Author: Shannon Lee
Expertise: Graduate Ed.CareersOnline LearningEditor: Kristin Marino
- Featured Schools
Program Spotlights: Three Popular Online Sociology Master's
Read more - Benefits
Why Earn a Master's in Sociology Online?
Read more - What You'll Learn
What You'll Learn in a Master's in Sociology Master's Degree Program
Read more - Accreditation
Accreditation for Master's in Sociology Online Programs
Read more - Salary/Pay
Sociology Career Salary Potential with a Master's Degree
Read more - Top Programs
Best Sociology Master's Programs Online
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An online master’s in sociology degree program teaches advanced sociological concepts in a format that works with your busy schedule. Yet, before applying to a program, it’s important to research and understand what this degree may cost, how long it may take, and what kind of courses you can expect.
This guide provides this and other information to help you decide whether an online sociology master’s degree is right for you. It also showcases the best online sociology master’s degree programs in the nation that can help you meet your academic and professional goals.
Program Spotlights: Three Popular Online Sociology Master’s
With the growing popularity of remote learning, there are now many quality online sociology master’s programs available. Check out the three accredited programs we’ve spotlighted below to see if one aligns with your career interests and fits your budget.
Texas A&M University – Commerce
At Texas A&M University–Commerce, students seeking a 100% online degree can enroll in the Master of Science in Sociology program. Consisting of 30 credits, it allows most students to earn their degrees in two years.
The curriculum is designed for maximum flexibility, so students can work full-time while earning their sociology master’s degree online. There is a no thesis option, and much of the curriculum is completed through Brightspace, Texas A&M University–Commerce’s online learning platform.
Faculty members provide one-on-one guidance and instruction for students needing additional assistance. Students can also take part in organizations like Alpha Kappa Delta International Honors Society and the Sociology and Criminal Justice Society for additional learning, networking, and professional growth opportunities.
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Sam Houston State University
The Sam Houston State University Master of Arts in Sociology online program is tailored for students interested in public sociology. It emphasizes advanced instruction in statistics, research methods, and quantitative techniques.
This research-driven focus is balanced with theory and various electives. The fully online curriculum allows graduate students to earn their degrees without setting foot on campus or any other real-world location to complete a course requirement.
The program consists of 37 credit hours, with classes beginning in the spring and fall semesters. There are two primary degree tracks for students, one requiring a thesis and the other consisting of a comprehensive final exam. Sam Houston State University also keeps class sizes as small as possible and provides 24/7 support.
Morehead State University
Morehead State University’s Master of Arts in Sociology online program stands out because it offers one of the widest selections of specializations. Unlike other programs offering only a general sociology curriculum and maybe one other specialization, Morehead State University offers general sociology and three additional specializations in:
- Chemical dependency
- Criminology
- Interdisciplinary social sciences
Each academic track has both thesis and non-thesis options, making it easier to customize your learning experience. Students wanting an on-campus experience can also take courses at any of the four physical campuses located in Morehead, Ashland, Mt. Sterling, or Prestonsburg.
In addition to the typical admissions requirements, applicants must have an undergraduate degree with 18 credits of sociology-related coursework and at least a 3.0 GPA in those classes.
Why Earn a Master’s in Sociology Online?
1. Convenient online learning
Many master’s degrees in sociology are available online with 100% virtual curriculums. This means students do not need to visit campus or any other in-person site to earn their degree. Additionally, students can attend class when it is most convenient for them, which is perfect for students who are also working professionals.
2. Research focus
No matter their concentration or chosen electives, students get a healthy serving of research-intensive courses. This includes learning about quantitative and qualitative research techniques as well as about statistical concepts useful in sociology.
3. Specialization options
One of the benefits of a graduate degree is the opportunity to learn about specialized topics within a given area of study. Sociology is no different. Many programs offer at least one or two learning concentrations in addition to a general sociology track.
What You’ll Learn in a Master’s in Sociology Master’s Degree Program
If you enroll in an online sociology master’s program, your class selection will be unique to your academic and professional interests. However, there are similar core classes, while electives allow you to branch out. Below is a list of some of the core classes and electives that you can expect to encounter.
Popular Courses
Cultural Sociology
This class gives a glimpse of how culture affects human interactions and behaviors. Students examine both modern and classic views of culture and how they relate to important sociological principles and theories.
Statistical Methods in Sociology
Students in this course learn about various statistical tools and how they apply to the study of sociology. This includes learning about central tendency and dispersion as well as about linear modeling. This course also introduces students to statistical software to help compile and analyze data.
Classical Sociological Theory
The works and writings of those who have influenced the study of sociology are discussed in this class. The coursework not only teaches what these individuals believed but also how their thoughts influenced sociology, specifically symbolic interactionism and conflict theory.
Sociology of Education
This class is perfect for students wishing to teach after graduation. Students look at formal education as a social system with a close examination of the interactions among students and between teachers and students. The influence of society and family in the education process is also considered.
Thesis
An optional class depending on the program or student’s curriculum selection, the thesis is a student’s opportunity to put research and critical thinking skills to the test. During this class, students work with a faculty advisor to develop their thesis research and paper.
Specialization Tracks
A graduate degree in sociology allows the chance to specialize in a particular area of sociological study. While not all master’s in sociology online programs offer specializations, they are quite common. Even when there is no formal specialization available, students can usually make their own through electives. Below are a few of the concentrations available to master’s degree sociology students.
Chemical Dependency
This specialization prepares graduates to work with individuals suffering from chemical dependency issues. This includes the ability to provide individual and group counseling services to those from a variety of backgrounds. After graduating with this specialization, and depending on the jurisdiction, students are prepared to become certified chemical dependency counselors.
Education
Becoming a post-secondary instructor is a popular career for many earning a master’s degree in sociology. This concentration covers topics like curriculum preparation, learning theories, and application of social theories to the classroom.
Community Development
Society is based on the existence and interaction of multiple communities. Changes in society often start at the community level. This specialization provides the knowledge and skills graduates can use to bring about positive change in their communities from both the economic and cultural perspectives.
Criminology
Criminology is one of the more popular specializations. Subjects studied include terrorism, deviant behavior, the role of race in crime, and a comparison of different criminal justice systems across various times and countries.
Accreditation for Master’s in Sociology Online Programs
Accreditation is the process in which an independent organization confirms that a particular school or program offers an education meeting a certain level of quality. When it comes to choosing the right master’s in sociology online program, students should confirm the school offering the program is has institutional accreditation. This type of accreditation usually comes from regional accrediting bodies, but there are some national accrediting bodies as well.
Another major type of accreditation is programmatic accreditation. This is the accreditation of a specific program, not a school. The majority of online sociology master’s degree programs do not have this type of accreditation.
However, students seeking very specific forms of sociology studies, such as applied or clinical sociology, should consider attending a program with programmatic accreditation from the Commission on the Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Sociology (CAPACS). Only a handful of sociology programs in the entire country have this accreditation.
Sociology Career Salary Potential with a Master’s Degree
A master’s in sociology builds expertise in social structures, inequality, culture, and organizational behavior — opening careers in research, policy, education, and consulting. Graduates work as sociologists, policy analysts, program evaluators, market researchers, diversity consultants, and nonprofit directors — applying sociological theory and research methods to complex social problems. The degree is valued in academic, government, and applied research settings.
Sociologists with graduate credentials work across government agencies, research firms, NGOs, and academia — with compensation varying by sector and specialization. Applied research and policy-focused roles in government and consulting tend to offer stronger salaries than academic positions at the master’s level.
Browse the salary table below to see what sociologists earn across states, and benchmark sociology career compensation in your area.
Sociologists
| Area | Median | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | $106,030 | $137,420 | $172,550 |
| Alaska | $108,170 | $115,260 | $152,620 |
| California | $125,770 | $138,710 | $161,710 |
| Florida | $46,950 | $125,950 | $171,360 |
| Illinois | $140,770 | $174,320 | $229,480 |
| Kentucky | $136,870 | $140,790 | $162,350 |
| Maryland | $100,660 | $104,630 | $162,680 |
| Massachusetts | $106,530 | $145,360 | $190,440 |
| Michigan | $88,040 | $153,130 | $158,420 |
| North Carolina | $126,760 | $169,940 | $212,260 |
| Ohio | $78,850 | $95,620 | $104,560 |
| Washington | $97,170 | $104,440 | $138,000 |
Source: BLS, OEWS, May 2025
Showing 1 – 10 of 12 entries | Data reflects national numbers, not school-specific information.
Costs and Financial Aid for Online Master’s Degrees in Sociology
A graduate degree is a substantial investment in time, effort, and money. Most students need some form of financial aid to help pay for their online master’s degree in sociology.
Common options include grants, scholarships, fellowships, employer tuition reimbursement, and school loans. Some schools also offer graduate and research assistantships. To learn more about these and other financial aid options, visit our financial aid page.
How Affordable Your Online Master’s in Sociology Could Be
| Program | No. of Credits | Cost/Credit | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | 30 | $589 | $17,690 |
| Arizona State University | 30 | $698 | $20,940 |
| American Public University | 30 | $470 | $14,100.00 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Sociology Master’s Degrees
Best Sociology Master’s Programs Online
Are you passionate about understanding the complexities of human societies and their structures? Choosing the right online master’s program in sociology is crucial for researching into the intricacies of social dynamics and shaping a meaningful career. Our comprehensive rankings will guide prospective graduate students to the best online master’s degree programs in sociology.