Online Master's Degree in Sociology

A Master’s degree in Sociology provides students with advanced knowledge of human social behavior, societal structures, and global issues. Students can choose between different specializations or degree tracks to align with their professional and academic goals. A Master of Arts (MA) in Sociology often emphasizes qualitative research, critical theory, and cultural studies, making it ideal for careers in education, public policy, or advocacy. A Master of Science (MS) in Sociology typically focuses on quantitative research and data analysis, preparing students for technical roles or further academic research in sociology, public health, or data science.

2026 Best Master's in Sociology Programs

Welcome to sociologydegree.org's guide to the best Master's in Sociology programs. We help you find top schools that fit your goals. Our team at sociologydegree.org carefully reviews each program to create these rankings. We look at faculty, curriculum, and student support. You can explore many options, including online programs that offer flexibility for working professionals. Distance learning and remote options make advanced education more accessible. For details on how we rank programs, check out our methodology page: https://www.sociologydegree.org/methodology/. This ensures our rankings are fair and transparent.
#1

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus

Denver, CO - Public 4-Year - ucdenver.edu

Master's - MA in Sociology

Concentration: Crime, Law and Deviance - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus offers a hybrid MA in Sociology with a Crime, Law and Deviance concentration. This 33-credit program emphasizes advanced research methodologies, requiring 9 credit hours in research training. Students benefit from flexible hybrid learning formats and can choose from multiple completion paths. The program does not require entrance exams and is military-friendly. Located in urban Denver with an on-campus hospital, it provides a dynamic environment for studying criminology and social deviance.

  • Strong methodology training with 9 research credit hours.
  • Four specialized concentration areas available.
  • Urban Denver campus provides dynamic learning environment.

Master's - MA in Sociology

Concentration: Health and Society - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Focusing on Health and Society, this hybrid MA in Sociology at University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus delivers comprehensive research training through qualitative and quantitative methods. The 33-credit curriculum offers four distinct completion paths including thesis and internship options. No entrance exams are required for admission. With its urban Denver location adjacent to a medical campus, the program leverages unique opportunities for health sociology research while providing military-friendly policies and flexible hybrid learning formats.

  • Flexible 33-credit MA with four completion paths
  • Strong methodology training across research techniques
  • Urban Denver setting enriches sociological learning

Master's - MA in Sociology

Concentration: Family, Social Services and Community - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus provides a hybrid MA in Sociology concentrating on Family, Social Services and Community. This 33-credit program builds advanced research capabilities with 9 dedicated research credit hours. Students can select from flexible culminating experiences without entrance exam requirements. The military-friendly program utilizes its urban Denver setting with hospital access to explore family dynamics and community services through hybrid delivery, preparing graduates for leadership roles in social service organizations.

  • Strong methodology training with 9 research credit hours
  • Four unique concentration pathways available
  • Flexible culminating experience options
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#2

St. John's University-New York

Queens, NY - Private 4-year - stjohns.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Sociology

Concentration: The Global City and Social Justice - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

St. John's University-New York offers a Master of Arts in Sociology with a concentration in The Global City and Social Justice, delivered in a hybrid format that combines online and in-person elements. This 33-credit program emphasizes urban and global perspectives, focusing on critical thinking, research, and analytical skills to address social justice issues. It provides flexible thesis and non-thesis tracks, competitive assistantships, and pathways to doctoral study. The program requires an entrance exam for admission, such as the GRE, and is military-friendly.

  • 33-credit MA with urban and global focus
  • Multiple concentration options available
  • Research-driven curriculum with career flexibility

Master's - Master of Arts in Sociology

Concentration: Confronting Inequalities - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The Master of Arts in Sociology at St. John's University-New York, concentrating on Confronting Inequalities, is a hybrid program blending online and on-campus learning. This 33-credit curriculum delves into sociological theory and research methods to analyze inequality, globalization, and urban dynamics, with thesis and non-thesis options. Competitive assistantships support full-time students, and admission mandates a bachelor's degree with a 3.0 GPA and 18 sociology credits. An entrance exam like the GRE is required, and the program is military-friendly.

  • Urban and global social perspectives
  • Multiple concentration options
  • Research-focused curriculum

Master's - Master of Arts in Sociology

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

St. John's University-New York's Master of Arts in Sociology is a hybrid program that integrates online components with in-person sessions in New York City. Without a specific concentration, it covers urban and global perspectives, social inequality, community development, and social movements in a 33-credit framework. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA and 18 undergraduate sociology credits, with competitive assistantships available. An entrance exam, such as the GRE, is necessary for entry, and the program is military-friendly, offering pathways to doctoral studies.

  • Urban and global sociological perspectives
  • Thesis and non-thesis track options
  • Pathways to doctoral study available
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#3

Sam Houston State University

Huntsville, TX - Public 4-Year - shsu.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Sociology

Concentration: Public Sociology - Online Learning - Visit Website

Sam Houston State University's online Master of Arts in Sociology with a Public Sociology concentration provides a 30-hour curriculum focused on applied scholarship in social inequality, health, community dynamics, and environmental studies. Students can choose between thesis and capstone options to develop advanced sociological skills for diverse careers. The program offers eight $3,000 recruitment scholarships annually and graduate assistantships for research experiences. No entrance exam is required for this online program, which emphasizes flexible learning and accessibility.

  • Online 30-hour Master's program with public sociology focus.
  • Multiple research tracks and capstone options available.
  • Eight $3,000 recruitment scholarships annually.

Master's - Master of Arts in Sociology

Concentration: Social Inequality - Online Learning - Visit Website

Sam Houston State University's online Master of Arts in Sociology centers on Social Inequality, exploring critical issues in health, community, and environment through a 30-hour public sociology curriculum. With thesis and capstone pathways, students build research and analytical skills for varied career opportunities. Eight $3,000 recruitment scholarships support affordability, and no entrance exam is needed for this fully online program, which includes remote graduate assistant roles for practical experience.

  • 30-hour online Master's program with public sociology emphasis.
  • Multiple research focus areas and capstone options.
  • Eight $3,000 recruitment scholarships annually.

Master's - Master of Arts in Sociology

Concentration: Health and Well-Being - Online Learning - Visit Website

Sam Houston State University's online Master of Arts in Sociology with a Health and Well-Being concentration delves into public sociology topics like social inequality, community, and environmental issues in a 30-hour format. Flexible thesis and capstone options, along with teaching and scholarship tracks, equip students for professional advancement or doctoral studies. The program provides eight $3,000 recruitment scholarships and does not require an entrance exam, offering an accessible online education with graduate assistant opportunities.

  • 30-hour online MA with public sociology focus
  • Multiple research and career development tracks
  • Competitive recruitment scholarships available
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#4

University of Colorado Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs, CO - Public 4-Year - uccs.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Sociology

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs offers a comprehensive Master of Arts in Sociology with two flexible tracks: a general MA focusing on research and thesis preparation, and an applied emphasis track for career-driven students. This 30-credit hybrid program combines on-campus and online learning, allowing students to develop advanced sociological skills for diverse career paths or doctoral studies. The program requires an entrance exam such as the GRE for admission. It is military-friendly and supports individualized coursework with specialized concentrations.

  • Two flexible MA tracks: research and applied emphasis
  • 30-credit program with on-campus, online options
  • Advanced sociological research and career preparation

Master's - Master of Arts in Sociology

Concentration: General Track - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

At the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, the Master of Arts in Sociology General Track emphasizes advanced research and professional development within a 30-credit hybrid framework. Students benefit from flexible learning options, including on-campus, online, and hybrid formats, and can customize their studies through the general or applied tracks. An entrance exam like the GRE is required for admission. This military-friendly program provides strong theoretical foundations and practical skills, preparing graduates for careers in sociology or further academic pursuits.

  • Two specialized tracks: general and applied emphasis
  • Flexible learning formats: on-campus, online, hybrid
  • Accelerated Master's option for UCCS undergraduates

Master's - Master of Arts in Sociology

Concentration: Applied Emphasis Track - Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

The University of Colorado Colorado Springs' Master of Arts in Sociology Applied Emphasis Track is designed for students targeting specialized career skills in a 30-credit hybrid program. It offers flexibility with on-campus, online, and hybrid delivery, focusing on applied sociological work without a thesis requirement. Admission mandates a 3.0 GPA, an undergraduate degree, and an entrance exam such as the GRE. This military-friendly program supports research development and interdisciplinary coursework, equipping graduates for professional roles in sociology.

  • Two distinct tracks: general research and applied emphasis
  • Flexible 30-credit interdisciplinary graduate program
  • Comprehensive theory, methods, and elective coursework
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#5

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA - Public 4-Year - vcu.edu

Master's - Master of Science in Sociology

Concentration: Digital Sociology - Online Learning - Visit Website

Virginia Commonwealth University's Master of Science in Sociology with a Digital Sociology concentration delivers a fully online program focused on technology's societal effects. Students critically examine digital data through social justice perspectives, addressing privacy, algorithmic bias, and inequality. The curriculum integrates rigorous methodology with practical skills in big data analysis, network analysis, and digital research methods. This program does not require an entrance exam and is tailored for those passionate about digital advancements in sociology.

  • Fully online digital sociology concentration
  • Critical analysis of big data and digital technologies
  • Develop digital research and sociological skills

Master's - Master of Science in Sociology

Online Learning - Visit Website

Virginia Commonwealth University's Master of Science in Sociology provides an online degree emphasizing digital methodologies and social justice. It equips professionals with advanced data analysis skills to explore big data, privacy, algorithms, and social inequalities via an interdisciplinary approach. The fully online format supports real-world applications without an entrance exam requirement, fostering expertise in emerging digital trends for career advancement.

  • 100% online digital sociology master's degree
  • Develop advanced data analysis and critical skills
  • Focus on social justice and emerging digital trends
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#6

Texas Woman's University

Denton, TX - Public 4-Year - twu.edu

Master's - MA in Sociology

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Texas Woman's University's MA in Sociology is a hybrid program blending online and in-person coursework to accommodate working professionals and students with family commitments. It delivers rigorous training in social theory, research methods, and statistical analysis, with thesis and non-thesis options available for career preparation in sociology, social services, or further education. Admission requires a 3.0 GPA, personal statement, and two academic recommendations; no entrance exam is specified. The program's flexibility allows students to choose learning formats that best fit their schedules.

  • Flexible online and on-campus learning formats
  • Comprehensive training in social research methods
  • Prepares students for diverse sociology careers
#7

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, AL - Public 4-Year - uab.edu

Master's - MA in Sociology

Online Learning - Visit Website

The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers an online MA in Sociology, designed for professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of social dynamics without traditional barriers. This fully accredited program requires no GRE and features a non-thesis structure with a capstone project tailored to individual interests. Ranked among America's Best Online Master's in Sociology for 2023, it focuses on practical research methods, data analytics, and digital community learning. Ideal for educators, nonprofit workers, and business professionals, the program is military-friendly and benefits from an on-campus hospital, providing real-world insights into healthcare sociology.

  • Fully online, non-thesis master's degree
  • No GRE/GMAT required for admission
  • Capstone project based on personal interests
#8

Texas A & M University-Commerce

Commerce, TX - Public 4-Year - tamuc.edu

Master's - Sociology (MS)

Online Learning - Visit Website

Texas A&M University-Commerce delivers an online Master of Science in Sociology tailored for professionals aiming to deepen their understanding of human behavior and societal dynamics. This 30-credit program, designed for completion in two years, omits thesis and foreign language requirements, focusing instead on core sociological theories, research methodologies, and specialized areas such as race, ethnicity, and gender studies. The fully online format offers flexibility for working individuals, with no entrance exam required. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in academia, social services, and management, supported by faculty expertise in global social issues.

  • Fully online, flexible 2-year master's program
  • 30 credit hours with no thesis requirement
  • Diverse faculty specializing in global social issues
#9

Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mankato, MN - Public 4-Year - mnsu.edu

Master's - Sociology: College Teaching

Concentration: College Teaching - Online Learning - Visit Website

Minnesota State University-Mankato's online Master's in Sociology with a College Teaching concentration prepares students for academic careers through flexible digital coursework. This program emphasizes pedagogical skills and theoretical foundations specifically for community college instruction, offering collaborative research opportunities without requiring entrance exams. Graduates develop competitive expertise for teaching positions and potential advancement to doctoral studies or emerging fields like data science, supported by the university's military-friendly environment.

  • Fully online master's degree with flexible scheduling
  • Collaborative research and teaching opportunities
  • Prepares students for academic and research careers
#10

New Mexico State University

Las Cruces, NM - Public 4-Year - nmsu.edu

Master's - Master of Arts in Sociology

Online Learning - Visit Website

New Mexico State University's online Master of Arts in Sociology provides a research-intensive curriculum focused on advanced quantitative analysis, social theory, and research methods, preparing graduates with critical analytical skills for diverse careers. Students can select between thesis or coursework-only tracks, offering flexibility in their academic path. This program does not require the GRE for admission, though a 3.0 GPA is necessary. As an online offering, it enables remote study, making it accessible for those seeking in-depth sociological understanding without geographic constraints.

  • Flexible thesis and coursework-only options
  • Advanced research methods training
  • No GRE requirement for admission
*U.S. Department of Education, IPEDS 2023, National Center for Education Statistics.

What Is a Master's Degree in Sociology?

A Master’s degree in sociology is a graduate-level program that takes approximately 1–3 years to complete. It builds upon foundational undergraduate sociology concepts and delves deeper into topics like inequality, social justice, research methodologies, and sociological theory. Students may choose between thesis and non-thesis tracks, depending on whether they wish to focus on academic research or professional applications.

This degree prepares graduates for leadership roles in social services, research, education, public policy, nonprofit organizations, and more. It is also an excellent stepping stone for those pursuing a PhD in Sociology. Many programs offer flexible formats, including part-time and online options, making them accessible to working professionals.

Who Should Get a Master's Degree in Sociology?

Discuss accreditation for sociology degree programs, link to accrediting agencies, discuss why accreditation is important.

Importance of Accreditation
When selecting a sociology program, ensure the institution is accredited by a recognized accrediting body, such as those listed by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). Accreditation ensures that the program meets rigorous academic standards, and degrees from accredited institutions are widely recognized by employers and doctoral programs.
Ideal Candidates
This degree is ideal for individuals who:

    • Have a strong interest in analyzing social behavior and societal dynamics.
    • Possess advanced critical thinking and research skills.
    • Are passionate about addressing complex social issues like inequality, systemic discrimination, and global challenges.

Graduates often pursue roles in leadership, social research, public policy, or social justice advocacy. Advanced degrees are also necessary for teaching at the college level, conducting professional research, or advancing into specialized areas like urban sociology or health policy.

Online vs. Campus-Based Programs

Online Programs: Provide flexibility for professionals balancing work, family, or other commitments. Online programs often have self-paced courses or accelerated formats, allowing students to complete the degree more quickly.

Campus-Based Programs: Offer in-person interaction with faculty and peers, as well as access to on-campus resources like research centers and libraries.

Both options provide high-quality education, and the choice depends on personal learning preferences and lifestyle needs.

Fast & Affordable Online Master's Degree Programs

Discuss accreditation for sociology degree programs, link to accrediting agencies, discuss why accreditation is important.

The average length of a sociology master’s program is 1.5–3 years. However, accelerated programs can be completed in as little as 12–18 months for students with transferable credits or relevant professional experience. Tuition costs vary widely, typically ranging from $15,000 to $40,000 for the entire program.

Quickest Master's Degrees

For students looking to earn their degree quickly, options include accelerated programs, competency-based education, and generous credit transfer policies for prior coursework or experience. Below are examples of shorter programs:

Examples of Accelerated Programs

School Name Program Length Credits Required Online Availability
University of Arizona Global Campus 12–18 months 36 Fully Online
Southern New Hampshire University 15 months 36 Fully Online
Liberty University 12 months 30 Fully Online

Accelerated programs often allow students to take additional credits per term or enroll year-round. Transferring undergraduate credits or earning credits for professional experience can also shorten the timeline.

Cheapest Master's Degrees

Affordable options are available at state universities, fully online schools, and institutions offering competitive financial aid packages. Below are some budget-friendly choices:

School Name Tuition Range (Total) Online Availability
Eastern New Mexico University $7,500–$9,000 Fully Online
Western Governors University $6,670 (flat rate) Fully Online
University of the People Tuition-Free (pay per exam) Fully Online

These programs often provide financial aid options such as scholarships, grants, and work-study opportunities. Online learning can also reduce costs by eliminating expenses for housing, commuting, and campus fees. Students are encouraged to explore institutional scholarships and grants specifically for sociology majors to further reduce their financial burden.

Master's Degree Requirements & Curriculum

Program Requirements

  • Credits Required: Typically 30–45 credits.
  • Thesis/Capstone: Some programs require a research-based thesis, while others offer a capstone project or comprehensive exam.
  • Internships: Optional internships in social services, research institutions, or nonprofit organizations may be available.

Admissions Requirements

  • A Bachelor’s degree in Sociology or a related field.
  • Minimum GPA (varies by institution, usually 3.0 or higher).
  • Letters of recommendation.
  • Statement of purpose or personal essay.
  • GRE scores (optional at many schools).

Typical Courses

A master’s program in sociology offers advanced coursework in the field. Common courses include:

  • Advanced Sociological Theory
  • Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
  • Social Stratification and Inequality
  • Gender and Society
  • Race and Ethnicity in Global Contexts
  • Social Movements and Activism
  • Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation

Specializations

Many master’s programs allow students to specialize in areas of interest, such as:

  • Criminology: Focuses on criminal behavior, law enforcement, and corrections.
  • Urban Sociology: Examines urban development, housing policy, and community dynamics.
  • Health and Society: Explores healthcare systems, public health, and social determinants of health.
  • Social Justice and Advocacy: Prepares students for roles in activism and nonprofit leadership.

Students should choose specializations aligned with their career aspirations and research interests.