The top online Master’s in Sociology degree programs offer a flexible option for working professionals to earn a graduate degree. Here is our list of the Top 10 Online Master’s in Sociology degree programs!
Are you a person who enjoys data and calculations With a master’s degree in sociology, there is an extensive range of careers that you can choose. Sociologists study social changes. They examine social life, the diversities and interactions within communities, and scientific methods to answer important questions that are very complex in our society.
The job growth and pay will vary depending on which Sociology career path you decide to take. Your earning potential will also depend on the location of the position, the type of agency you work for, and the amount of experience you already have. So, if you are interested in earning a master’s degree in Sociology, keep reading!
How We Ranked The Top Online Master’s Degrees in Sociology
The editors at Online Schools Guide found schools offering master’s degrees in sociology online or hybrid. Then, based on reputation, cost, and future salary, we ranked the programs.
| School | Program |
|---|---|
| 1. Arizona State University | Master of Arts in Sociology |
| 2. New Mexico State University | Master of Arts in Sociology |
| 3. Dakota County Technical College | Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sociology |
| 4. University of Alabama at Birmingham | Master’s of Arts Degree in Applied Sociology |
| 5. Sam Houston State University | MA in Sociology |
| 6. Texas A&M University-Commerce | Master’s of Science in Sociology |
| 7. Fayetteville State University | Master of Arts in Sociology |
| 8. South Dakota State University | MS in Sociology w Community Development Specialization |
| 9. Morehead State University | Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sociology |
| 10. Grand Canyon University | Master’s in Sociology (M.S.) Education |
1. Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers an Online Master of Arts in Sociology for students interested in learning about social relationships and interactions. These social patterns affect individuals, family members, and even workers. Graduates from this program will secure jobs in various areas, including human resources, social work, government jobs, and work for non-profit organizations. The ASU program provides students with more advanced knowledge in sociology to further their careers or begin a new one. In addition to government jobs, students can work in the social services field or education. This program is considered one of the country’s top online master’s sociology.
Arizona State University is home to more than 27,000 graduates each year. In addition, it has been named as the most innovative school in the United States by the U.S. News & World Report six years in a row. It was founded in 1886 as the Territorial Normal School, Arizona’s first higher education institution, and became a university in the 1950s. The school offers an array of degree programs and offers in-person classes on campus and online courses.
2. New Mexico State University
| Degree: Master of Arts in Sociology |
The Master of Arts in Sociology at New Mexico State University offers advanced qualitative and quantitative research design and interpretation and theory to understand individuals, groups, organizations, and even entire communities. Students can choose from several elective courses that focus on social inequality based on race, gender, and class. They can also specialize in various areas, including migration, education, community development, and even social movements and pop culture. When students finish this online master’s degree program, they will have the option of pursuing their doctoral studies if they so choose to do so. This program prepares them to take on leadership roles in sociology and opens doors to graduates for career changes or to advance in their current positions.
New Mexico State University is nestled in the beautiful city of Las Cruces, New Mexico, and is a public land-grant research university. MNSU opened in 1888 and is the oldest existing public educational institution for higher education in the entire state of New Mexico. The university offers a variety of bachelor’s and master’s programs in addition to sociology, such as business administration, criminal justice, and public health. In addition, students can attend on-site classes or take advantage of the many online classes and programs.
3. Texas Woman’s University
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sociology Program at Texas Woman’s University offers a flexible degree plan. The TWU program works well for people who work full or part-time jobs and family-oriented students. The program trains students in the theory of sociology and methods used in statistics to analyze social issues. Students can choose which delivery option they want. The first option is to attend entirely online. Next, students can participate in face-to-face classes or combine the two in a hybrid format. The online program does not offer a thesis option, while the other two offer it. Graduates will be prepared for careers in sociology and social services or continue their further graduate studies. In addition, students can choose between a Master’s of Art in Sociology or a Master’s of Art in Sociology with a Criminology Concentration.
Students of all backgrounds are welcome into the sociology and other degree programs at Texas Woman’s University. However, the school’s mission is to provide training primarily for female students and minority, non-traditional, and underserved students. The university opened in 1957 to provide a liberal arts education to women and prepare them with a specialized education in the fields they choose to enter. Later in 1972, the school began admitting male students. The main campus is in Denton, Texas, but health science centers are in Houston and Dallas.
4. University of Alabama at Birmingham
The Online Master’s of Arts Degree in Applied Sociology Program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is an excellent choice for online students. The program features nine courses, such as Applied Sociological Theory at the micro, meso, and macro levels. In addition, applied Sociology teaches students about current trends and issues in the social science arena for both for-profit and non-profit sectors. For example, the Applied Sociological Research Methods class instructs students about different ways to conduct research, problem-solve, and identify ethical issues. Students also complete a capstone project at the end of the program. This project allows students to apply all of their learned information throughout the program. In addition, because of the capstone, the program does not require a thesis.
The University of Alabama at Birmingham first began in 1859 as the Medical College of Alabama. Then the Birmingham Extension Center opened its doors in 1936, and the University’s Medical Center started in 1945. Finally, in 1966, the two centers merged to form the University of Alabama in Birmingham. It became an independent university in 1969. The school offers various degree programs, many entirely online, including business administration, health administration, education, and research and science.
5. Sam Houston State University
| Degree: Master of Arts in Sociology |
The Master’s of Arts in Sociology degree at Sam Houston State University emphasizes Public Sociology. The flexible program is entirely online, making it convenient for students with families or those who work full or part-time jobs. Online tuition is the same regardless of residency, making the program an affordable option. Students receive advanced instruction in empirical evidence, methodological techniques, and theoretical perspectives related to sociology. Graduates are skilled in community-based research, grant writing, and program evaluation.
Sam Houston State University started in 1879 in Houston, Texas. SHSU offers an array of different bachelor’s and master’s programs. In addition, the school offers over forty degrees entirely online and has received numerous awards for its online program.
6. Texas A&M University-Commerce
| Degree: Master’s of Science in Sociology |
The Master of Science in Sociology program at Texas A&M University takes two years to complete and is entirely online. Students in the M.S. graduate program study social interactions and human behavior while gaining problem-solving and critical thinking skills to assist them in future roles. In addition, students learn about different areas of sociology such as deviant behavior, marriage and family, demography, and also global studies. Graduates find employment in private and public sectors and with government agencies. Others continue their education to earn a doctoral degree and become sociology professors.
Texas A&M University is in College Station, Texas. The school opened its doors in 1876, making it the first public institution in Texas for higher learning. Today TAMU has several branch campuses throughout Texas. In addition, the university offers 133 undergraduate graduate degree programs, 175 master’s degree programs, 82 doctoral programs, and five first-professional degree programs.
7. Fayetteville State University
| Degree: Master of Arts in Sociology |
The Master of Arts in the Sociology program at Fayetteville State University offers students an affordable and flexible option. The FSU program is entirely online, making it an excellent choice for working or having families. Students in the online M.A. program gain communication and reasoning skills and analysis tools to study issues and problems facing today’s world. Graduates find positions at government agencies, research departments, and community-based programs. In addition, the thirty-credit master’s degree has a non-thesis and a thesis option. Thesis program graduates can continue their education to earn their doctorate in sociology.
Fayetteville State University has been around since the late 1800s and is an HBCU public institution. FSU is well-known for its diversity of students and faculty members. The school is a member of the UNC system of public higher education. There are 43 bachelor’s degree programs and 23 different master’s degrees UNC-FSU students can earn along with doctoral degree programs. The university is one of the oldest in the state and is in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
8. South Dakota State University
An online Master’s of Science in Sociology degree with a Community Development Specialization is available at South Dakota State University. The graduate program collaborates with the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (GPIDEA), which allows for more diverse educational opportunities for students. Students can choose from one of four specialty options to go along with their master’s degree. These focus areas are working with native communities, building economic capacity, non-profit management, and natural resource management. In addition, students can choose three different capstones. The options include a thesis, a practicum, or additional elective courses.
South Dakota State University offers 80 majors and 97 minors for thousands of students to choose from each year. The school is a public university that started in 1881, making it the oldest university in the state that has continually operated. In addition, SDSU is also the state’s largest university, and the campus is in Brookings.
9. Morehead State University
The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Sociology at Morehead State University program has three concentration options. Students can choose a focus area in chemical dependency, general sociology, or criminology. The program is offered online and includes introductory courses in theory and research methods. Students will learn how to utilize broad critical and analytical skills that they can apply in their future positions to individuals, organizations, or even on societal levels. The Morehead State program is well-known as one of Kentucky’s top sociology programs.
The Morehead State University campus is in the city of Morehead, Kentucky. The university first opened in 1887 as the Morehead Normal School. With a ratio of 15 students to one faculty member at the university, students receive more one-on-one attention in all programs. MSU offers 142 undergraduate programs, 21 professional program preparations, and 69 graduate programs to thousands of students each year.
10. Grand Canyon University
For those wanting to become an instructor in sociology or work in other areas of the field, Grand Canyon University offers a Master’s in Sociology (M.S.) Education. The GCS online program allows students to have a more flexible schedule while working and tending to families during the program under the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The program focuses on four areas of sociology education, including teaching, theory, societal arrangement and change, and family and global perspectives.
The Grand Canyon University is in the beautiful city of Phoenix, Arizona. It is a private and accredited Christian university. The university welcomes students from all backgrounds and denominations to further their education and reach their goals. With 70,000 online students and 20,000 students who attend classes on campus, the university is ranked as the largest Christian university globally as of 2018.
What Are the Most Popular Concentrations for a Master’s in Sociology?
The most popular concentrations of people with master’s degrees in sociology are education, communications, social justice, public administration, and social work.
What is the Job Outlook with a Master’s in Sociology?
According to the BLS, the employment outlook with a master’s degree in Sociology will increase by 5% from 2020 to 2030. This growth is slightly slower than average compared to all occupations. However, it also depends on the career choices that graduates make. For instance, there is a growing need for teachers, college professors, and non-profit organizations to regularly seek leadership roles at their agencies. Despite the limited employment growth, there are still at least 300 new job openings for sociologists each year projected over the next decade.
What Skills Do I Need For A Career In Sociology?
Keep in mind that the labor market of this century is constantly changing and is technology-driven and more and more becoming a global market. Skills to succeed in any profession, including sociology, are innovation, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, rational problem-solving, international understanding, excellent written expression, and communication skills.
These are all skills and training that sociologists with a master’s degree or doctorate possess. For sociology majors, the good news is that the skills learned throughout the master’s degree programs are very well-suited to the skills needed for a very successful career.
How Much Can I Make with a Master’s in Sociology degree?
The median annual income for a person with an online master’s in sociology degree is around $86,000 per year. The highest-paid positions for sociologists are in human resources, with a median income of about $121,000.
Other high-paying jobs include a market research analyst who can make around $65,000 per year, and urban and regional planners earn approximately $75,000. In addition, social services and community managers make an annual income of about $70,000.
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