunities for sociology degree graduates to find a job in other fields as well such as law, politics, or management, where they can support social change and/or social services through different means.

CONS

A bachelor’s degree requires three to four years of study and covering the costs of education. Some certificate programs might put the student in the workforce faster but at a lower level. A bachelor’s degree may not be the preferred level for many occupations and employer preferences. Many positions ask for extensive experience or a master’s degree. The bachelor’s degree may not qualify you for some specializations. Students will have to gain additional credentials such as through certifications that offer graduate level education and require a bachelor’s degree as a pre-requisite. Students can use a bachelor’s degree to get graduate certifications. Students earning their bachelor's degree online part-time will also have trouble finishing within a four-year timeframe. Online learning can extend the time it takes to earn a bachelor's by 2+ years.

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What are the Best Online Bachelors in Sociology College Programs?

Traditional, on-campus learning is classroom and lecture hall instruction. A group of students gathers to learn at the same time. This is called synchronous learning, differing from online learning, which is asynchronous. Traditional education has the highest average cost and tends to take more time to complete than online learning. Some students mix the types of learning into a combination or hybrid.

University of Florida

Tuition
- In-State $6,381
- Out-of-State $28,659
Net Price: $9,809
Acceptance Rate:30%
Retention Rate: 97%
Graduation Rate: 91%

Total Enrollment: 55,781
Undergrad Students: 34,876
Graduate Students:20,905
Diplomas Awarded:144
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

University of Washington

Tuition
- In-State $12,076
- Out-of-State $39,906
Net Price: $8,701
Acceptance Rate:53%
Retention Rate: 93%
Graduation Rate: 84%

Total Enrollment: 52,434
Undergrad Students: 36,201
Graduate Students:16,233
Diplomas Awarded:64
Grads Salary: $83,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

California State University-Fullerton

Tuition
- In-State $6,976
- Out-of-State $18,856
Net Price: $4,939
Acceptance Rate:59%
Retention Rate:87%
Graduation Rate: 71%

Total Enrollment: 40,738
Undergrad Students: 35,600
Graduate Students:5,138
Diplomas Awarded:366
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 25:1

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University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Tuition
- In-State $16,439
- Out-of-State $36,964
Net Price: $17,291
Acceptance Rate:66%
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 84%

Total Enrollment: 32,045
Undergrad Students: 24,231
Graduate Students:7,814
Diplomas Awarded:82
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

University of Utah

Tuition
- In-State $8,893
- Out-of-State $28,345
Net Price: $12,972
Acceptance Rate:95%
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 67%

Total Enrollment: 34,464
Undergrad Students: 25,826
Graduate Students:8,638
Diplomas Awarded:120
Grads Salary: $78,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

University of Central Florida

Tuition
- In-State $6,368
- Out-of-State $22,467
Net Price: $11,575
Acceptance Rate:36%
Retention Rate: 92%
Graduation Rate: 75%

Total Enrollment: 70,310
Undergrad Students: 59,996
Graduate Students:10,314
Diplomas Awarded:102
Grads Salary: $69,000
Student-to-faculty: 30:1

Washington State University

Tuition
- In-State $12,417
- Out-of-State $27,733
Net Price: $11,877
Acceptance Rate:86%
Retention Rate: 81%
Graduation Rate: 60%

Total Enrollment: 29,843
Undergrad Students: 24,278
Graduate Students:5,565
Diplomas Awarded:57
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

California State University-Chico

Tuition
- In-State $7,864
- Out-of-State $19,744
Net Price: $13,749
Acceptance Rate:85%
Retention Rate:81%
Graduation Rate: 65%

Total Enrollment: 15,702
Undergrad Students: 14,462
Graduate Students:1,240
Diplomas Awarded:154
Grads Salary: $79,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

Charter Oak State College

Tuition
- In-State $8,254
- Out-of-State $10,654
Net Price: $9,697
Acceptance Rate:100%
Retention Rate: 67%
Graduation Rate: 54%

Total Enrollment: 1,618
Undergrad Students: 1,526
Graduate Students:92
Diplomas Awarded:9
Grads Salary: $80,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Arizona State University

Tuition
- In-State $11,348
- Out-of-State $29,438
Net Price: $14,934
Acceptance Rate:88%
Retention Rate: 86%
Graduation Rate: 66%

Total Enrollment: 77,881
Undergrad Students: 64,716
Graduate Students:13,165
Diplomas Awarded:84
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Florida International University

Tuition
- In-State $6,565
- Out-of-State $18,963
Net Price: $9,398
Acceptance Rate:64%
Retention Rate: 90%
Graduation Rate: 67%

Total Enrollment: 56,664
Undergrad Students: 46,415
Graduate Students:10,249
Diplomas Awarded:92
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 24:1

University of Missouri

Tuition
- In-State $11,475
- Out-of-State $30,450
Net Price: $18,249
Acceptance Rate:77%
Retention Rate: 88%
Graduation Rate: 73%

Total Enrollment: 31,401
Undergrad Students: 23,696
Graduate Students:7,705
Diplomas Awarded:39
Grads Salary: $71,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Oregon State University

Tuition
- In-State $12,188
- Out-of-State $31,579
Net Price: $20,318
Acceptance Rate:89%
Retention Rate: 87%
Graduation Rate: 68%

Total Enrollment: 33,193
Undergrad Students: 27,564
Graduate Students:5,629
Diplomas Awarded:89
Grads Salary: $77,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

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University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Tuition
- In-State $7,188
- Out-of-State $20,622
Net Price: $15,682
Acceptance Rate:79%
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 66%

Total Enrollment: 30,448
Undergrad Students: 24,116
Graduate Students:6,332
Diplomas Awarded:92
Grads Salary: $73,000
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

Maryville University

Tuition
- In-State $27,166
- Out-of-State $27,166
Net Price: $24,733
Acceptance Rate:92%
Retention Rate:82%
Graduation Rate: 73%

Total Enrollment: 10,596
Undergrad Students: 5,685
Graduate Students:4,911
Diplomas Awarded:3
Grads Salary: $75,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Texas Tech University

Tuition
- In-State $11,852
- Out-of-State $24,122
Net Price:$17,057
Acceptance Rate:68%
Retention Rate: 85%
Graduation Rate: 63%

Total Enrollment: 40,542
Undergrad Students: 33,132
Graduate Students:7,410
Diplomas Awarded:80
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

New Mexico State University

Tuition
- In-State $7,301
- Out-of-State $23,767
Net Price: $11,397
Acceptance Rate:57%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 50%

Total Enrollment: 13,904
Undergrad Students: 11,231
Graduate Students:2,673
Diplomas Awarded:30
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

American Public University System

Tuition
- In-State $7,360
- Out-of-State $7,360
Net Price: $11,916
Acceptance Rate:100%
Retention Rate: 91%
Graduation Rate: 49%

Total Enrollment: 48,298
Undergrad Students: 38,969
Graduate Students:9,329
Diplomas Awarded:79
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

North Dakota State University

Tuition
- In-State $10,601
- Out-of-State $15,076
Net Price: $16,677
Acceptance Rate:95%
Retention Rate: 76%
Graduation Rate:65%

Total Enrollment: 12,461
Undergrad Students: 10,199
Graduate Students:2,262
Diplomas Awarded:10
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Louisiana State University

Tuition
- In-State $11,958
- Out-of-State $28,635
Net Price: $21,010
Acceptance Rate:71%
Retention Rate: 83%
Graduation Rate:69%

Total Enrollment: 35,912
Undergrad Students: 29,273
Graduate Students:6,639
Diplomas Awarded:149
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 22:1

Madonna University

Tuition
- In-State $24,900
- Out-of-State $24,900
Net Price: $18,469
Acceptance Rate:52%
Retention Rate: 68%
Graduation Rate: 64%

Total Enrollment: 2,444
Undergrad Students: 2,040
Graduate Students:404
Diplomas Awarded:4
Grads Salary: $68,000
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

California State University-Bakersfield

Tuition
- In-State $7,579
- Out-of-State $19,459
Net Price: $7,368
Acceptance Rate:85%
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 48%

Total Enrollment: 10,972
Undergrad Students: 9,367
Graduate Students:1,605
Diplomas Awarded:129
Grads Salary: $72,000
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

Western Illinois University

Tuition
- In-State $13,669
- Out-of-State $13,669
Net Price: $11,666
Acceptance Rate:72%
Retention Rate: 72%
Graduation Rate: 51%

Total Enrollment: 7,455
Undergrad Students: 5,394
Graduate Students:2,061
Diplomas Awarded:9
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

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University of Colorado Denver

Tuition
- In-State $9,384
- Out-of-State $26,376
Net Price: $14,630
Acceptance Rate:72%
Retention Rate: 75%
Graduation Rate: 48%

Total Enrollment: 24,267
Undergrad Students: 14,289
Graduate Students:9,978
Diplomas Awarded:20
Grads Salary: $76,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

University of Louisville

Tuition
- In-State $12,370
- Out-of-State $28,716
Net Price: $18,582
Acceptance Rate:75%
Retention Rate: 77%
Graduation Rate: 62%

Total Enrollment: 22,140
Undergrad Students: 15,634
Graduate Students:6,506
Diplomas Awarded:14
Grads Salary: $70,000
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Certificate vs. Bachelor's

What sociology Bachelor’s Degrees are Available Online?

Bachelor of Arts vs. Bachelor of Science:
The Bachelor of Arts degree is a strong preparatory degree for further education and are easily accessible through online learning. In the field of sociology, higher level degrees include professional degrees like a Juris Doctor and advanced degrees such as master’s or doctoral level degrees. The BA provides a wide range of general education and humanities courses in other disciplines as well, such as political science. The Bachelor of Science may be narrower in the range of courses and stronger in the technical studies that the BA program.
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology:
A BA degree is a liberal arts degree that exposes students to a general education and a wide range of social and humanities courses. The goal of these programs is to prepare students for graduate study and entry-level positions in policy and management roles. BA degrees are often best for students that do not intend to work at advanced levels in the field of sociology. These degrees are some of the most common sociology degrees found through online platforms, though Bachelor of Science degrees can also be found online.
Bachelor of Science in Sociology:
A BS degree typically has a greater emphasis on technical, scientific, and math-based aspects of the field. The BS degree in sociology might offer students greater opportunities in statistics and research methodology than the BA degree. Students that seek careers in research or analysis may select the Bachelor of Science track to get a deeper level of knowledge in research, statistical analysis, and information analysis. Because of their focus, these degrees may offer courses online but be less likely to offer the entire program through an online platform.

Bachelors of Sociology Admission Requirements

High school graduates can qualify for entry into a four-year sociology degree program either online, on-campus, or in a blend of online and on-campus courses. Colleges typically require transcripts of all coursework, the SAT or ACT, and letters of recommendation. Most schools ask for a student statement that expresses the student’s career or educational goals.

Some degrees are completion degrees that require students that have already completed between 60 to 70 hours of coursework with an associate in sociology. These programs typically provide about 40 hours of sociology coursework to complete the degree requirements. Completion programs may favor community colleges with existing articulation agreements with the four-year program.

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How long does it take to earn a Sociology Bachelor's online?

The traditional on-campus, four-year sociology degree should take eight semesters. In traditional campus programs, a student may be able to reduce the time frame for completion by one semester if they take an extra course each semester and attend summer sessions. Online degrees also require eight semesters, and students can also shorten the online term of attendance by adding additional courses and taking summer session classes. Some online schools also award credit for experience in the field and life experience. Using all available types of credits, students may be able to reduce the time required to complete their online bachelor’s degree in sociology.

Potential Careers in Sociology with an online Bachelor’s

Sociology is an academic foundation for a wide range of careers. Students may wish to research the job and career marketplace while in the bachelor's program to guide their choices of coursework. The traditional social worker is only one of many career choices supported by an accredited bachelor’s degree in sociology. Social worker occupations reflect the broad range available as they work in a variety of settings, including public policy, community-based organizations, and private corporations.

Management Consultants analyze business and policy issues in private sector settings. They often assess situations and develop recommendations for clients to resolve their issues.
The average wage for a management consultant is about $87,700.
Market Research Analysts assess the effectiveness of messaging and advertising campaigns. They work in many settings, including business, politics, social media, and information.
The average wage for a market research analyst is about $54,400.
Guidance Counselors apply principles of sociology to learning and educational settings. They must communicate with students and families as well as organizational personnel to affect student outcomes.
The average wage for a guidance counselor is about $52,100.
Policy Analysts can research issues that impact the population and develop ideas to make a positive difference. Policy analysts recommend legislative proposals, policy ideas, and affect rule making.
The average wage for a policy analyst is about $59,500.
Public Relations (PR) Specialists manage communications both within and external to their organization. They work with the press, media concerns, and the public. The background in sociology aids the task of understanding the audience and the best way to successfully meet their needs and preferences.
The median wage for a Public Relations (PR) Specialist is about $49,600.

Options to Advance

Sociology occupations involve creative abilities, problem-solving, and communications. As sociology grads gain experience, they can grow stronger in these vital skill areas. Sociologists can achieve higher salary, advancement, and greater responsibility through further education, certifications, and continuing education. Sociology grads can get certifications during the bachelor’s degree program. Certifications in the field of sociology offer proof of knowledge and ability in a specific area of study.

The online master’s degree in sociology can qualify bachelor degree holders for advanced positions in their organizations as well as educator roles. The master’s degree can establish a focus and higher value on the market as an expert. This degree is a flexible and versatile platform for building a career. The needs of employers can change rapidly. The American Sociological Association offers guidance on careers and the association notes that, for some undergraduates, the jobs they will hold may be in industries yet to be created.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sociology a difficult major?

You’ll see conflicting answers to this question anywhere you look. Some say that sociology and social work are some of the easiest majors around. This is usually based on the grades and passing percentages for the classes included in sociology programs. After all, these programs usually focus on humanities courses, which are usually considered to be easier than STEM courses. You won’t need to take any high-level math for a sociology degree, or many science-heavy courses outside the realm of sociology and psychology. However, this field requires a lot of critical thinking, understanding what can be complex theories, and also the consideration and understanding of social contexts for issues. Some people would find these concepts very difficult while they might have no trouble solving a calculus problem. So, in many ways, it just depends on your strengths and weaknesses whether or not these programs are difficult for you.

What exactly will I study in sociology?

There is no exact list of classes or subjects that you will definitely study when earning a sociology bachelor’s degree. If you know what school you are planning to attend, you can check their course catalog. If you have a few schools you are considering, you can check all of their course catalogs and note the similarities and differences. However, if you haven’t chosen a school yet and you are curious about sociology as a major, here are some basics of what you are likely to cover in a degree program. The focus of sociology is human behavior within society, this is much of what makes sociology different from psychology; it’s focus is not individuals. However, that doesn’t mean that understanding individuals isn’t important. Indeed, students of this subject will study individuals through psychology, groups, communities and businesses, cultures and societies. You’ll also complete general education courses such as English composition, arts, mathematics or logic, basic sciences, and more. Your sociology courses will cover organizations, stratification, and race; personality and social systems; political or economic sociology; race and ethnicity; research methods; social movements and societal change; and more.

Best Online Bachelors in Sociology Degrees for 2023