With one of the best online bachelor’s degrees in social science, you’ll have the potential to enter one of many varied careers that could see you earning 2 to 3 times the national average U.S. salary.
The broad nature of a social science degree is what makes it so appealing to large numbers of graduates every year. With one of the best bachelor’s degrees in social science, you could find yourself working in a variety of different areas including:
- social service organizations
- nonprofits
- government agencies
- independent counseling or psychologist offices
Careers in the healthcare and social service industries are some of the fastest-growing in the nation, owing to the increasing size of the elderly population and population in general. In fact, the Census Bureau projects that the older population will soon eclipse the number of children in the country. As a social science major, you’ll be educated to the standard required for a range of careers that seek to improve the lives of adults across the nation. This article will showcase some of the top social science programs in the country. Our team of experts has reviewed data from sources like the National Center for Education Statistics and school websites to determine the top schools for our ranking.
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- Best Universities for Public Policy Bachelor’s
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Related (Online):
Last Updated: November 7, 2024
What are the Best Online Social Science Degrees?
At CollegeRank, we strive to do our best to guide you and your family toward a fruitful academic career. The pursuit of knowledge is a noble one, and we want to help you reach your goals. We selected these 15 bachelor’s degree in sociology programs based on the following criteria:
- Offered by regionally accredited universities
- Recognized for the exceptional quality of their academic instruction and social science curriculum
- Provide effective and accessible admission-to-graduation student support services that boost student success
- Offer many financial aid options for online students
- Known for their high job placement rates for social science graduates
Tuition and fees are for the 2024-2025 academic year unless otherwise stated.
Please feel free to visit our dedicated methodology page for a step-by-step breakdown. For questions, comments, badge downloads, or data corrections, please feel free to reach out to us at editor@www.collegerank.net.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus

In addition to Seattle, the University of Washington, founded in 1861, has two other campus locations in Tacoma and Bothell. In total, the combined campuses educate around 52,000 students annually.
The University of Washington’s bachelor’s in integrated social science is a fully online program with both full and part-time options. All of the courses you’ll take were developed specifically for this degree program. They include:
- Social Science Theory in Context
- Survey of Social Science Methods
- Introduction to Portfolios in the Social Sciences
Students benefit from a unique academic experience. Courses are divided into seven thematic areas of inquiry. These areas provide students with a comprehensive education. Some examples of these areas include:
- Information and Technology
- Health and Risk
- Conflict and Cooperation
Interested in applying? The application process is straight forward. Students must complete an online application form and a personal statement. Official transcripts from any college or university attended are also required. SAT and ACT scores are optional.
University of Central Florida

Belonging to the State University System of Florida, the University of Central Florida (UCF) is located in Orange County. Campus comprises 13 academic schools and colleges, with students choosing from over 230 programs. A total of over 68,000 students are enrolled, making this one of the bigger institutions in the nation.
This is another online social sciences degree program, with a range of minors available for supplementing your curriculum and tailoring your studies toward your intended career. Students must explore three social sciences disciplines while in the program. These include options in the areas of:
- anthropology
- communications
- political science
- psychology
- sociology
- women’s and gender studies
The innovative social sciences degree program prepares students to think outside the box. Students learn how to analyze situations from different perspectives. Graduates are prepared for advanced study in almost any social science field.
Thanks to the online-based fee reductions, you’ll pay less than a campus-based cohort, but the online program meets the same quality standards as the traditional one. You will also receive success coaching to ensure that you integrate well with all facets of academic student life, supporting you with everything from admissions to graduation.
University of Maryland Global Campus

Belonging to the University System of Maryland campuses, the Global Campus (UMGC) offers online programs for students who need a more flexible study schedule. Almost every course offers digital course materials at no extra cost, resulting in considerable student savings.
Comprising 120 credits and running for four years when studied full-time, UMGC’s social science degree program offers all courses online, though some are also available in a hybrid format. You’ll choose from four focus areas to align the program with your career interests. These options include:
- anthropology
- gerontology
- psychology
- sociology
Your core courses will provide you with a grounding in social sciences. The majority of the rest of your curriculum will depend on the degree focus that you choose; for a more detailed breakdown of available courses, check out this page and click on the “degree focus” tab.
Graduates leave the program with the skills needed to analyze complex data and communicate social science concepts to a variety of audiences. They are able to use theoretical approaches to analyze complex issues which they’ll face in the workplace.
Washington State University

Founded in 1890, Washington State University is one of the oldest higher education institutions in the West. Located in Pullman, the university offers almost 100 different undergraduate majors, in addition to research opportunities and internships that provide hands-on experience. For students continuing to graduate-level study, there are 78 master’s programs and 68 doctoral degrees.
Taught by the WSU College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University’s Global Campus offers a bachelor’s degree in social science. It’s marketed as one of WSU’s most flexible online programs, allowing you to select a wide range of concentrations, disciplines, and more.
With 11 concentrations available, you’ll be able to choose from disciplines that include:
- administrative studie
- human development
- psychology
- sociology
There are two start dates, one in May and another in fall, with applications due by April 14 and July 23 respectively.
Kansas State University

Kansas State University was founded in 1863 as the public higher education institute in the state. The student body comprises around 19,000 learners, and the university provides access to more than 250 undergraduate majors and other programs.
With this social science bachelor’s degree, you’ll choose four concentrations from a list of nine, leading to a broad degree that can lead you into numerous careers. The nine concentrations available are:
- anthropology
- economics
- geography
- history
- mass communications
- political science
- psychology
- sociology
- gender, women and sexuality studies
You’ll also study 45 credit hours’ worth of electives, giving you further opportunities to customize your degree plan. In total, you’ll complete 120 credits in this program, with all courses being offered fully online for remote learning.
California State University-Chico
Location
Chico, California
Average Net Price
$2,960 (0-6 credits); $4,238 (6.1+ credits) Fall 2024

California State University, Chico is the second oldest campus belonging to the California State University system, founded in 1887. More than 14,000 students attend this campus annually.
California State University’s bachelor’s degree in social science is an online degree completion program. You’ll complete between 36 and 42 credit hours through Chico Distance & Online Education, gaining the rest from a local community college. There is an additional Bachelor of Arts degree available in sociology.
Your curriculum is broken down into two options, which are multidisciplinary studies and specialization studies. The first option explores subjects including behavioral sciences and history in the context of different world contexts, while the second option branches further into seven areas of concentration. These areas include:
- anthropology
- career and life planning
- child development
- community organizing for social change
- environmental planning
- family relations
- gerontology
Students who want to gain a California teaching credential should choose the first option.
Troy University

Located in Troy, Alabama, Troy University was founded in 1887. Today, it is the flagship university of the Troy University System. The student body represents more than 80 nations across the world, speaking the same number of languages cumulatively. There’s also access to scholarships, internships, and numerous student involvement and leadership opportunities.
Troy’s social science major has 3 possible concentrations including:
- general social science
- geography
- leadership
The social science concentration pairs well with a dual major in education, while the remaining two are suitable for global and regional politics, and future management careers, respectively.
In addition to the above, you’ll have the opportunity to select your courses from 7 key areas, including:
- anthropology
- geography
- sociology
- psychology
- history
- economics
- political science
There is also an accelerated law option available, which is the first program of its type to be made available in Alabama. Through partnership with law schools, you could gain your bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor within 6 years.
University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Comprising around 332 acres of campus space, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas is a public research university in Paradise, Nevada. Students choose from more than 300 majors. And if you’ve not yet chosen yours, you can find a career and major assessment tool on the university’s website to help you choose your path.
At UNLV, you’ll work with a student advisor to carefully plan your program curriculum and align it with your interests and career goals. In your final year, you’ll also complete a capstone course that consists of a project, presentation, and research paper.
Available as both an online and traditional, campus-based program, the degree comprises 120 credits. This includes 38-41 hours of general education requirements that will give you a foundation in English, math, and other essential subjects. When selecting your electives, you’ll be able to specialize in specific areas, including:
- gender and sexuality
- Asian and Asian American studies
- psychology
- sociology
Dickinson State University

Founded in 1918 and gaining university status in 1987, Dickinson State University, located in Dickinson, North Dakota, has a range of new technology and laboratories for students to benefit from. The institution also has a low student to faculty ratio, so class sizes are kept small.
Delivered in a flexible online format, this Bachelor of Arts in composite social science is geared toward public service roles in government agencies and social service organizations. Common careers for graduates include:
- public administration
- social worker
- police officer
- community service manager
In total, you’ll complete 120 credits in this program.
In addition to the general education, major, and minor requirements of this program, students are expected to fulfill a foreign language requirement. You will also need to complete the composite social science major requirements, unless you choose to follow the composite social science criminal justice track.
New York University

Founded in 1831 and located in New York City, New York University also boasts campuses in both Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. In addition to these foreign locations, NYU has 11 other study-away sites worldwide. In fact, more students study internationally at NYU than any other university in the U.S.
This bachelor’s degree in social science is available online with a concentration in either:
- Economics
- Organizational Behavior and Change
You’ll study some of the more socially, culturally, and politically relevant debates in our modern society, in addition to the historical contexts behind them.
Your core courses will ensure that you have a solid foundation in the liberal arts, in addition to key skills like critical thinking and analytical reasoning. You’ll also choose electives and complete a capstone project alongside a faculty advisor. You’ll complete both asynchronous and live online classes, networking with students around the world.
Southeast Missouri State University
Location
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
Average Net Price
$330.09 per credit (in-state and out-of-state)

Southeast Missouri State University provides undergraduate students with more than 145 majors and 100 minors to choose from. Graduate students have access to 75 different programs. In total, around 10,000 students attend annually, with internships and other practical learning opportunities provided in every major program offered by Southeast.
Southeast’s bachelor’s degree in social sciences is a fully online program that’s designed to fit around adult schedules. Your curriculum is flexible in allowing you to select concentrations that best align with your current career or the one you’re seeking. Students choose from seven areas in which to specialize. These include:
- psychology
- economics
- sociology
- anthropology
- criminal justice
- history
- political science
Depending on your preferences, there are courses available lasting for 4, 8, or 16 weeks. You could even complete your degree more quickly by transferring prior earned credits. In particular, the program is geared toward students who have an interest in careers in research and analysis, and human resources, though it also caters to future law enforcement professionals. As a fully online program, tuition runs a little lower than average and is cheaper than studying on-campus. For more information on any additional fees, look to the fee schedule on the university’s website.
Portland State University

Portland State University (PSU) is located in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1946 as a primary site of post-secondary education for war veterans. Today, the university offers more than 200 degree programs.
PSU offers both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in social science. Both programs comprise 180 total credits, and both can also be studied either fully online or as a traditional, campus-based program. There’s also a hybrid option for students who want the convenience of remote study without missing out on the campus experience.
Areas of emphasis in the curriculum at PSU include:
- black studies
- Chicano/Latino studies
- international studies
- political science
- systems science
You can find the full list here, in addition to more information on how the curriculums for each program differ. Both programs fall under accreditation by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
Central Washington University
Location
Ellensburg, Washington
Average Net Price
$7,231 (in-state and border counties)

Founded in 1891, Central Washington University is a hub for international students, with strong partnerships with 30 higher education institutions worldwide. With a commitment to hands-on learning, there are plenty of opportunities for internships and other practical training.
When enrolling in this social sciences major at Central Washington University, you’ll work with a student advisor to select the courses that align best with your academic and professional goals. As a varied curriculum, you could enter numerous careers after graduation, with past graduates having gone on to work in:
- government
- business
- social work
- human services
- nonprofits
Officially titled Bachelor of Science in interdisciplinary studies – social sciences, the program is intentionally kept broad. You’ll be expected to select a minimum of three disciplines, with courses covering:
- history
- health education
- ethnic studies
- economics
- political science
- psychology
- public health
SUNY Empire State College
Location
Saratoga Springs, New York
Average Net Price
$295 per credit (1-11 credits) or $3,535 (12+ credits) tuition per term (in-state)

Located in Saratoga Springs, New York, SUNY Empire State College was founded in 1971. Is it accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and provides flexible online study via more than 100 degree and certificate programs. Undergraduates choose from 12 areas of study that lead to both associate and bachelor’s awards.
This program will have you explore the historical contexts, theories, and methods surrounding issues in modern society. You’ll prepare for roles in which you’ll implement policies that address them. Throughout your studies, you’ll develop the strong research and communications skills needed by a social sciences graduate and professional.
With both online and campus-based study options available, the program’s most popular concentrations include:
- sociology
- social theory
- public policy
- political science
- women’s studies
Whether choosing a single area of focus or opting for an interdisciplinary concentration, you’ll earn your degree in around four years via full-time study. You can check out the tuition page on the university’s website.
University of Hawaii-West Oahu

Located in Kapolei, Hawaii, the University of Hawaii-West Oahu is one of ten campus locations belonging to the University of Hawaii System. Founded in 1976, the university attracts around 3,000 undergraduates annually, with average class sizes of around 20 students. Programs focus on professional disciplines, including:
- hospitality and tourism
- creative media
- health sciences
This institution offers a range of programs in the social sciences, including three bachelor’s degrees that are available as distance-learning programs. These provide the option to concentrate in:
- early childhood education
- political science
- psychology
The three social sciences programs are designed as transfer programs for those who have already completed two years of coursework at the institution, a local community college in the UH system, or another accredited college or university across the U.S. Each comprises 120 credit hours and awards a bachelor’s degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
The disciplines within social sciences examine how society interacts with the environment around us. If you’re enrolled in a social science degree program, then you might be majoring in:
• psychology
• sociology
• geography
• anthropology
• history
• economics
As you might expect, you’ll learn a lot of transferable skills that can apply to many varied careers.
Your courses will depend heavily on the type of major you choose, but with any social sciences degree, you’ll develop other skills that can be applied to numerous careers, including critical thinking, analytical, and research skills. You’ll also become an expert communicator and adept at problem-solving.
Graduates may also choose a career path as a political scientist, economist, or sociologist. They may become social workers, human service assistants, and more. The scope for different career paths is as broad as the disciplines included in this broad field of study.
According to careers site Monster.com, some of the most common roles chosen by new graduates of a social science major include:
• government economist
• data analyst
• public servant
• sales agent
• management consultant
However, graduates also find work in more niche industries, including positions such as:
• industrial-organizational psychologist
• geographer
• urban or regional planner
• archaeologist
The prospects for economists draw many new graduates into the profession, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlighting a 2023 median pay of $115,730 per year for these workers. The BLS also predicted a 5% rise in demand for qualified economists over the next decade, though this only equates to around 1,000 positions for this competitive career.
According to PayScale, the best-paid careers for social science majors in recent years have been as a:
• financial or investment analyst
• intelligence analyst
• security manager
These professionals were earning around $73,700-$80,800, around twice the U.S. national average salary for all other occupations combined.
Advancing your earning potential through additional certification or licensure can depend on your career path. For example, psychologists can look to the American Psychological Association for specialty certifications. Social workers on the other hand can look to NASW’s certifications for better prospects.
Earning a bachelor’s degree in social science can be valuable, offering a broad understanding of human behavior and societies. It provides a foundation for diverse career paths in fields like social work, counseling, research, or public service. The worth of the degree depends on individual goals and interests, as well as the specific career path one wishes to pursue within the social sciences.
The most popular social science major often varies by university, but psychology is commonly chosen due to its broad applicability. It explores human behavior, mental processes, and societal influences. Other popular social science majors include:
• sociology
• anthropology
• political science
Social science concepts are evident in everyday life. For instance, understanding psychology can explain human behavior in relationships, sociology helps analyze group dynamics in communities, and economics influences personal financial decisions. Social science enriches our comprehension of societal aspects, making it relevant in diverse daily situations.