Are Online Sociology Degrees Legitimate?

Online degrees are an excellent option for busy students or for those who just learn better independently. Over the last several years, online degrees have become more accepted.

Sociology degrees are often easily adapted to an online format, as they don't generally require labs or hands-on work. However, many students wonder if these degrees are legitimate. Online sociology degrees are legitimate and we break it down below.

Also, keep in mind many affordable online sociology degree programs are available.

Do Employers Respect Online Sociology Degrees?

As online degrees have become more common, the attitude towards these degree programs has shifted. Today, while it varies between employers, most employers respect online sociology degrees just as much as they respect in-person sociology degrees.

However, there is a caveat: the degree will still need to come from an accredited, respected institution for employers to respect it. This is why it's so important to research your options before choosing a degree program.

What To Look For in an Online Sociology Degree Program

There are several things that students will want to look for when choosing an online sociology degree program. Things like accreditation, reputation, and nonprofit status all impact how respectable your degree will be.

These things can also help you determine the quality of the program, as can the school's graduation rate. We break all these things down below.

Accreditation

Whatever college or university you choose for your online sociology degree program, it needs to be accredited. Unaccredited schools often don't give valid degrees and make you ineligible for financial aid.

Two types of accreditation are available at the institutional level: regional accreditation and national accreditation. Regional accreditation is more common and more prestigious, and therefore generally preferred.

Reputation

A school's reputation gives you a good idea of how an employer may view your online sociology degree. It also gives you a good idea of the quality of the program.

One good way to learn about a school's reputation is to look at ranking lists, such as those released by the U.S. World and News Report or Forbes. You can also read reviews online from alumni and current students.

Nonprofit Vs. For-Profit Degrees

Private colleges can be either nonprofit or for-profit. While it's possible to get a quality education from a for-profit institution, most for-profit schools have a negative reputation.

This is because many for-profit schools are diploma mills, schools that value profit over education. You can learn whether a school is nonprofit or for-profit by searching online or checking the National Center for Education Statistics' College Navigator site.

Graduation Rates

Graduation rate is a metric that is calculated by looking at how many full-time, first-time students graduate within six years for a bachelor's degree or three years for an associate degree. It can help determine how good a program is.

However, the graduation rate does not look at graduate programs and isn't a good metric for schools that primarily enroll adult or returning students. You can often find a college or university's graduation rate on their website or via College Navigator.

Differences Between Online Sociology Degrees and Traditional Sociology Degrees

Students earning a traditional sociology degree in person will have a set class schedule and will appear on campus for these courses. In these courses, they listen to lectures, interact with other students, and are assigned and turn in homework.

Most online sociology courses are asynchronous, meaning there is no set meeting time. Students still have assignments like reading, watching videos or recorded lectures, and participating in online discussion posts, but can complete these on their schedule so long as the work is turned in before the due date.

Benefits of Earning Your Sociology Degree at an Online School

For many students, the biggest benefit of earning their sociology degree online is the flexibility. Online programs allow students to complete their work when it's most convenient for them. This is great for those with full-time jobs or family to care for.

Another benefit is that online programs allow students to earn a degree from a college or university that's across the country, widening their options. Students who don't have transportation also don't have to worry about getting to campus.

Featured Online Sociology Degree Programs

Several colleges and universities offer online sociology degrees online. These degrees are ideal for those with busy schedules but often require self-discipline.

Below, we've featured some top online sociology degree programs. Programs are listed in alphabetical order and all are regionally accredited and nonprofit.

1. Arizona State University

Arizona State University is a public research university in Tempe, Arizona. It offers a wealth of online programs and is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Sociology degrees offered online at ASU include:

• Sociology - B.S.
• Counseling and Applied Psychological Science - B.S
• Social and Behavioral Sciences - B.A and B.S.
• Sociology - M.S.
• Political Psychology - M.A.

2. Fayetteville State University

Fayetteville State University is a public university in Fayetteville, North Carolina. It's regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers several online programs.

Sociology degrees offered online at FSU include:

• Sociology - B.A.
• Criminal Justice Sociology - B.S.
• Political Science Sociology - B.S.
• Sociology - M.A.
• Psychology Sociology - M.A.

3. Morehead State University

Morehead State University is a public university in Morehead, Kentucky. It offers a variety of online programs and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Sociology degrees offered online at Morehead State include:

• Sociology and Social Justice - B.A.
• Political Science - B.A.
• Sociology - M.A.
• Counseling - M.A.

4. New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University is a public university in Las Cruces, New Mexico. It's regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and offers online programs through its Global Campus.

Sociology degrees offered online at NMSU include:

• Sociology - B.A.
• Criminal Justice - B.A. or B.S.
• Social Work - B.S.W.
• Sociology - M.A.
• Social Work - M.S.W.

5. Sam Houston State University

Sam Houston State University is a public research university in Huntsville, Texas. It offers many online programs and is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Sociology degrees offered online at SHSU include:

• Sociology - B.A. or B.S.
• Political Science - B.A. or B.S.
• Victim Studies - B.A. or B.S.
• Sociology - M.A.
• Art and Social Practice - M.F.A.