The Best Online Master’s in Sociology Programs
Summary of work: More than 26 hours of research. Every online Master in Sociology program in the US analyzed. 11 industry experts, hiring managers, current students, and alumni consulted. 10 of the best programs identified.
Overview
A master’s degree in sociology prepares graduates for meaningful, rewarding careers that focus on the betterment of society as a whole. Professionals with an advanced understanding of human culture and how humans interact with one another are in high demand right now. Sociologists develop a great insight into how society works, which puts them in a position to greatly help the people they work with. If you care deeply about people, work well with others, and want a career centered around making the world a better place to live in for all human beings, then a master’s in sociology could be a perfect fit.
While courses vary from school to school, students can expect core classes such as methods in sociology, sociology of religion, economic sociology, and macro organizational theory. Many programs will culminate in a capstone project that allows students to conduct their own research and present their findings. Graduates will come away with an advanced understanding of how society works and how they can help create a more just society for all.
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WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MASTER'S IN SOCIOLOGY
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HOW WELL ACCEPTED IS AN ONLINE MASTER'S IN SOCIOLOGY?
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CAN I GET A MASTER'S IN SOCIOLOGY ONLINE?
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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET AN ONLINE MASTER'S IN SOCIOLOGY?
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IS A MASTER'S IN SOCIOLOGY WORTH IT?
Sociology is a necessary profession. There will always be a need for highly-qualified, highly-dedicated professionals who strive to help people and change the world for the better. Sociologists may not always make a great amount of money, but they do make a great impact in the lives of the people they work with.
For more more resources and career information related to this degree, please read our career guide here.
Our Methodology
Best Online Masters in Sociology Programs
We took a deep-dive and analyzed every online Masters in Sociology program in the nation. Below are the results of our analysis and list of the 10 best online Sociology programs.
Read about our methodology here.
Virginia Commonwealth University
827 West Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23284Virginia Commonwealth University offers a unique master's degree program in digital sociology, a one-of-a-kind program that provides a better understanding of how diverse groups experience and interact in the digital world. Students in this program develop the technological and theoretical skills to better understand digital media and how it affects human behavior and social relationships.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master's of Science in Sociology
Available Concentrations: Digital sociology
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
DeliveryFormat: Online
Instruction Style: Synchronous
Program requirementsCredit Requirements: 36 credit
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall: August 23, 2018; Spring:January 14, 2019;
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: August 29, 2018; Spring:January 25, 2019
GPA: 3.0
Graduation Rate
59%
School Type
Public
Tuition
$925 per credit
University of Alabama at Birmingham
1401 University Blvd Birmingham, AL 35233The University of Alabama's master's degree program in sociology is a great value in terms of tuition and accessibility. With no GRE or GMAT required and no out-of-state tuition price hikes, this program is designed for professionals and caters to their career needs while eliminating the roadblocks as they work toward their master's degrees.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Arts and Sciences
Program Name: MA in Applied Sociology
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's or master's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 units
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall: 27, 2018; Spring: January 7, 2019; Summer: May 6, 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: 20, 2018; January 2, 2019;
GPA: 3.0
Graduation Rate
56%
School Type
Public
Tuition
$441 per credit
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ 85281Arizona State is a leader in academics and provides the best sociology program for practitioners who want to advance their careers as leaders in their chosen field. Students in ASU's Master of Arts in Sociology program benefit from an innovative curriculum, expert instruction, flexible scheduling and practical coursework to develop their skills and leadership abilities.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Sociology
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's or master's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credit
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: January 7, 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: November 1; Fall: May 1; Summer: Febuary 1
GPA: 3.0
School Type
Public
Tuition
$522 per credit
New Mexico State University
Corner of Stewart & Williams Las Cruces, NM 88003New Mexico State University offers online students the best virtual learning experience, offering the same courses, faculty and resources that on-campus students enjoy. With the online master's in sociology program, distance learners can work at their own pace and customize the program to meet their personal needs and career goals.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Sociology
Program Name: M.A. in Sociology
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate
Credit Requirements: 33 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall: August
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
School Type
Public
Tuition
$253 per credit
South Dakota State University
1175 Medary Ave Brookings, SD 57006South Dakota State University offers an exceptional Master of Science in Sociology program with an emphasis in community development. Through this program, students have the opportunity to study with leading educators and researchers, developing the skills to enact positive change in their communities and surrounding areas.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Sociology - Community Development (M.S.)
Accrediting Body: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Undergraduate
Credit Requirements: 36 Credit Hours
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: April 15; Spring: October 15
GPA: 3.25
School Type
Public
Tuition
$451 per credit
Sam Houston State University
1 Financial Plaza, Suite 100 Huntsville, TX 77340Sam Houston State University offers an individualized learning experience in its master's in sociology program. Small class sizes make the experience even better, providing greater interactivity and collaboration between peers and fantastic one-on-one support from faculty members.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Sociology
Program Name: Master of Arts Sociology
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Baccalaureate degree
Credit Requirements: 36 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Spring: January 16, 2019
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Fall: August 1; Spring: December 1
GPA: 3.0
School Type
Public
Tuition
$765 per credit
Morehead State University
701 Ginger Hall Morehead, KY 40351Morehead State University focuses on its students' career development through a rigorous curriculum that's designed to advance their careers in such areas as teaching, social and environmental activism, chemical dependency counseling, and more. Students in the master's in sociology program also benefit from the school's invaluable career services, which offer everything from career planning to internship placement.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Sociology
Available Concentrations: General sociology, Criminology, Chemical dependency, Interdisciplinary Social Sciences
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: BA in sociology or related field
Credit Requirements: 30 credit hours
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Program start dates: Fall: August 2019; Spring: January 2020
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0 in sociology or related courses, 2.75 overall GPA
GRE: Not required
School Type
Public
Tuition
$570 per credit
Texas A&M University-Commerce
2600 South Neal Street Commerce, TX 75428Texas A&M University - Commerce offers a comprehensive master's degree program in sociology, covering everything from advanced research methodology to data analysis in social sciences. Graduates emerge with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers as social workers, community development workers and other roles to better serve society.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
Program Name: Master in Sociology
Accrediting Body: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Master's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credit
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: October 31, 2018
GPA: 3.0
School Type
Public
Tuition
$625 per credit
Fayetteville State University
1200 Murchison Road Fayetteville, NC 28301Fayetteville State University provides advanced training for professionals who want to earn their master's degrees in sociology. This program takes students on a journey through advanced courses and practical applications to prepare them for social scientist positions in research departments, government administration and more.
Program OverviewDepartment Name: College of Arts and Sciences
Program Name: Master of Arts in Sociology
Accrediting Body: National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Master's degree
Credit Requirements: 30 credit
Program LengthProgram Options: Full time
Program Length: 1-2 years
Program start dates: Summer: June 4, 2018
Admission RequirementsApplication deadline: Spring: March 23, 2018
GPA: 2.75
School Type
Private
Tuition
$430 per credit
Ashford University
1310 19th Ave. NW Clinton, IA 52732Ashford University offers a highly flexible master's degree program in sociology, giving students the freedom to complete coursework online at their own pace. Students can enroll in the online program and continue their full-time employment while earning their master's degrees for career advancement.
Program OverviewProgram Name: Master of Arts in Public Sociology
Accrediting Body: Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)
DeliveryFormat: Online
Program requirementsPrerequisites: Bachelor's degrees
Credit Requirements: 30 credits
Program LengthProgram Length: 2 years
Admission RequirementsGPA: 3.0
School Type
Private
Tuition
$620 per credit