20 Most Affordable Online Master’s in Sociology

The most affordable online master’s in Sociology programs offer a flexible way for professionals to earn a degree and advance their careers.

Professionals who are interested in earning an accelerated online master’s in Sociology may find the landscape bare. After all, few graduate Sociology programs are online, leaving students in the field feeling stuck about how best to move forward with their career plans. And with so many social science programs permeating the virtual education world, it may seem a little disappointing that sociology programs are not readily available.


Featured Schools:


Methodology for Ranking the Fastest Online Master’s in Sociology

The editors at Fast Online Master’s want prospective students to know their affordable accelerated sociology master’s degree will pay off. That’s why we feature only legitimate, accredited colleges and universities. We present programs in order of their tuition rate, according to current IPEDS data. 


1. Fayetteville State University

The MA in Sociology at Fayetteville State University offers four-academic degree conclusions – thesis, non-thesis, and practicum opportunities. Fayetteville State University’s affordable degree in sociology is among North Carolina’s best online sociology master’s programs. Graduates of UNC-FSU’s graduate school enter the workforce as human resources representatives, policy analysts, social service specialists, community service specialists, or also public relations specialists.

FSU is a member school of the state’s university system. In addition, Fayetteville State University is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and an HBCU school with a student body that exceeds 6,000 each year. Fayetteville State University holds the distinction of being the second oldest of all state-funded schools in North Carolina.

Degree: MA in Sociology

More: Visit the school website for more info on this sociology program degree.


2. Texas Woman’s University

The MA in Sociology at Texas Woman’s University offers the convenience and flexibility for working or busy learner. Students enrolled in TWU’s best online sociology master’s programs must complete thirty graduate units for either the thesis or non-thesis options. Classes for Texas Woman’s University’s affordable graduate sociology programs include Statistical Methods in Sociology, Classical Sociological Theories, Foundations of Contemporary Sociological Theories, and also Research Methods and Design.

Texas Woman’s University is a multi-campus school that serves approximately 10,350 students across its three suburban locations in Texas. Additionally, TWU became a member of the state’s newest university system.

Degree: MA in Sociology

More: Visit the school website for more info on this sociology program degree.


3. New Mexico State University

The MA in Sociology at New Mexico State University offers students a completion track of two years, on average. Online students can choose from a variety of classes each semester and over summer sessions. Classes include issues in Quantitative Analysis, Classical Sociological Theory, Qualitative Research Methods, and also Perspectives on Sociology.

NM State is a public school that became a land grant college in 1888. The university also operates as a space-grant school with a student enrollment that exceeds 24,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students each year.

Degree: Master of Arts in Sociology

More: Visit the school website for more info on this sociology program degree.


4. Troy University

The Master of Social Science at Troy University offers a an academic emphasis in sociology. It is among the most innovative and best online sociology master’s programs in Alabama and the southern United States. Troy University’s interdisciplinary graduate sociology master’s program requires degree candidates to complete 36 semester units. Electives can pull from the school’s curriculum in psychology, anthropology, criminology, history, geography, and also political science. Training includes SPSS and GIS analytical software and research opportunities.

Troy University started in the 1880s as a state-funded teacher’s training school. It operates a variety of educational facilities in Troy, Dothan, Phenix City, and also Montgomery, And there are additional facilities in the southern US and internationally.

Degree: online Master of Social Science wit a Sociology emphasis

More: Visit the school website for more info on this sociology program degree.


5. Morehead State University

The MA in Sociology at Morehead State University is among Kentucky’s most innovative and the nation’s best online sociology masters programs. This affordable degree in sociology offers degree candidates three academic concentrations. Students can choose from criminology, chemical dependency, and also general sociology. Sample coursework includes Social Science Data Analysis, Sociological Theory, and also Research Methodology. Additionally, graduates must complete all coursework with a minimum Grade Point Average of 3.0.

Morehead State University opened in the 1880s as a state-run normal school. Its campus covers more than 600 rural acres and serves more than 9,350 students each year. Additionally, the university operates an Academy for Science and Math Excellence that offers a two-year early college experience for high school students.

Degree: MA in Sociology

More: Visit the school website for more info on this sociology program degree.



6. Texas A&M University – Commerce

The MS in Sociology at Texas A&M University Commerce meets the needs of working professionals and busy learners. Additionally, students can complete this online sociology master’s program in 24 months. Classes for this online learning program include contemporary sociological issues, family violence, comparative sociology, race, and ethnic diversity, qualitative methodology, sociology of education, and teaching sociology and criminal justice, and also an independent study.

Established in 1889 as a normal college, Texas A&M University at Commerce now operates as the 3rd largest school in the university system with an annual student enrollment of around 12,000. Texas A&M University maintains campuses in Dallas and Mesquite, plus works in partnership with other local colleges.

Degree: Master of Science in Sociology

More: Visit the school website for more info on this sociology program degree.


7. American Public University

The MA in Sociology at American Public University has no entrance exam requirements. In addition, APU’s sociology master’s programs allows students to transfer fifteen credits. American Public University’s affordable and accelerated degree in sociology requires the completion of thirty graduate credits, all available online. Classes for this sociology master’s program from APU include Social Theory in Action, Qualitative Methods in Social Science Research, and also Advanced Data Analysis for Social Scientists.

APU is one of two schools that make up the American Public University System (APUS). The APUS private, for-profit distance learning institution has a student enrollment that exceeds 46,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students each year. And more than 100,000 APUS alumni live worldwide.

Degree: MA in Sociology

More: Visit the school website for more info on this sociology program degree.


8. Sam Houston State University

The MA in Sociology at Sam Houston State University requires students to finish at least 37 graduate credits. SHSU’s best online sociology master’s programs explore advanced concepts in theoretical perspectives, methodological techniques as well empirical evidence for sociological inquiry. This program has two start dates in Spring and Fall and emphasizes public sociology as its primary theme.

SHSU is the 3rd oldest public institution of higher education that was a normal institute in 1879. In addition, Sam Houston State University is a member school of the Texas state university system.

Degree: MA in Sociology

More: Visit the school website for more info on this sociology program degree.


9. Arizona State University

The MA in Sociology at Arizona State University is among the most innovative sociology master’s programs. Arizona State University’s master’s degree in sociology prepares graduates for careers as human resource professionals, nonprofit leaders, or community program coordinators. Classes for Arizona State University’s affordable 30 credit master’s degree in sociology include Marriage and Family Relationships, Social Statistics, Leadership and Social Justice, Social Change & Innovation, and also a capstone project.

Arizona State University is a space-grant school with several campuses (and an online platform) that serve about 130,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year. Its seventeen colleges offer hundreds of academic degree and certificate programs.

Degree: MA in Sociology

More: Visit the school website for more info on this sociology program degree.


10. University of Northern Iowa

The MA in Social Science at the University of Northern Iowa offers one of Iowa’s most innovative online sociology masters programs. This degree in social science is primarily for classroom teachers (six to twelfth grade). In addition, the University of Northern Iowa’s degree in sociology has no thesis requirement and offers a cohort model to complete the program online. Coursework for the UNI sociology master’s program is via interactive video conferencing and e-learning software.

The University of Northern Iowa started in 1876 as a state-funded teacher’s training school. The school’s online platform and Cedar Falls campus serve more than 10,450 undergraduate and also postgraduate students every year. Additionally, nearly 90% of UNI’s students are from the State of Iowa.

Degree: MA in Social Science

More: Visit the school website for more info on this sociology program degree.


11. University of Alabama at Birmingham

The MA in Applied Sociology at the the University of Alabama at Birmingham offers one of the best online sociology masters programs in Alabama. UA Birmingham’s affordable thirty credit degree in sociology has no thesis requirement. Classes for this sociology master’s program include Applied Sociological Research Methods, Sociological Theory, Program Evaluation, Social Capital, Applied Social Psychology, and also a Capstone Project.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UA) formed as an academic extension facility in the late 1930s. The University of Alabama’s Birmingham campus is a member school of the state’s university system that joined the system in 1969. The school’s student enrollment is approximately 22,400.

Degree: MA in Sociology

More: Visit the school website for more info on this online master’s in sociology.


12. The Citadel

The Citadel Military College offers an MA in Social Science (MASS) that is one of the best online sociology masters programs in South Carolina. This graduate degree in sociology offers tremendous flexibility since it is entirely online. Classes for this degree in social science include research methods in social science and also seminar in social science. Degree candidates may opt for a leadership or homeland security academic concentration.

The Citadel is South Carolina’s Military College that was chartered in 1842. The Citadel is one of the largest bodies of uniformed students in the nation that serves both cadet and on-cadet students. . In addition, the Citadel is a senior military school and a sea-grant institution of higher education.

Degree: MA in Social Science

More: Visit the school website for more info on this sociology degree.


13. Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University offers a Masters in Sociology with or without a concentration path to digital sociology. VCU’s best online sociology masters programs offer completion methods of internship, practicum, or thesis. Classes for Virginia Commonwealth University’s master’s degree in sociology include sociological theory, applications of methods of social research inquiry, methods of sociological research, introduction to social statistics, and also a seminar in sociological practice.

VCU was founded in the 1830s as a public institution of higher education dedicated to research. The school’s distance-learning platform and dual urban campuses in Richmond serve nearly 30,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students. Virginia Commonwealth University operates a variety of research and satellite facilities throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Degree: MS in Sociology

More: Visit the school website for more info on this online master’s in sociology.


14. South Dakota State University

The MS in Sociology at South Dakota State University offers an academic emphasis in community development. This degree in sociology and community development is for leading educators and researchers. The South Dakota State University affordable and accelerated sociology degree offers four academic concentrations. Students can choose from building economic capacity, nonprofit management, working with native communities, and also natural resource management. Each of these sociology programs offers three capstone options to graduate including additional electives, a thesis, or also a practicum.

South Dakota State University was established under the Morrill Act as a land-grant school in the 1880s. The online platform and Brookings campus serve approximately 11,250 students each year.

Degree: MS in Sociology – Community Development

More: Visit the school website for more info on this online master’s in sociology.


15. Northeastern University

Northeastern University offers an MS in Applied Quantitative Methods and Social Analysis ranked among Boston’s best online sociology masters programs. This degree from Northeastern University can be completed in 12 to 16 months, depending on the student’s time commitment. Core classes include statistical analysis and also research methods in the social sciences. This degree offers academic concentrations in data analytics and the social sciences.

Northeastern University is a multiple campus institution of higher education that was established in the 1890s. The school maintains various campuses and facilities in California, Maine, Washington, North Carolina, and Canada. Northeastern University offers various robust study abroad programs, in addition to its featured co-op education program.

Degree: Master of Science in Applied Quantitative Methods and Social Analysis

More: Visit the school website for more info on this online master’s in sociology.


16. Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University offers a Masters in Sociology with an academic emphasis in education. Additionally, students can transfer of up to a dozen eligible credits. This sociology masters programs focuses on four fundamental areas of theory, family & global perspective, teaching, and also societal arrangement & change. Classes for this degree include Family Impact, Application of Sociology Perspectives, and also Stratification and Social Change.

Grand Canyon University opened in 1949 in Prescott but now operates as a private, for-profit school. The school has a nondenominational Christian affiliation. More than 100,000 students attend classes offered by Grand Canyon University, mostly online.

Degree: MS in Sociology – Education

More: Visit the school website for more info on this online master’s in sociology.


17. Ohio University

Ohio University offers a Master of Social Sciences (MSS) that is among the best online sociology masters programs in Ohio. With an accelerated academic track, most students can complete it in as little as 1.5 years. Ohio University’s social science degree does not require a GRE at application and requires the completion of eight courses. This master’s from Ohio University focuses on social science in the areas of women’s, gender & sexuality studies, history, geography, anthropology, and also political science. Ohio University’s online sociology degree is designed for public administrators and teachers.

Ohio University was established in 1804 and is a member school of the Ohio university system. The university is the oldest in the state and the 32nd oldest in the nation. More than 30,550 undergraduate and postgraduate students attend classes offered by Ohio University.

Degree: Master of Social Sciences 18 months

More: Visit the school website for more info on this online master’s in sociology.


18. Idaho State University

The Master of Arts in Sociology at Idaho State University was formally established in 1977 and is the only graduate program in Sociology in Idaho. Now students can complete this degree entirely online. The 33 credit program offers a comprehensive curriculum and includes a thesis option.

The required core courses include Advanced Sociological Theory, Qualitative Research Methods, Advanced Sociological Seminar, Statistics and Research Design II, and also the Applied Project or Thesis class. Additionally, students can pursue a 12 credit interdisciplinary specialized area in either Criminology or Environmental Social Science.

Degree: online Master of Arts in Sociology

More: Visit the school website for more info on this online master’s in sociology.


19. University of Colorado Denver

The University of Colorado Denver offers an MA in Research and Evaluation Methods. And US News lists it among the country’s best online sociology masters programs. Students who enroll in the UC’s 30-credit affordable degree prepare have three start dates in the summer, fall, and spring. Graduates find work in school district assessment policy offices, large companies, or nonprofits. Classes for the University of Colorado’s graduate sociology degree include an introduction to research methods, techniques of qualitative inquiry, and also methods of survey research.

The University of Colorado Denver was chartered in 1912 as a research school. The University of Colorado Denver’s campus covers more than 100 acres and serves approximately 13,450 students each year. UC Denver was initially developed as an extension/correspondence program of the University of Colorado.

Degree: MA in Research and Evaluation Methods

More: Visit the school website for more info on this online master’s in sociology.


20. Kent State University

The Master of Education in Research, Measurement & Statistics at Kent State University is among the nation’s best online sociology masters programs, according to US News. This degree is for educators and assessment specialists in academia and psychometrics. Kent State University’s affordable degree program can be customized to meet student interests and needs. This program is an ideal fit for psychometricians, evaluation consultants, classroom teachers, administrators, or research/evaluation specialists.

KSU is a multiple campus university that was established in 1910 as a teacher’s training college. Kent State University now operates as a space-grant school with a total student enrollment on all campuses that nears 36,000.

Degree: Master’s in Research, Measurement & Statistics

More: Visit the school website for more info on this sociology program degree.


Why Should You Earn a Master’s in Sociology Online?

Earning a sociology master’s online offers the same benefits as attending a campus program. Students can gain much-needed work experience, earn an income, and study at their own pace while having the freedom to manage daily life. You can also take accelerated online master’s in sociology degree programs to earn your degree in less time, allowing you to launch your career sooner. 


What are the Admissions Requirements for a Master’s in Sociology?

The admissions requirements for a master’s in sociology vary by university and program. But generally a master’s in sociology requires that applicants hold an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. Most online programs prefer applicants have a bachelor’s degree in sociology or a related social science, such as economics, anthropology, psychology, or also political science.

  • official transcripts with a minimum GPA usually between 3.0 and 3.5
  • a strong academic record
  • two letters of recommendation
  • curriculum vitae (CV)
  • a statement of purpose
  • submit GRE scores or other test scores
  • an interview faculty members or administration
  • additional background such as volunteer and/or professional experience related to sociology
  • writing sample that highlights a sociological perspective and shows an applicant’s critical thinking skills
  • international students and applicant’s whose native language is not English must provide proof of English proficiency (TOEFL)
  • students who need financial assistance or plan to apply for financial aid and scholarships should complete the FAFSA as soon as possible

What Do You Learn in an Online Master’s in Sociology Program?

Most online master’s in sociology programs require 30 to 37 credits and take two years of full-time study to complete. Some online programs offer accelerated tracks that can lead to a degree in 18 months. Typical coursework includes topics in theory and research.

  • theories of social interactionism, functionalism, critical theory, and neo-Marxism
  • social movements
  • current social issues
  • social interaction
  • social influences
  • social problems

What Can You Do with a Master’s in Sociology?

Master’s in sociology jobs are found across the employment spectrum. Many employers have positions that require someone who has advanced skills in the understanding of human nature, can analyze the data that is generated by a given population, and the ability to apply solutions to problems that arise from socioeconomic issues.

For example: one area of employment that offers people jobs with a master’s in sociology is data analytics. You can earn a master’s of data analytics in social sciences and seek employment from social media companies, or find work with employers that seek out individuals who can analyze and interpret the large amounts of data generated by users.


What are Common Career Paths in Sociology?

Both the private and government sectors offer sociology degree jobs that take advantage of a particular area of concentration. Depending on individual career goals, there are also many career opportunities in the non profit sector. Below are common jobs for individuals with a degree in sociology.

Human Resources Managers

A Human Resources Manager coordinates and direct the administrative functions of an organization.

Median Annual Salary: $126,230 (BLS)

Policy Analysts

A Senior Policy Analyst studies the development of complex social policies in relation to economic and political trends.

Median Annual Salary: $122,510 (BLS)

Sociologists

A Sociologist studies society and social behavior. They provide insight into human behavior and the reasons why people do what they do.

Median Annual Salary: $92,910 (BLS)

Urban Planners

An Urban Planner develops land use plans to create communities and programs to help revitalize existing communities.

Median Annual Salary: $78,500 (BLS)

Social and Community Service Managers

A Community Service Manager coordinates community programs and public organizations to support community well-being. In local government these roles are typically in human services or social services.

Average Annual Salary: $74,000 (BLS)

Market Research Analysts

A Market Research Analysts studies consumer preferences and other factors to assess potential product sales.

Average Salary: $63,920 (BLS)

Survey Researchers

A Survey Researcher designs and conducts surveys and analyzes data.

Average Annual Salary: $59,740 (BLS)

Some of the other jobs and careers with a master’s in sociology include Probation Officers, Public Relations, Counselor for Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorders, Historians, Anthropologists and Archeologists, and also Economists.


How Much Can You Make with a Master’s in Sociology?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for sociologists is $92,910 annually. This salary is typical for someone with a master’s degree in sociology, and a master’s degree in sociology is considered to be the entry-level education for employment. The fact that the average masters in sociology salary is as high as it demonstrates the value of getting a master’s in sociology.

Some higher paying roles for a master’s in sociology salary include economists with an average sociology master’s degree salary of $108,350 and political scientists with a median salary of $125,350. Social workers earn at the lower end of the sociology master’s salary with an average income of $51,760 annually.


What is the Job Outlook in Sociology?

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates the field of sociology will grow 5% between 2021 to 2031 which matches the average growth of the overall job market. This estimate is based strictly on the field of sociology and doesn’t reflect the growth in areas of employment that are not directly related to the job duties of a sociologist, but requires their skill and knowledge of human behavior.

The range of employment options for master’s of sociology degree holders is wide and offers degree holders the opportunity to enjoy a satisfying career. You might find that you return to school to earn your Ph.D. in your area of sociology to maximize your earning potential and open up more potential areas of employment.


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