The world can certainly come off as a complicated place. The way people and groups interact with each other – and how those interactions affect politics, national borders, and economies – is equally complex and fascinating at the same time. Maybe that’s why many students are pursuing online sociology master’s degrees!
With the right degree, you could prepare yourself for a well-paid position at schools, research firms, and other industries. However, you need to know which online master’s in sociology degree to pursue. Today, let’s discuss the best online sociology master’s degrees in detail.
What is an Online Sociology Master’s Degree?
An online sociology master’s degree is a graduate degree focusing on the study of sociology. Sociology is essentially the study of how people and groups interact with each other. It focuses more on group dynamics than individual decisions, which is more in the realm of psychology.
For example, a sociologist might study how Western culture drives industry or entertainment worldwide. Or they might study how an eastern country’s culture, like Japan, affects the attitudes and preferences of its population.
Why Earn a Masters in Sociology Online?
An online sociology master’s degree is a graduate degree focusing on the study of sociology. Sociology is essentially the study of how people and groups interact with each other. It focuses more on group dynamics than individual decisions, which is more in the realm of psychology.
For example, a sociologist might study how Western culture drives industry or entertainment worldwide. Or they might study how an eastern country’s culture, like Japan, affects the attitudes and preferences of its population.
What can you do with a Masters in Sociology Online?
There are numerous applications of sociology. For example, an advertising firm may need a sociologist to understand how to best advertise to a new target audience or group. However, many of the best sociology-related positions require applicants to have graduate degrees. A bachelor’s degree in sociology is not usually enough, for instance, to become a marketing head or a professor of sociology.
When you have a sociology degree, you can work in industries such as:
- Marketing
- Research
- Teaching
- Psychology
- Politics
- Therapy
Does a Master’s in Sociology Say “Online”?
Suppose you earn a master’s in sociology online. Then you can expect that it is just as legitimate as a degree earned from an in-person program. So long as the program has appropriate accreditation, it’s just as valuable for your professional future.
An online master’s in sociology also does not say “online.” Thus, you don’t have to worry that a potential employer will look down on your degree just because you earned it online.
Program Overview – Sociology Master’s
There are hundreds of quality online sociology master’s degrees one can pursue. However, all of these degrees have similarities between them. Let’s break down what getting into one of these programs entails.
Online Master’s in Sociology Program Admission Requirements
Application
All students must apply within specific application windows. Some online sociology programs only have one or two windows per year. Others may allow students to apply each semester (roughly three or four times per year).
Test Scores
Alongside a graduate program application, students must usually submit GRE test scores. These graduate program tests are almost universally required for all master’s and Ph.D. programs regardless of concentration or industry. The higher the score, the better the odds of a given student entering a highly competitive program.
Letters of Recommendation
Most master’s in sociology programs frequently require at least one letter of recommendation from a former teacher or supervisor. While one letter is usually the minimum, some programs require two or even three letters. The letters serve as vouching statements from trustworthy members of society or academia that state that a program applicant should receive one of the limited spots.
Resume and Work Experience
In addition, the top online master’s programs in sociology require resumes with highlighted sociology work experience. Suppose a student has worked in a sociological context before, for example. In that case, a teacher’s assistant will be a more competitive applicant.
Essays
Students should prepare to write essays or statements of intent when applying to graduate programs like these. The essay or statement of purpose should explain why the student wants to take that specific program. It should also include the student’s career aspirations or ambitions.
Official Transcripts
Lastly, all online sociology master’s programs require students to submit official school transcripts with their applications. The transcript should include records of a relevant bachelor’s degree in a subject like sociology or psychology. It should also have grade lists for practical classes and other important academic information.
What Courses Will I Take in the Best Sociology Graduate Programs?
An online master’s in sociology program usually includes several core subjects and electives. Here’s a breakdown of the most common courses one might take in such a program.
Statistical Methods in Sociology
Sociology relies on statistical analysis and data collection all the time. Thus, students often become skilled in applying statistical methods to understand their gathered data better and come to accurate and reliable conclusions.
Applied Sociology
Applied sociology involves applying sociological theories to real-world groups and actions that social work, political, and marketing organizations can use. Students will essentially learn how to put their theoretical knowledge to good use.
Advanced Research
Some sociology programs have students practice advanced research methods. These courses are excellent for future sociological researchers or Ph.D. candidates.
Sociological Theory
Sociological theories provide the underpinning knowledge for all sociological ideas. All sociology programs include advanced sociological theory classes to bring students up-to-date on this information.
Community Development
Since sociology focuses on group dynamics and behavior, many programs also include community development and growth classes.
Field Experience
In addition to specific courses, graduate degrees in sociology sometimes require field experience credits. For instance, a student might work at a sociology lab or research firm for part of a semester to graduate.
Clinical Placement Requirements
Sociology master’s programs designed to prepare students for positions in clinical sociology research labs often have additional requirements. These may include extra laboratory or in-person experience, program project completion, and more.
Student Support for Online Students
The best online master’s in sociology programs offer many student support resources. These include opportunities to connect with professors, online libraries, and recordings of lectures for asynchronous learners.
How Do I Choose an Online Sociology Master’s Degree?
While there are many different online master’s in sociology programs to choose from, students must know what to look for to identify the best programs.
Cost
First, students should consider costs. The average master’s degree costs $66,340, usually taking two years to complete. That’s roughly $30,000 every year.
Naturally, some degrees, including online programs, are cheaper than this. Others, however, might also be more expensive. Remember that many of the best online degrees may charge students higher tuition fees if they attend from out-of-state.
Program Format
Students should further consider the program format before picking an online master’s in sociology degree. Synchronous programs (online or in person) require students to attend virtual class sessions with live streamed footage.
Asynchronous programs can be at a student’s pace. They must still submit work at a predetermined deadline but don’t necessarily need to attend virtual lectures. Asynchronous programs are often desirable since they frequently let students pursue accelerated learning tracks or complete a program part-time.
Location
Generally, in-state programs (programs where the student is in the same state as their school) are cheaper than out-of-state programs. In addition, some sociology graduate programs require some in-person attendance for seminars or other reasons. It’s easier for students to attend occasional in-person days if they’re physically near their school of choice.
Accreditation
Accreditation is vital in picking an online master’s in sociology program. Look for programs with regional accreditation, which is always a mark of academic excellence. It may also indicate opportunities for financial aid or options to transfer credits from other local universities.
Master’s in sociology programs should also have accreditation from the Commission on the Accreditation of Programs in Applied and Clinical Psychology. This organization accredits sociology programs and ensures they are suitably challenging and modernized.
Student Support
Lastly, students should consider whether a program has good student support resources. These include career placement resources, learning centers, online libraries, and more. The more resources available to online students, the easier they may find a given degree program.
Top 6 Online Sociology Master’s Degrees
No matter one’s career goals, aspiring sociologists can find a variety of high-quality online degree programs. In detail, let’s look at several of the best online sociology master’s degrees.
1. University of Alabama at Birmingham
Accreditation: CAPACP
Degree: Master of Arts in Applied Sociology
Duration: 2 years
The University of Alabama’s Birmingham campus offers an online master’s degree in applied sociology. “Applied” in this sense means that it emphasizes sociological psychology, theory, and research practices. It’s perfect for aspiring sociologists who want to open businesses or work in the field.
As a result, this online sociology program does not culminate in a thesis. Instead, it culminates in a faculty-directed, six-credit capstone project. The program overall consists of nine courses and 30 credits overall.
Twelve credits comprise core courses, while another 12 are sociology electives. The remaining six are the capstone project mentioned above. Many students appreciate this program because instructors frequently align their sociological assignments with students’ personal preferences and interests.
Perhaps even more important, this program charges the same tuition rate for both in-state and out-of-state students. It’s one of the most cost-effective and potentially affordable online sociology programs overall.
2. Sam Houston State University
Accreditation: CAPACP
Degree: Master of Arts in Sociology
Duration: 2 years
Students in Texas or beyond can attend a master’s degree in sociology at Sam Houston State University. This program focuses on gathering empirical evidence, theoretical perspectives, and methodological techniques.
It’s 37 credits in total, but individual students receive personalized curriculums. Students can complete a thesis or a comprehensive exam option at the end of the program. If a student takes a thesis option, they’ll take seven core courses plus six electives. Students who take a comprehensive exam option will take five core courses and eight elective courses instead.
Regardless, all students must submit a writing sample on critical thinking and their sociological experiences, a letter of intent, and a recommendation letter. Keep in mind that this program only allows for fall and spring admission, so there are limited opportunities to jump into the curriculum.
3. New Mexico State University
Accreditation: CAPACP
Degree: Master of Arts in Sociology
Duration: 2 years
New Mexico State University, the oldest public university in New Mexico, provides an online master’s degree in sociology. This robust degree program covers topics including but not limited to social psychology, pop culture, social movements, digital media, and much more.
Also, it’s one of the most affordable online sociology programs. It is a 36-credit program in total, and most students take two years to complete the program from start to finish.
Rather than a capstone or thesis, the program culminates in a written exam. In addition to being affordable, this is a fairly competitive program with a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0. While students don’t have to provide GRE scores, they do need to provide three letters of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
4. Virginia Commonwealth University
Accreditation: CAPACP
Degree: Master of Arts in Sociology
Duration: 2 years
Virginia Commonwealth University’s Master of Arts in Sociology always has a concentration in digital sociology. Thus, it could be a perfect degree choice for students who want to learn more about current sociological topics, like the effect of social media on human decisions and groups.
The program is 36 credits in total, ten courses. As a 100% online degree, students can complete it in four semesters from start to finish. Over the program’s duration, students will learn how to work in digitally focused areas. Classes blend sociological concepts with data and statistical techniques.
The coursework is interesting and unique. It examines how groups and individuals interact with digital technology and the online world. It also looks at how digital technology can influence human behavior and relationships. At the program’s end, students complete two separate projects in their third and fourth semesters. Both of the projects have students critically analyze and answer distinct research questions.
5. Texas Woman’s University
Accreditation: CAPACP
Degree: Master of Arts in Sociology
Duration: 2 years
Those looking for a very affordable online master’s in sociology program might consider Texas Woman’s University. This university offers an online sociology graduate degree for working adult students. It focuses on sociological methods, theories, and statistical techniques applied in this type of work. Its classes cover topics like social psychology theory and feminist theories, marrying both in a robust curriculum.
This program’s courses are available online or through a hybrid format should students choose that instead. Regardless, it’s a very flexible and accessible program overall. Highly experienced TWU faculty members teach the program.
While this can be an affordable program for many, out-of-state students must pay roughly double in contrast to in-state student tuition.
6. Morehead State University
Accreditation: CAPACP
Degree: Master of Arts in Sociology
Duration: 2 years
Morehead State University offers a quality sociology program for online students. Its curriculum includes plenty of material to train students in sociological research and theories. It also helps students develop their analytical and critical thinking skills so they can use them to solve societal issues.
Students can choose from four specializations: chemical dependency, criminology, general sociology, and interdisciplinary social science. Students will take different electives and core courses depending on the concentration chosen.
The program closes with a capstone project. The ability to specialize in the degree allows students to better prepare for specific jobs in the sociological field.
Career Information – Outlook, Salary, and Continued Education
An online master’s in sociologist degree prepares graduates for diverse career roles.
Career Outlook
Regardless of the career chosen, graduates with online master’s in sociology degrees should have excellent career outlooks. These graduate degrees can prepare students for varied careers and jobs. They should increase their employability for decades to come.
Career Paths
A sociologist graduate may decide to become a sociologist. Sociologists research and develop sociological theory. They then provide these insights to politicians, marketing firms, and more. They earn approximately $92,910 per year.
Students can alternatively become post-secondary teachers like professors. Those who teach sociology may earn up to $80,000 yearly. Post-secondary teachers benefit from the possibility of tenure and excellent career stability.
Sociology graduates may instead choose to become marketing or advertising managers. These professionals use their expertise to understand groups and make marketing materials more effective. They earn well over $130,000 a year on average.
Finally, students could choose to become political scientists. They apply their sociological knowledge to understand political groups better and appeal to their interests for candidates or clients. These professionals earn over $120,000 a year.
Related Careers
However, sociology graduates can also pivot away from sociology as a field and pursue alternative careers, like:
- Public relations and funding managers, who earn nearly $120,000 a year
- Historians, who earn nearly $64,000 a year
- Economists who make over $100,000 a year
- Psychologists(though this requires additional schooling) who earn over $80,000 a year
Continuing Education
Practicing sociologists may also wish to pursue continuing education opportunities. For example, they can get a Ph.D. in sociology or a related field. If they work in a clinical context, they may also be required to take occasional continuing education classes. These classes ensure that sociologists’ knowledge remains up-to-date with modern practices and developments.
FAQs
Is a master’s in sociology worth it?
A master’s in sociology can be very worthwhile, especially for those interested in the subject. It’s an excellent degree for students who want to understand how groups interact and how group dynamics affect the wider world.
What can I do with sociology master’s programs?
A master’s in sociology degree prepares you to hold many different careers. You can be a sociologist, marketing analyst, political scientist, etc.
Can you be a sociologist without a master’s degree?
Not as a job. However, you can work for a sociological research firm as a junior analyst or similar position with just a bachelor’s degree in the field.
How long is a master’s degree in sociology?
A master’s degree in sociology usually takes two years from start to finish. However, that does not count the time it takes to earn a bachelor’s beforehand.
How much money can I make with a master’s in sociology?
You can often make over $60,000 a year or over $100,000 a year with a master’s degree in sociology. It depends on your specialization, experience, and exact job title.
What are the highest paying jobs with a master’s in sociology?
The highest paying jobs for master’s in sociology degree holders are usually in the marketing and advertising industries. However, on average, political scientists with these degrees earn over $100,000 a year.