15 Best Bachelor’s in Sociology

Nestled in the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, Western Carolina University consistently ranks among the top 10 public regional institutions in the South (WCU “About”).  Currently, more than 12,000 students call Western Carolina home, and you could be, too, after you check out WCU’s Bachelor of Art and Science in Sociology programs.

WCU’s sociology degree focuses on research, communication, critical thinking, and gaining a global perspective. While you will gain essential skills that translate into future careers, you can also use this program to prepare for graduate school in law, business, social work, administration, and more. You will complete 120 credit hours, which include 42 liberal studies hours, 39 major requirements, and at least 21 credits in electives.

If you go with a Bachelor of Arts, you will also complete six credits in foreign languages. Sample courses include Human Society, Methods of Social Research, Analysis of Social Data, and Sociological Theory. Along with coursework, you will have the opportunity to get involved through sociology clubs and the honor society, Alpha Kappa Delta.

A private institution founded by the Church of Latter-Day Saints, Brigham Young University is a highly ranked school in many areas, including the No. 1 Best in the West for student engagement (Wall Street Journal). Currently, more than 33,500 students attend BYU, and with more than 400 academic programs to choose from, you could be one of them (BYU “About”).

BYU-Provo’s Bachelor of Science in Sociology will prepare you to analyze and summarize research, draw conclusions, and solve social problems. It’s also a great pathway to pursue further graduate work in sociology or another area. In addition to the general education core, you will take a minimum of 24 credits in sociology courses like Current Social Problems, Multicultural America, and Sociology of Gender.

You will also complete a senior capstone or persuasive writing course, as well as 18 credits in electives. BYU-Provo offers exciting internships and study abroad opportunities to make the knowledge and skills you learn through the sociology classes come alive. Graduates are armed with a strong sociological perspective on diversity and research and are ready to dive into careers or graduate school.

The University of Texas Permian Basin has the largest heated pool in West Texas! No, seriously, they do, but that’s not all. Founded in 1969, UT Permian Basin is known for its strong academic programs on campus and online (UT Permian Basin “About”). Among 35 undergraduate programs, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts in sociology either on-campus or online.

This program focuses on social institutions, cultural dynamics, and social interaction processes. Among the 120 credit hours required, you will complete 42 credit hours in the core curriculum, 34 credit hours of upper-level sociology courses, and 18 credit hours in a minor such as multicultural studies or women’s studies. Sample classes include Sociological Theory, Social Research Methods, and Sociology of Work.

Career options include ones that revolve around social issues like human resources, public administration, government, research, consulting, and teaching. UT Permian Basin’s BA in sociology is both affordable and flexible since you can complete the program in its entirety online.

Established in 1910, West Texas A&M University boasts many awards, including the safest school in Texas and one of the top 10 in the nation by YourLocalSecurity.com. Among the 60 undergraduate programs from WTAMU, you will find a BS and BA in sociology with tons of opportunities to explore your interests and pursue your talents within this field.

Both the Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science entail 122 credit hours divided into 39-41 core curriculum courses and 45 credits of major requirements. BA students will take six credits in foreign languages, and BS students will take six credits in science and math. Sociology courses center specific topics like how sociological theory helps us understand social issues and what part culture plays in shaping social relations (WTAMU program page).

While this program is available on campus, some online courses are also available. Career opportunities include jobs in health services, publishing, journalism, public relations, government, business, teaching, social services, community work, and more.

Eastern New Mexico University is the state’s largest regional comprehensive university offering more than 60 academic programs. ENMU’s slogan, “Explore. Experience. Excel.” is seen through the hands-on focus both in and outside of the classroom (ENMU “About”). Through ENMU, you can earn a flexible BS or BA in sociology either face-to-face, online, or in a hybrid format.

These BA/BS programs focus on sociological theory, movements, institutions, and stratifications, like class, race, and gender-based inequalities. You will complete at least 40 credits of upper-division courses like Social Stratifications, Social and Cultural Change, and Sociology of the Family. Whether you are completing this program online or on campus, you will have access to resources such as tutoring services, the ENMU Writing Center, and the Golden Student Success Center.

Graduates can pursue careers in business, government, education, human services, and non-profit sectors. Additionally, ENMU’s Counseling and Career Services offers free job placement assistance to all students.

Minot State University, a public school in Minot, North Dakota, is ranked as the 3rd Most Affordable in the U.S., and one reason is that all students receive in-state tuition rates (along with many other financial aid opportunities!) Of over 100 academic programs MSU’s BA in sociology, includes three concentration options as well as an internship.

Through MSU’s 120-123 credit hour sociology program, you can choose concentrations in general sociology, society & inequality, and applied sociology. You will study topics such as the sociology of gender, cultural studies, social movements, and comparative ethnic studies. During your last year, you will complete a research project, practicum, or internship, a perk of this degree program.

As a student at MSU, you will learn from devoted faculty members in small classes. You also have the opportunity to get involved in organizations like the League of Social Sciences. Best of all, you will learn how to think and communicate clearly and effectively, a coveted skill in all professions, but especially within the sociology field.

Brigham Young University-Idaho is a private college that prepares students for “lifelong learning, for employment, and for roles as leaders in the home, Church, and community” (BYU-Idaho “About”). Currently, there are more than BYU-Idaho 49,000 students, both on-campus and online, spanning across 125 degree programs, including a Bachelor of Science in sociology.

As a sociology major at BYU-Idaho, you will study major sociological theories, concepts, social trends, and research. Courses are divided into required sociology core, inequalities, social institutions, enrichment courses, and a capstone experience, including a research project or an internship. Some of the courses you may take include Global Conflicts and Terrorism, Sociology of Religion, and Self and Society.

Graduates are prepared for careers in organizational development, research, or further education (law school is a common route). You will gain expertise in critical and analytical thinking, teamwork, oral and written communication, and cultural and ethnic diversity. If you are interested in BYU-Idaho, check out the admission requirements here.

Founded in 1948, Nicholls State University is a “family-oriented” school with a diverse student body of 6,500 students. Nicholls offers something for everyone with more than 100 bachelor’s and master’s programs, 90+ student organizations, and 14 Division I athletic teams (NSU “About”). NSU’s BA in sociology includes not only coursework but required service hours.

Within NSU’s BA in sociology program, you can choose a concentration in either applied sociology or social work. This program includes required courses in general education, oral communication, computer literacy, and of course, sociology. You will take courses such as Cultural Diversity in American Society, Social Service Institutions, and Sociology of Aging.

NSU’s sociology program is not simply taking courses; you will become actively involved in the community and “log dozens of service hours as part of the program” (NSU Program Page). You will also be required to pass the sociology capstone test in order to graduate. During your time at NSU, your program will be hands-on not only through service hours but extracurricular opportunities like the Sociology Club.

A school that has spent 55 years studying poverty and social inequality is a school with a strong sociology program. That school is the University of Wisconsin-Madison, among the top research universities in the country. UW-Madison’s Bachelor of Science or Arts in Sociology provides a pathway for dynamic careers or further education.

At UW-Madison, you can choose either a BS or BA in sociology with an optional concentration in analysis and research. In addition to the foundation core, you will complete four courses from at least two of the following areas: methods/statistics, theory, deviant behavior, social psychology, social organization, demography and ecology, or community and environmental sociology.

This degree is highly customizable, and you can work with your advisor to choose courses that match your interests. UW-Madison graduates are in high demand, and UW-Madison advisors and the L&S Career Center are devoted to helping students land employment. UW-Madison evaluates applicants on a holistic level, focusing on a number of criteria.

Located in the southeastern North Carolina town of Pembroke and founded in 1887, UNCP is the country’s only four-year public institution founded by American Indians for American Indians! UNCP is not only rich with American Indian history but also known as one of the most diverse campuses in the country (UNCP “Quick Facts”).

UNC Pembroke’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is flexible, with lots of options for concentrations. You can choose concentrations in community development, international sociology, medical sociology, or an interdisciplinary sociology minor in gender studies or substance abuse. Along with general education courses, you will complete 18 credit hours in major requirements and 15 credit hours in electives.

Notable courses include Sociological Writing/Rhetoric, Social Problems in Modern Society, and Social Statistics. Along with coursework, you have the option to complete an internship in this program, and UNCP notes that many student internships result in long-term employment.

Founded in 1871, Alcorn State University is the country’s first historically black institution and named after the sitting Mississippi governor, James L. Acorn. Today, ASU is nationally ranked among the top 20 Best Historically Black Colleges/Universities (HBCU) by U.S. News & World Report. (ASU “About”).  Alcorn State offers more than 50 degree programs, including a BA in sociology.

ASU’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is a comprehensive program that prepares students for careers in research, education, and service work. In addition to sociological studies, ASU’s program explores areas such as juvenile delinquency, substance abuse, and mental health. You will complete 120 credit hours with room to take electives that reflect your career goals and interests.

Additionally, you will complete a required internship during your final year to apply your knowledge and skills to practice. Graduates of ASU’s sociology program are ready to find jobs as researchers, child-care workers, juvenile delinquents or substance abuse counselors, or group home workers, to name a few.

Southwest Minnesota State University, home of the Mustangs, is a public university in Marshall, Minnesota, that is known for being inclusive and student-centered (SMSU “About”). SMSU offers more than 55 undergraduate programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in sociology with minors in criminal justice and women’s studies.

SMSU’s sociology program is designed to develop your “sociological imagination” and understand social situations within their context. Among the 120 required credits, you will take courses such as Self and Society, Statistics for Behavioral Sciences, and Applied Social Research. As an SMSU student, you can join campus associations like Habitat for Humanity and the Lion’s Club.

SMSU graduates find work in social service agencies, local, state, and federal government, and other business settings. The minors in criminal justice and women’s studies open up even more career opportunities like corrections, counseling, investigations, youth services, and more. To apply as a freshman, you need to rank in the upper half of your graduating class or have qualifying scores of 21 or 990 on the ACT/SAT.

At Mississippi Valley State University, you will find valleys of knowledge, growth, diversity, and scholars. Ranked as one of the best public universities in the southeastern region by U.S. News & World Report, MVSU provides academic excellence throughout its 36 programs, including the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.

MVSU’s sociology program focuses on “the knowledge, tools, and skills to develop an appreciation of a poly-cultural and complex social, political and economic environment and the ability to engage in critical social analysis” (MVSU program page). You will complete 120-121 credits in courses like Nationality & Race Relations, Social Research Methods, and Sociological Theory. You also have the opportunity to get involved in the sociology club.

Graduates of MVSU’s sociology program find careers as community organizers, research analysts, case workers, and more. To apply to MVSU, you need at least a 2.0 GPA in past academic work and to fulfill the College Prep Curriculum.

Founded in 1879, Simmons College of Kentucky boasts a rich history of faith and learning. The Nation’s 107th historically black college, Simmons is dedicated to providing “an undergraduate experience like no other” (Simmons “About”). Simmons offers six liberal arts degree programs, including a Bachelor of Arts with a commitment to social justice.

This sociology program combines liberal arts, an ethnic worldview, and social science, and its goal is to increase social gaps between majority and minority races. Simmons offers “cool classes” that “go behind the scenes,” including Principles of Sociology, Social Research, and Application of Sociological Theory. Simmons is also committed to making college affordable, which is why you will have various financial aid options.

You will graduate from Simmons knowing how to think critically and creatively about social issues and ready for a career in the sociology realm or for graduate school. To be admitted for full admission to Simmons, you need either an ACT score of 18 or a GPA of 2.0.

Founded in 1854, Central Methodist University is a private liberal arts college in Fayette, Missouri. While CMU is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, it welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds (CMU “About”). CMU offers both a Bachelor of Arts and Science in sociology at its main campus, six CMU centers, and online.

Through CMU’s sociology major, you will learn all the skills and knowledge important to this social science: analytical thinking, research, complex solving problems, and strong communication. You will complete 120 credit hours, which includes 24-30 credits in sociology classes like Social Theory, Research Design and Data Analysis, World Cultures, and Gender and Sexuality.

Graduates are ready to pursue employment in fields like social work, government, or education or pursue an advanced degree. CMU’s admission is selective, but all are welcome to apply. Incoming freshmen need at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA or 2250 GED and a minimum ACT/SAT score of 21 or 1050. If you don’t meet these requirements, you can still apply and could be admitted to CMU on a provisional status.