10 Best Online Sociology Degrees in 2025

Students enrolled in sociology programs learn how humans interact with one another. Courses explore human behavior in the context of frameworks and social structures and examine concepts like ethnicity, religion, health, and social stratification.

Do you want to pursue a sociology degree but prefer an affordable virtual program? You can find reputable low-cost sociology degrees online. Some great schools for these programs include the University of Missouri, Colorado State University, and the University of North Dakota.

Below, we'll highlight some of the top online bachelor's in sociology programs, discuss what to expect when enrolled, and outline scholarships for sociology students. We'll also explore some of the best online master's degrees in sociology and share admission requirements for sociology programs.

Top Sociology Degree Programs Online

Students in online programs often enjoy flexible schedules and can study from anywhere with an Internet connection. Explore some of the top online sociology degrees in the list of schools below.

1. University of Missouri

The online Bachelor of Arts at the University of Missouri prepares students for careers in human resources, criminal justice, social research, and more. Coursework explores human behavior, as well as sociology theories and current issues.

This program doesn't require campus visits and it accepts transfer credits to help students graduate sooner. The BA and other online bachelor's programs at Mizzou are ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report.

2. University of Alabama at Birmingham

The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers an online Master of Arts in sociology, which is ranked among America's best online master's in sociology programs. Courses teach applied sociology, data analysis, and key research methods.

Sociology majors complete nine courses and a capstone, which replaces the traditional thesis. Learners aren't required to submit GRE or GMAT scores when applying.

3. Northern Kentucky University

Northern Kentucky University's Bachelor of Science in sociology program explores technology and social change in a flexible online format. Enrollees are prepared for career opportunities in social services, law enforcement, and social science.

NKU offers the Path to Success Scholarship, which reduces tuition to $320 per credit hour. This accelerated online sociology degree offers a generous transfer credit policy and credits for prior learning.

4. Northwest Missouri State University

Students interested in working as urban planners, community health workers, or data analysts can gain key skills at Northwest Missouri State University. The school's online BS in sociology program covers family dynamics, criminology, healthcare disparities, and more.

Enrollees can accelerate degree completion by transferring up to 90 credit hours. Tuition is affordable, costing just $334 per credit hour.

5. Colorado State University

The online BA in sociology at Colorado State University examines how social influences impact the way humans feel, think, and act. Courses discuss social inequalities and societal patterns and teach sociological research methods.

Admission to this program requires a 2.7 high school GPA for freshmen or a 2.5 college GPA for transfer students. All enrollees pay the same in-state tuition rate of $476 per credit hour.

6. Oregon State University

Oregon State University offers an online sociology degree that students can earn as a BA or a BS. The program explores social interactions and forces in human society and examines the impact of gender, class, and ethnicity on human values.

OSU's College of Liberal Arts, which offers this degree, is ranked among the nation's best liberal arts colleges. Learners can complete this program for just $366 per credit hour.

7. Georgia State University

Georgia State University's online BA in sociology degree completion program is designed for students with an associate degree or 60 hours of college core courses. This program, available part-time and full-time, teaches urbanization, social problems, and deviance.

Learners are prepared for careers in public policy, data analysis, human resources, and more. Enrollees can participate in internships to grow their sociology knowledge in real-world settings.

8. University of North Dakota

The University of North Dakota offers an online MA in sociology for students interested in becoming environmental sociologists, sociology professors, and other related roles. Coursework explores social problems, advanced research design, and sociological inquiry.

UND.edu shares information about online support services, including online tutoring and academic coaching. The site also highlights free workshops available to enhance students' professional skills.

9. Louisiana State University

Students interested in an online bachelor's degree in sociology with affordable tuition can find a great program at Louisiana State University. The BA in sociology costs $399 per credit hour and offers financial aid. It also accepts transfer credits and provides professional development opportunities.

General education, core, and elective courses explore psychology, sociology of criminal justice, and American constitutional law. After graduating, students will be ready to work as market analysts, police officers, and environmental organizers.

10. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University's online BA in sociology explores human behavior, current social issues, and social patterns. Students interested in public health can add a concentration in community health.

The program costs just $330 per credit hour, and enrollees can secure financial aid to lower costs. Credits for transfer, certificates, military training, and exams make this program even more affordable.

What To Expect From an Online Sociology Program

Online sociology programs often deliver the same coursework as on-campus programs. Classes explore social issues, public policy, sociological research methods, human behavior, and more. A major difference between in-person and online learning is the ability to study from home.

Some online programs offer asynchronous courses that let students access coursework on their schedule. Many schools support online learners with online tutoring, technical assistance, and help from academic advisors or coaches.

After completing an online sociology program, students could follow numerous career paths, including becoming a sociologist. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for this role is projected to increase faster than average at 7% from 2023 to 2033.

Admission Requirements for Sociology Programs

Students seeking undergraduate admission to a bachelor's program might need high school transcripts showing a minimum GPA and ACT or SAT scores. Graduate programs often require a bachelor's degree from an accredited school with a minimum GPA and a minimum number of social science coursework hours. Applicants might also need GRE or GMAT scores.

Scholarship Opportunities for Sociology Students

You can find affordable sociology programs at online universities that accept FAFSA and offer lower tuition rates. Applying for scholarships like the following could also reduce school costs.

ASA Minority Fellowship Program

Award amount: $20,000 stipend

Application Deadline: January 30, 2025

The American Sociological Association Minority Fellowship Program helps train predoctoral sociology graduate students for disciplinary leadership roles. Students have tuition covered for the academic year. They're awarded a monthly stipend for living expenses, travel accommodations to participate in two ASA annual meetings, financial support for professional development, and more.

Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship

Award amount: $100,000, $50,000, and $25,000

Application Deadline: February 12, 2025

The Davidson Institute Fellows Scholarship offers students 18 and younger funds based on significant work — an accomplishment recognized by experts as meaningful with the potential to make a positive contribution to society. Applications must be submitted in two parts with the first part ensuring eligibility before submitting the second part.

Alpha Kappa Delta Undergraduate Student Papers Competition

Award amount: $500 (first place), $250 (second place), and $100 (third place); all winners receive up to $1,000 in travel expenses

Application Deadline: March 1, 2025

The Alpha Kappa Delta Undergraduate Student Papers Competition awards writers of the best papers of sociological content and focus cash prizes and travel funds to attend the ASA annual conference. Eligibility is granted to AKD members who authored their papers while enrolled in an undergraduate degree program for at least one term in the 2024 calendar year.

Earn Your Bachelor's Degree Online

Take the next step toward a rewarding career in sociology by exploring the accredited degree programs offered by colleges on Learn.org. Contact one of these schools today to learn how they can help you reach your career goals.