Last Updated on December 26, 2022

15 Best Online Masters in Sociology Degrees for 2020

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Are you interested in what motivates individuals when they fall into what is generally called “mob mentality?” Or why they are drawn to particular religious cults? How are individuals and society affected by isolation during quarantine and is stocking up for a crisis really “panic buying?” The year 2020 may be one of the best for sparking interest in  studying sociology. Sociology is a broad discipline that analyzes how people and communities react according to patterns in their relationships in every day life.  Understanding various aspects of sociology can be incredibly useful in nearly any profession that involves working with people or communities. The following online masters in sociology degrees will enhance the knowledge and training of individuals who already have an education in the field, as well as those who are new to the major.

The coursework prepares graduates to work in government agencies, nonprofit, or corporations, which spans a significant amount of job opportunities throughout the nation! Sociology is the study of human societies, communities, and their structures, which can be applied and both a grand and minimal scale. Learn more about masters in sociology online with OnlineSchoolsCenter.com!

QUICK LINKS

• 15 Best Online Masters in Sociology Degrees
  • SAYBROOK UNIVERSITY
  • AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY
  • EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
  • MOREHEAD STATE UNIVERSITY
  • NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY
  • UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA
  • TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY
  • SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY
  • ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY
  • SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
  • UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
  • GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY
  • VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY
  • UNIVERSITY OF DENVER
  • TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY
• Frequently Asked Questions

15 Best Online Masters in Sociology Degrees

METHODOLOGY: The researcher/writers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com utilize strict criteria in the selection of colleges and universities for their rankings. The requirements for the Best Online Masters in Sociology Degrees include:

• An online degree program that enhances the skills of sociologists, or those in an applicable profession,
• Graduate-level coursework that provides training in research, analysis, and practice in Sociology that can be applied to a current or future profession,
• Excellent graduation and retention rates, both of which represent student satisfaction and commitment,
• Well-educated and highly experienced faculty members who have the credentials to instruct graduate students in Sociology,
• And notability among the most reputable academic and journalistic resources available.

For more information, please visit our Methodology Page.

SAYBROOK UNIVERSITY

MA IN TRANSFORMATIVE SOCIAL CHANGE

Program Standouts:
Saybrook University’s take on the online master’s degree in sociology provides a rich, compassionate, and motivating lens into social advocacy for human beings and the environment. The online graduate sociology courses have a holistic approach to the profession and utilize a diverse, multidisciplinary perspective to address global issues, such as climate change, globalization, and threats to human rights. Gradates of Saybrook work at the United Nations, prominent American universities, and popular nonprofit organizations.

Saybrook University was one of the first online schools in the nation to provide graduate degrees like their online masters in sociology. The coursework is specifically designed to accommodate the needs of working professionals, and offers numerous resources and tools that can make online learning more approachable!

Campus Location: Oakland, CA

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Concentration Options:

• Social Impact Media
• Peace and Justice Studies

Acceptance Rate: Unavailable

Retention Rate: Unavailable

Graduation Rate: 68.1%

LEARN MORE ABOUT SAYBROOK UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER’s DEGREE IN SOCIOLOGY

AUBURN UNIVERSITY AT MONTGOMERY

MASTER OF LIBERAL ARTS (MLA) WITH A CONCENTRATION IN SOCIOLOGY

Program Standouts:
Of online sociology masters programs, Auburn University at Montgomery’s is one of the only Master of Liberal Arts degrees with a specialization in Sociology. The coursework prepares students to work in non-profit organizations, retail corporations, government, and state agencies, as well as law! The interdisciplinary nature of the degree provides enough flexibility for students to navigate their own interests and personal pursuits, while still engaging in group projects and discussions. This is a thesis program in which students can choose any topic for the culmination of their degree.

Because AUM students can study nearly any area that enhances their career, this program is one of the best online sociology masters programs for students who require the versatility of coursework and instruction. From niche careers to broad professions, this sociology graduate degree will provide the support necessary to take any occupation to the next level of responsibility, professionalism, and salary.
Campus Location: Montgomery, AL

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

• Social Stratification
• Stats for Social Science
• Social Psychology

Acceptance Rate: 82.5%

Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 19.1%

LEARN MORE ABOUT AUBURN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTERS OF SOCIOLOGY

EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY

M.A. SOCIAL FOUNDATIONS AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Program Standouts:
While this is not a master’s in sociology specifically, the nature of the Eastern Michigan University’s Master in Social Foundations and Community Education is quite similar to others on this ranking. The program includes online graduate sociology courses but also provides a somewhat broader, social science-focused perspective, as well as courses in education on a community level. The curriculum has topics such as those in social and ecological justice and globalization, as well, which gives the degree as a whole an excellent foundation for all professionals.

This online sociology master’s program includes a concentration in EcoJustice and Education. This concentration focuses on ecosystems that are under duress and threat of destruction throughout the United States, as well as cultures affected by the globalization of Western culture. Graduates often go on to work with public schools, colleges, and universities in these issues to make a positive effect on younger generations.
Campus Location: Ypsilanti, MI

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

• Sociology of Education
• Qualitative/Interpretive Research
• Peace Education

Acceptance Rate: 44.7%

Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 39%

LEARN MORE ABOUT EASTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER’S IN SOCIAL FOUNDATIONS AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION DEGREE PROGRAM

MOREHEAD STATE UNIVERSITY

M.A. IN SOCIOLOGY

Program Standouts:
This online Masters Degree in Sociology includes four distinctive concentration options that guide students into various areas of the program. Each specialization, however, includes basic coursework in research methods and theory that are enhanced on organizational, societal, and individual levels. This online sociology master’s degree is offered by the Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Criminology, and topics can stem from each discipline. The degree is an excellent educational avenue for progressing careers in corporate, non-profit, and government agencies.

Morehead State University is highly dedicated to the success of each individual online master of sociology student. Each of the concentration options provides the training and education to pursue new areas of the profession, with brilliant faculty members who instruct, advise, and enhance students’ skills and knowledge overall. MSU’s Career Services Department provides continual support and flexibility in finding job opportunities for students pursuing a graduate degree in sociology.

Campus Location: Morehead, KY

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Concentration Options:

• General Sociology
• Criminology
• Chemical Dependency
• Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Acceptance Rate: 79.6%

Retention Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 40.5%

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOREHEAD STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER’s DEGREE IN SOCIOLOGY

NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY

M.A. IN SOCIOLOGY

Program Standouts:
New Mexico State University offers an outstanding online Sociology Masters Degree that is no different at all from the on-campus program, except for the platform, of course. Online students, for example, may still enter the International Sociology Honors Society, as well as access to personal career coaches and advisors. The NMSU Sociology Department employs nine expert Sociologist faculty members who bring numerous specializations and areas of expertise to the online classroom.

The curriculum emphasizes soft skills such as communication, motivation, leadership, and patience to assist in the study of other groups. Graduate students drastically enhance the tools necessary for understanding and analyzing different cultures, as well as those that are pivotal for obtaining work, such as skills with computer programs. Students who complete this Masters in Sociology program can expect to move up in any area of the field—law, research, management, health care, social services, and more!

Campus Location: Las Cruces, NM

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

• Contemporary Social Problems
• Current Issues in Marriage and Family
• Issues in Death and Dying

Acceptance Rate: 63.8%

Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 41.7%

LEARN MORE ABOUT NEW MEXICO STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTER’S IN SOCIOLOGY PROGRAM

UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA

MA IN SOCIAL GERONTOLOGY

Program Standouts:
This is an incredibly fascinating approach among online sociology masters programs. The University of Nebraska Omaha’s online Master in Social Gerontology is geared toward understanding the social aspects of growing older. There are thesis and non-thesis options available in this online degree, which depends on your experience in the field. The non-thesis option is intended for those who are professionals currently working with older generations. This pathway allows students to design and implement programs for families and elders.

Students can complete their online Master in Social Gerontology alongside a Law Degree, and go on to work in legal settings, as opposed to practicing directly with older people. This avenue requires the LSAT, which would replace the requirement for the GRE. Students in either the thesis or non-thesis curricula will all receive an in-depth education in the aging process and its effect on social behaviors.

Campus Location: Omaha, NE

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

• Applied Social Gerontology
• Programs and Services for the Elderly
• Seminar in Aging and Human Behavior

Acceptance Rate: 86.5%

Retention Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 46.2%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA OMAHA’S MASTERS IN SOCIOLOGY ONLINE PROGRAM

TEXAS WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY

MA IN SOCIOLOGY

Program Standouts:
Texas Woman’s University values the time and energy that students sacrifice for their education, and, therefore, make their online MA in Sociology as straightforward, flexible, and accommodating as possible. The coursework will enhance the training and knowledge necessary for success in any sociology-based job or environment, and has a focus, in theory, practice, and analysis of social phenomena. Students from all educational and professional backgrounds are welcomed in this sociology program online.

The Texas Woman’s Department of Sociology provides an inspiring and dynamic learning experience for all online graduate students. There is particular emphasis on job market preparation, and faculty and staff are available for any career-based resources required by students. TWU is one of the most diverse universities in the United States and is dedicated to the future of all arts and sciences.
Campus Location: Denton, TX

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

• Feminist Theories
• Global and Comparative Sociology
• Comparative Criminology

Acceptance Rate: 85.7%

Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 64.5%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE TEXA’S WOMAN’S UNIVERSITY’S MASTERS OF SOCIOLOGY ONLINE

SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF ARTS (M.A.) IN SOCIOLOGY

Program Standouts:
This online Master of Arts in Sociology at Sam Houston State University provides a consistently updated course structure that approaches the most relevant and pertinent issues today. Students strengthen skills in research, analysis, statistics, and qualitative techniques to create change in their communities or places of work. There are four exciting concentration options, each of which also includes courses in grant writing, community research, program evaluation, and impact assessment.

These online sociology masters students learn from extremely talented and well-certified professors. At the culmination of their degree, Graduate students receive a transcript that in no way indicates that their degree was earned online, which may be a concern for some individuals when applying to jobs. While an online degree does not in any way decrease your prestige, it is not what employers are traditionally used to seeing. Therefore, SHSU provides diplomas and transcripts that simply list your degree.

Campus Location: Huntsville, TX

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

• Gender and Society
• Sociology of Disasters
• Seminar in Food and Society

Acceptance Rate: 74.4%

Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 48.7%

LEARN MORE ABOUT SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE M.A. IN SOCIOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY

M.A. (MASTER OF ARTS) – SOCIOLOGY

Program Standouts:
This accelerated online master’s degree in sociology has classes spanning 7.5 weeks, which is much faster than average. The coursework is designed to provide training in working directly with families in a social context. A non-thesis sociology master’s degree, students work with high-quality faculty members in state-of-the-art online courses. Some of the job titles obtained by graduates of ASU include HR professional, non-profit manager, community program coordinator, and crisis intervention worker.

Arizona State University has been included in innumerable rankings of the best online schools in the country. Students in the sociology masters program have access to excellent online resources from the number one online school in America for innovation that has over $100,000,000 in research funding. Online sociology masters students at ASU are some of the most well-supported among distance education programs.

Campus Location: Tempe, AZ

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

• Diversity and Society
• Leadership and Social Justice
• Marriage and Family Relationships

Acceptance Rate: 84.1%

Retention Rate: 87%

Graduation Rate: 65.4%

LEARN MORE ABOUT ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE SOCIOLOGY MASTERS DEGREE

SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY

SOCIOLOGY – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT M.S.

Program Standouts:
This Sociology Masters Program Online from South Dakota State includes an exciting specialization in Community Development, wherein most of the coursework is focused. Online Sociology Masters students also have four capstone areas through which to channel their studies, including Working with Native Communities, Building Economic Capacity, Natural Resource Management, or Non-Profit Management. These students learn how to effect positive change in their communities and support diverse groups and populations.

Students in this online Masters of Sociology have the opportunity to explore unique areas of the discipline, such as Native American studies, architecture, and regional planning. The Sociology Department is partnered with the Great Plaines Interactive Distance Education Alliance, which is available to online students and is guaranteed to provide invaluable experiences and networking interactions. This flexible program will suit the needs of any individual while also changing their professional lives for the better.

Campus Location: Brookings, SD

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

• Foundations of Community Development
• Principles and Strategies of Community Change
• Organizing for Community Change

Acceptance Rate: 91.4%

Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 53.8%

LEARN MORE ABOUT SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MASTERS IN SOCIOLOGY

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM

M.A. IN APPLIED SOCIOLOGY

Program Standouts:
The University of Alabama at Birmingham designed its online Sociology Graduate Program to match the needs of busy professionals in any and all areas. The curriculum provides training and discipline in approaching new careers in government agencies, businesses, and non-profits. The coursework enhances previously established knowledge in sociology and expands skills in research and analysis for all professional sectors.

UAB’s is considered one of the best online Sociology Masters Programs in the country, through which students can change the world, all from the comfort of their homes. UAB is committed to providing online masters of sociology students all of the necessary resources needed for success as graduate students. They are a part of a vibrant online sociology graduate community that provides endless support from peers and instructors.

Campus Location: Birmingham, AL

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

• Regression Analysis
• Public Sociology
• Social Capital and Social Networks

Acceptance Rate: 91.8%

Retention Rate: 84%

Graduation Rate: 53.7%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM’S SOCIOLOGY M.A. PROFESSIONAL ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM

GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY

MASTER OF SCIENCE (M.S.) IN SOCIOLOGY EDUCATION

Program Standouts:
At Grand Canyon University, the online Masters in Sociology includes an emphasis on Education. The coursework reflects topics in many application areas, such as Curriculum Design and Adult Learning Theory, as well as those that relate to General Sociology, for example, Stratification and Social Change. This online sociology master’s program is specifically designed to help students become teachers of sociology. The curriculum is flexible and can be completed entirely on students’ own time while also receiving support from faculty members.

Grand Canyon University provides one of the best online sociology masters programs available in the United States. This online school is also one of the most popular and successful in the country, by providing distance education students with impeccable coursework, expert faculty members, and a vast array of academic and career-based resources. GCU online Masters of Sociology Education graduates can achieve teaching positions in colleges and universities, trade and technical schools, and educational research.

Campus Location: Phoenix, AZ

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

• Curriculum Design
• Distance Learning Techniques
• Stratification and Social Change

Acceptance Rate: 66.9%

Retention Rate: 64%

Graduation Rate: 33.2%

LEARN MORE ABOUT GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE MS IN SOCIOLOGY DEGREE

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY

M.S. IN SOCIOLOGY – DIGITAL SOCIOLOGY

Program Standouts:
At Virginia Commonwealth University, the online M.S. in Sociology includes a specialized concentration in Digital Sociology. In this array of coursework, online students navigate and analyze “digitally native data through the lens of social justice.” The course topics provoke conversations about and analysis of significant global issues and concerns surrounding digital data, privacy, and inequality. This fascinating program opens the door to understanding the sociological aspects of areas such as social media and texting.

The VCU Department of Sociology is a dedicated, learner-centered academic branch that encourages the interaction of undergraduate and graduate students with professionals and faculty members from similar and differing areas. Graduates from this master of sociology online have engaged in cutting-edge research projects that affect positive, real-world change. They are prepared for positions in business, marketing, non-profits, and more.

Campus Location: Richmond, VA

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

• Sociological Research Methods
• Digital Social Problems
• Social Network Analysis

Acceptance Rate: 83.9%

Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 61.3%

LEARN MORE ABOUT VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY’S ONLINE GRADUATE DEGREE IN SOCIOLOGY

UNIVERSITY OF DENVER

MASTER IN GLOBAL COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

Program Standouts:
The University of Denver keeps its online masters in sociology consistently updated to reflect all of the most pressing issues alive in the world today. The Sociology Department maintains a global connection with which students can connect with diverse cultures and environments. While it is called a Global Community Engagement Master’s, this program provides all of the same perspectives and intentions of an online sociology degree. Terms are completed in ten-week increments, and, with the right dedication, the entire curriculum as little as 18 months.

U.S. News and World Report have named this online school one of the best among national universities in 2020. The goal of the sociology masters online is to enhance global perspectives and increase the organizational skills necessary to make more significant changes in agencies, companies, nonprofits, and more. The elective courses available allow students to specialize in their curriculum in an area of their choice further. A sample of elective courses can be found below.

Campus Location: Denver, CO

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

• Gender and Social Justice: Sex and Power in Global Perspective
• Contemporary Rcial and Ethnic Relations
• The Force of Faith: Religion in the Global Workplace

Acceptance Rate: 58%

Retention Rate: 87%

Graduation Rate: 77%

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF DENVER’S MASTERS IN SOCIOLOGY ONLINE PROGRAM

TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

M.S. IN SOCIOLOGY

Program Standouts:
The coursework in the Texas A&M University online sociology graduate program explores general areas of the field that allow students to pursue their own interests and career paths while working as a unit, as well as in solo projects. The curriculum is designed to meet the professional needs of those working in college teaching positions, public service careers, research positions, and administrative positions.

The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Texas A&M University equips Masters of Sociology online students with the skills in leadership and critical thinking necessary for success in diverse cultures and environments. Graduates have gone on to work in a vast array of career paths, such as marketing, writing, higher education, child protective services, veterinary sciences, and more! TAMU has the highest retention rate on this ranking at 91%.

Campus Location: College Station, TX

Accreditation:

• Higher Learning Commission
  230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500
  Chicago, Illinois, 60614-1413
  www.hlcommission.org, (800) 621-7400

Coursework Sample:

• Readings in Sociology
• Classical Sociology Theory
• Data Analysis in the Social Sciences

Acceptance Rate: 70.5%

Retention Rate: 92%

Graduation Rate: 78.8%

The Best Online Master’s in Sociology Programs of 2020

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When you pursue a master’s in sociology online, you prepare yourself for a variety of meaningful careers focused on community service and bettering society as a whole. Sociology is primarily an academic discipline that studies human interaction and culture, and an advanced degree in the field is perfect for those who work well with others and wish to make the world around them a more just and positive place.

Many careers within sociology are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that community service management careers — a common path for those with an online sociology master’s degree — will grow 18% over the next 10 years.

What are the best sociology programs of 2020? Here are our top 5:

Rank	School	Location
1	Arizona State University	Scottsdale, AZ
2	University of Alabama at Birmingham	Birmingham, AL
3	New Mexico State University	Las Cruces, NM
4	Sam Houston State University	Huntsville, TX
5	Virginia Commonwealth University	Richmond, VA

Sociology graduates have the skills and knowledge to understand how society works, which can be especially valuable when assisting those in need or developing successful programs and services. Whether you go on to become a university professor, program manager, social worker, case manager, or a professional in a different field, earning a master’s in sociology online is a great step toward achieving your career goals.

What are the Best Online Master’s in Sociology Programs?

SORT BYDEFAULTCOSTA-ZEXPAND ALL

1	Arizona State University	Scottsdale, AZ	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 48%
2	University of Alabama at Birmingham	Birmingham, AL	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 58%
3	New Mexico State University	Las Cruces, NM	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 47%
4	Sam Houston State University	Huntsville, TX	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 52%
5	Virginia Commonwealth University	Richmond, VA	COST:$$$$$	GRADUATION RATE: 67%

What Else Can I Expect From an Online Master’s in Sociology Program?

Below, you will find a sample list of courses commonly offered through online master’s degree programs in sociology. While course options differ between schools, this list should give you a good idea of the options available upon enrollment.

Curriculum for an Online Master’s Degree in Sociology

• Methods in sociology: This course provides a cohesive introduction to the methods commonly used in sociological inquiry, including social network analysis, comparative research, and ethnography. Students learn how to incorporate these methods into research. The class prepares students for their capstone projects.
• Economic sociology: Students examine some of the most controversial issues in sociology, including the effects of capitalism, modernization, and development on communities and societies. The course also covers issues such as labor, entrepreneurship, inequality, social justice, and class systems around the world.
• Fundamentals of ethnomethodology: This subset of sociology centers on the different ways members of a society can produce objects, actions, and events in ways that all can understand and agree upon. Specifically, students examine the social processes and norms that support various social phenomena, such as social structures, gender, race, and culture.
• Sociology of religion: This course covers the relationships between society and religion, including the study of various religious symbols, practices, languages, and communities on a global scale. Students also explore historic and emerging religions, including how they affect cultures and ways congregations and denominations handle conflict.
• Macro organizational theory: Students learn about the origins, maintenance, and decline of organizations in human cultures, including a variety of theories regarding why these structures exist and how they succeed or fail. In many cases, the course establishes sound research ideas for students’ final capstone projects.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Online Master’s in Sociology?

While most students can earn an online sociology master’s degree in two or fewer years, many factors influence program length. One of the most significant factors is whether you can learn at your own pace or if the program is taught in a cohort format. In the former arrangement, you can take more credits each semester or term and finish your degree quickly. Cohort learning requires you to take all or most of your classes with the same group of students, limiting you to the pace of the cohort.

Students enrolled in sociology master’s programs online generally take 32-40 credits, depending on the format of the program and whether the school follows semester or quarter terms.

Accreditation for Online Master’s in Sociology Degrees

It is important to identify a regionally or nationally accredited online master’s in sociology program. When a school or program holds accreditation, it has met rigorous curriculum and instruction quality standards. Regional accreditation holds more prestige, although there are many nationally accredited colleges and universities offering top-tier academic programs, including those in sociology.

When looking at potential online master’s degree programs in sociology, search for those accredited through regional agencies like the Higher Learning Commission, the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, or the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. The most common national accrediting body is the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools. In addition to the school overall, specific programs may also receive accreditation.

There are two main agencies that oversee the practices of the accrediting bodies themselves. The U.S. Department of Education maintains a full list of approved agencies. There is also the Council on Higher Education Accreditation, an independent nonprofit that maintains strict standards for how accrediting agencies must go about evaluating colleges, universities, and programs. It also maintains a list of approved accreditors.

A full list of reputable accrediting agencies is available at the U.S. Department of Education’s website.

Employment Outlook for Master’s in Sociology Graduates

Master’s in Sociology Salary

While sociology is not necessarily known for its lucrative pay, there is room for income growth. Sociologists, for example, tend to bring in significant salaries as they gain more experience. The amount of money you can make with a master’s degree in sociology may vary depending on your workplace, your level of experience, and your career goals. The following table features income data for various professions in sociology.

Job Title	Overall Median Salary	Median Salary for Entry-Level	Median Salary for Mid-Career	Median Salary for Late-Career
Sociologist	$50,670	$50,670	$58,270	$102,860
Community Service Manager	$48,626	$42,304	$61,269	$61,755
Community Outreach Coordinator	$40,484	$38,865	$44,127	$44,532
Social Worker	$43,996	$40,036	$51,035	$55,875
Substance Abuse Counselor	$37,881	$35,608	$43,563	$46,215

Master’s in Sociology Careers

There are numerous career paths for those who graduate with an accredited online master’s in sociology degree. A common thread among sociology careers is that they are service oriented. If you are friendly, tolerant, and passionate about making a positive difference, you are likely to succeed in these careers.COLLAPSE ALLCommunity Service Manager

Responsible for creating, implementing, and evaluating programs and services for a community,these professionals play an important role in the health of society. They conduct community needs assessments, plan outreach activities, write grants, and ensure programs meet objectives. Community service managers typically work for nonprofits and government agencies.

Median Annual Salary: $64,680

Projected Growth Rate: 18%Social WorkerTraining and Development SpecialistCollege InstructorSubstance Abuse Counselor

Professional Organizations

As you review the best online sociology master’s programs, consider joining a professional organization related to the field. These groups provide valuable networking opportunities, especially for those just beginning their careers. The five organizations listed below offer continuing education, career services, job boards, and annual conferences.

• AMERICAN SOCIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATIONThe ASA promotes sociology on a national level, advocating for responsible social policies and programs. Founded in 1905, this nonprofit organization has more than 21,000 members and holds events throughout the year.
• INTERNATIONAL SOCIOLOGICAL ASSOCIATIONThis global organization began in 1948 and provides valuable resources, continuing education, and networking opportunities for those in the sociology field. The ISA offers both individual and collective memberships.
• NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERSThe largest social work membership organization in the world, NASW provides professional development, networking, and continuing education to its more than 120,000 members. It also promotes beneficial social policies at the federal level.
• ASSOCIATION FOR HUMANIST SOCIOLOGYAHS focuses on improving social justice, peace, and equality, taking a people-first approach to these issues. Founded in 1976, the association’s mission is to make sociology more relevant in addressing people’s everyday needs.
• RURAL SOCIOLOGICAL SOCIETYThe RSS works to enhance the quality of life found in rural communities, leveraging its global membership of academics and professionals. It has a peer-reviewed journal and hosts a yearly conference.

Financing Your Online Master’s in Sociology Program

You have some options when it comes to financing your online sociology master’s degree. To start, be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if you qualify for financial aid, whether it’s in the form of grants, scholarships, low-interest loans, or work-study awards. You should also explore funding opportunities within your prospective program, along with scholarships offered specifically to those seeking sociology degrees. Exploring these resources can reduce your student loan debt and make your higher education journey possible.