20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

online sociology degree

Although students pursuing a sociology degree explore all aspects of social behavior and human relationships, they can earn their degrees from their homes without visiting campus or breaking the bank thanks to these top online colleges that offer affordable tuition. Similar to the online psychology degree programs, a BS or BA in sociology can be extremely versatile, enabling graduates to pursue careers in medicine and health, crime and law, marketing and consumerism, education, government, nonprofits and more.

Sociology majors typically receive a well-rounded liberal arts education combined with courses that explore key concepts like social change. The courses hone students’ abilities to design experiments and collect data through the basics of social science research. Like most degrees, both online and on-campus, students in an online sociology degree program are often required to complete a senior seminar/capstone project and/or an internship close to where the student is accessing his or her classes. For working adults who are already in a sociology-related career, some of the affordable online colleges from this list consider allowing credit for past work experience.

Finding an affordable college degree at the best colleges and universities is important to us; therefore, placement in this ranking is focused solely on the “net cost” of each school, as reported by the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator Database. Also, almost all of the schools on this list have earned awards for their excellence and/or affordability by multiple sources like The Best Schools, Best Colleges Online and U.S. News & World Report.

20. Northeastern University

Boston, MA

Online BS in Sociology

Northeastern University is among our top online colleges to earn a bachelor’s degree in sociology.

Net Cost: $29,779

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

Established in 1898, Northeastern University is a private research university. It is classified as an R1 institution by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Northeastern is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC).

The online sociology degree program at Northeastern focuses on how social groups, customs, and belief systems work together to shape human behavior. Students of this online degree program will acquire a full understanding of the principles and theories of sociology, as well as applied knowledge and techniques. This program’s curriculum consists of 160 total quarter hours and classes like Physical Anthropology, The Civilization of the Modern World and Social Theory.

19. National University

La Jolla, CA

Online BA in Sociology

National University is an affordable college with a great online sociology degree program.

Net Cost: $22,149

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

National University is one of the largest private, nonprofit higher education institutions in California and the flagship institution of the National University System. NU is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

NU’s online sociology degree program explores the study of social life, social change and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Students pursuing this degree will develop analytical skills and the ability to understand issues from many distinctive perspectives. It also helps develop a solid base to think abstractly, formulate problems, ask appropriate questions, search for answers, analyze situations and data, organize material, write well and make oral presentations. This program consists of 180 quarter units total, 45 of which must be completed with NU. Course examples in this curriculum include Sociology of Deviance, Classical Social Theory and Methods of Social Inquiry. Best Colleges Online ranked NU as their No. 2 online college to get a sociology degree.

18. Saint Leo University

Saint Leo, FL

Online BA in Sociology

Saint Leo University offers an affordable online sociology degree program that prepares students for graduate study or a wide range of careers.

Net Cost: $21,377

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

Saint Leo University is a private, non-profit, Roman Catholic liberal arts university enrolling more than 16,000 students across its traditional campus. It serves students from 49 states and 86 countries, ranking Saint Leo among the five largest Catholic higher education institutions in the nation. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Saint Leo offers its online bachelor’s programs in the form of six eight-week terms throughout the year so that students have the flexibility to start when they’re ready and move at their own pace. Students in the BA in sociology degree program learn to systematically collect and analyze information about people and social life, allowing for a wide range of employers, including Federal, State and local governments, international organizations, nonprofit and advocacy groups, educational institutions, social service agencies and more. Courses in this curriculum explore race and ethnic relations, social problems and sociological theory.

17. Kennesaw State University

Kennesaw, GA

Online BS in Sociology

The online BS in sociology degree program at Kennesaw State University offers a flexible format and affordable tuition.

Net Cost: $17,493

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

Kennesaw State University is Georgia’s third-largest university and offers more than 150 undergraduate and graduate degrees, including a growing doctoral program. Kennesaw is designated by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia as a comprehensive university. It is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Kennesaw’s online sociology degree program prepares students to understand and deal with diversity, modernization and social change from the local to global scale. Specific concentrations in this major provide background for graduate study in sociology and other related disciplines. These four concentrations are: organizational and social change; cultural diversity studies; criminology, and medical sociology. Program courses include Biotechnology and Social Change, Technology and Society and Social Class and Mobility.

15. University of Nebraska Online Worldwide

Kearney, NE

Online BS in Sociology

At the University of Nebraska Online Worldwide, students can earn the same degree online as those on-campus.

Net Cost: $14,907

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

Founded in 1905, The University of Nebraska at Kearney is a public four-year institution that offers four colleges, 170 majors and 20 pre-professional programs. UNK enrolls 5,274 undergraduate students and 1,628 graduate students from all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, and over 50 foreign countries. UNK is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

The online BS in sociology degree program at UNK requires a total of 120 credits to earn the same diploma as those students on campus. Graduates of this online degree program will be able to provide services in counseling, case work, advocacy for victims of abuse, family assistance to those in need and much more. UNK has offered distance education courses for more than 100 years. Today, its online courses are highly interactive with direct access to world-class faculty. Courses in this curriculum include Sociological Inquiry, Behavioral Statistics and Social Inequality.

14. North Dakota State University

Fargo, ND

Online BS in Sociology

North Dakota State University’s Distance and Continuing Education program offers an affordable online BS in sociology.

Net Cost: $14,654

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

North Dakota State University is a public land-grant, research university that provides affordable access to a top-ranked education. NDSU has a student enrollment of 14,432 and a Distance Education Program where students are welcome to register for classes as either a degree or non-degree seeking student. NDSU is fully accredited as an institution by the Higher Learning Commission.

The online BS in sociology degree program at NDSU is designed to help students develop applied research and analytical skills and a perspective that prepares them to address social concerns. The areas of study covered in this online degree program’s curriculum include small groups, population, inequality, diversity, gender, social change, families, community development, organizations, health care and aging. Degree completion requires a total of 122 credit hours in courses like Sociology of Organizations and Work, Social Interaction and Sociology of Religion.

13. University of Central Florida

Orlando, FL

Online BA in Sociology

The University of Central Florida is the largest university by undergraduate enrollment and has an affordable online sociology degree program.

Net Cost: $14,366

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

University of Central Florida, according to Wikipedia, is the largest university in the United States by undergraduate enrollment and the second largest by total enrollment, with 63,000 students. In 2015 UCF enrolled more National Merit Scholars and awarded more degrees than any other Florida university. UCF is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

The curriculum of UCF’s online sociology degree emphasizes thoughtful examination of social issues. Graduates of this online degree program will have gained a set of core courses in theory, methods, statistics and data analysis, and they will be prepared for careers in positions or fields such as research analyst, behavioral analyst, law enforcement, corrections, diversity training specialist, counselor, marketing research, advertising and more. Students are required to complete at least 30 credit hours from the UCF Sociology Department.

12. University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI

Online BA in Sociology

The University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee is a diverse public research university that offers an affordable online sociology degree program.

Net Cost: $13,808

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

The University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee is a public urban research university and the most diverse institution in the UW System. UWM offers over 180 degree programs through its 14 schools and colleges. This university enrolls more than 28,000 students from 48 states and almost 80 different countries. UWM is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

At UW-Milwaukee, students can earn their sociology degree completely online by completing 15 to 75 credits toward the degree. Graduates of this online degree program will know how to analyze data, interpret statistics and perform research to form theories and draw conclusions. Students of the sociology program will also learn how to utilize the latest software tools to process large volumes of information in a logical and consistent manner. Courses in this program include Modern Sociological Theory and Research Methods in Sociology.

11. The University of Memphis

Memphis, TN

Online BA in Sociology

The University of Memphis offers an affordable online degree program in sociology.

Net Cost: $13,154

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

Founded in 1912, the The University of Memphis is a major research institution that welcomes more than 21,000 students to campus each year. With 25 Chairs of Excellence and five state-approved Centers of Excellence, the school is the flagship institution of the Tennessee Board of Regents system. UofM is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

UofM’s online sociology degree program is affordable, accredited and requires a total of 120 credit hours. The Department of Sociology in the College of Arts and Sciences offers this online degree program that covers areas like social, racial, ethnic and income inequality, family, medical, educational and urban sociology, deviant behavior and social problems, and the methodology of social research. Students can complete this degree entirely online, in a hybrid format with courses offered on-campus, or by combining any UofM courses with a limited number of approved courses transferred from other institutions.

10. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL

Online BS or BA in Sociology

The University of Florida has continuously been one of the highest-ranking online colleges for its bachelor’s programs.

Net Cost: $12,708

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

The University of Florida was ranked No. 2 by The Best Schools and No. 11 by U.S. News & World Reports for offering great online bachelor’s programs and for being a top online college for sociology. Established in 1853, UF is a public, sea-grant, space-grant, and land-grant research university. UF is a member of the University System of Florida, and its accreditation is reaffirmed every 10 years by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC).

UF Online offers a BA in sociology that prepares students for a career in business, marketing, advertising, human resources, community and social services, education, public health, criminal justice, government and research. The curriculum of this online degree program ranges from the hospitality of the family to the hostility of the mob. Specific coursework includes Principles of Sociology, Development of Social Thought and Methods of Social Research.

9. University of Colorado, Denver

Denver, CO

Online BA in Sociology

The online BA in sociology in the University of Colorado System covers a wide variety of macro-structures and processes.

Net Cost: $12,568

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

The University of Colorado, Denver is a public research university, offering more than 130 programs in 13 schools and colleges at the undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and first professional (health) levels. This university is a part of the University of Colorado System, which consists of four campuses with top-tier faculty and hands-on learning opportunities. UC Denver is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

In CU Online’s online sociology degree program, students examine the macro-structures and processes that affect society and the impact they have on individuals, including gender, sexuality, race, globalization and family dynamics and social class stratification. They will graduate with skills in communication, leadership, analytics, computer literacy, cross-cultural understanding, business sense and more. Coursework examples include Race and Ethnicity in the US, Global Perspectives on Social Issues and Juvenile Delinquency.

8. Brandman University

Irvine, CA

Online BA in Sociology

Brandman University offers an affordable online BA in sociology degree program with courses like Social Research Design and Intercultural Communication.

Net Cost: $12,504

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

Brandman University is a private, non-profit regionally accredited institution that provides educational opportunities for working adults with over 25 campuses throughout California and Washington, as well as online. Founded in 1958, Brandman offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, certificates, teaching credentials and extended education programs. Brandman is part of the Chapman University System and is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Best Colleges Online ranked Brandman as its No. 1 online college for sociology (2016). Brandman’s BA in sociology program is designed to improve students’ capacity to analyze, understand and evaluate social phenomena, enhance their awareness of diversity, develop critical thinking skills and improve writing and verbal skills. This online degree program’s curriculum explores institutions, cultures, family patterns and relationships, gender and ethnic relations, mass media and value systems through courses like Social Research Design, Intercultural Communication and Social and Political Theory.

7. Columbia College

Columbia, MO

Online BA in Sociology

Columbia College offers an affordable tuition and an accredited online BA in sociology degree program with three concentration opportunities.

Net Cost: $10,685

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

Founded in 1851, Columbia College is a private, nonprofit, coeducational liberal arts and sciences college that has retained a covenant with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) since its inception, but is a nonsectarian school welcoming students of all religious denominations. CC consists of a network of 36 nationwide campuses, serving more than 29,000 students each year. CC offers 10 associate degrees, 59 bachelor’s degrees and four master’s degrees. The college is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission.

The curriculum of CC’s online sociology degree program includes the analysis of social issues and problems such as poverty, crime, deviance, racism, sexism and homophobia, as well as the analysis of social change. To earn this degree, students must complete general education and a foreign language requirement. They can also choose an emphasis in culture and globalization, crime and social inequality or gender and identity. Course examples include Sports and Society, American Social Problems and Fashion and Society.

6. Western Kentucky University

Bowling Green, KY

Online BA in Sociology

Western Kentucky University is among our top affordable online colleges for a sociology degree.

Net Cost: $10,638

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

Western Kentucky University offers more than 80 online degree and certificate programs with access to online tutoring, academic advising, library resources and career services. WKU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist and doctorate degrees.

This online sociology degree program requires a minimum of 10 courses or 31 semester hours in the sociology major for graduation. This online degree program focuses on groups, organizations and societies; how they develop and change; and how people interact in them. Those who earn this degree will have the ability to communicate effectively, promote teamwork, frame and solve problems, plan and evaluate projects and programs, prepare clear and concise reports and manuals, and to speak effectively in group situations. Courses in this curriculum include Criminology, Sociology of Sport and Victimology.

5. American Public University

Charles Town, WV

Online BA in Sociology

American Public University offers a BA in sociology that can be earned completely online at an affordable tuition.

Net Cost: $10,265

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

American Public University has been ranked as a top online university by U.S. News & World Report for four consecutive years (2013-2016). The fully online classes begin monthly and run eight to 16 weeks, making it easy for busy students to plan their schedules. APU is a member school of American Public University System (APUS), which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

APU offers an affordable online bachelor’s program in sociology with a curriculum that is regularly reviewed by an advisory council of industry experts for relevancy to today’s marketplace. Through this online sociology degree program, students will go over: research techniques, influences and concepts; key social institutions and contemporary social problems; causes, theories, and control of deviant behavior; US social development, culture, policies and problems; and much more.

4. Tennessee State University

Nashville, TN

Online BS in Sociology

Starting this year, Tennessee State University offers a discounted tuition rate to students who live within a 250-mile radius of the school.

Net Cost: $9,604

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is a public land-grant university. It is the largest and only state-funded historically black university in Tennessee. Distance Education at TSU allows students throughout the state and around the world access to high-quality learning opportunities. Students residing within a 250-mile radius of TSU are eligible for a discounted tuition rate. TSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Specialist in Education, and Doctoral degrees.

At TSU, students pursuing the online sociology degree acquire a broad understanding of social processes, social institutions and group behavior, as well as strong analytical skills. This online degree program consists of a minimum of 120 credit hours, 30 of which are related directly to the major. At least 30 of these credits must be earned at TSU. Courses in this curriculum include Racism: A Sociological Analysis, Sociology of Child Development and Sex, Gender, Social Interaction.

3. Texas Woman’s University

Denton, TX

Online BS in Sociology

At Texas Woman’s University, students can add a concentration in social inequality to their online BS in sociology.

Net Cost: $8,995

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

Texas Woman’s University is the nation’s largest university primarily for women and a public university with campuses in Denton, Dallas and Houston. With an enrollment of about 15,000 students, TWU offers degree programs in the liberal arts, nursing, health sciences, the sciences, business and education. TWU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master’s and doctorate degrees.

Students have the option to add a concentration in social inequality to their online BS in sociology degree program at TWU. This sociology major provides students with a strong foundation for careers in such fields as law, management, journalism, human services, urban and environmental planning, government and education. This major consists of 36 credit hours within the total 120 credit hours required for the full degree, all of which can be completed online. This online degree program can prepare students to teach sociology in the public schools and to do research, practice or other work with private or governmental agencies.

2. California State University, Fullerton

Fullerton, CA

Online BA in Sociology

California State University, Fullerton offers an affordable online sociology degree program with interesting courses like Sociology of Aging.

Net Cost: $7,915

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

California State University, Fullerton is a public research university with more than 37,000 students enrolled in 107 different degree programs. Cal State Fullerton is one of 23 campuses in the California State University system, and the school enrolled 38,948 students for the fall of 2015. CSUF is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

Students can earn CSUF’s online sociology degree as a degree completion program, meaning they need to have previously completed their general education requirements from an accredited college or university, around 70 credits total. Students will complete two related courses each term, about one every eight weeks, to earn their degree within three years. Specific courses in this online degree program’s curriculum include Gender, Sex and Society, The Computer Impact and Sociology of Aging.

1. CUNY School of Professional Studies in New York, NY
Online BA in Sociology

CUNY School of Professional Studies is one of the most affordable online colleges to offer a sociology degree program.

Net Cost: $7,696

20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s)

CUNY School of Professional Studies’ tuition is among the lowest in the nation, and CUNY SPS means to assist working adults in finishing or transitioning into a bachelor’s degree program, advance at work or change careers. Students are able to earn credits toward a degree for previous education and workplace training through prior learning assessment opportunities. CUNY SPS is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. Its programs are registered by the New York State Education Department: Office of Higher Education and Professions.

The online sociology degree program at CUNY SPS is designed to help students develop the research and communication skills necessary to address challenges posed by the dynamic and culturally diverse social worlds. Graduates of this online degree program are prepared for graduate or law school, as well as various careers and fields like human resources, health and human services, marketing, education and more. Applicants for the BA in sociology degree program must already have 24 transferable credits from an accredited college or university with a minimum GPA of 2.5. The Best Schools ranked CUNY SPS No. 1 on its list of top online colleges for sociology.

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