An online master's in sociology program will give you the flexibility to earn a graduate degree without commuting to campus. These programs are designed for busy adults with families and careers.
You'll study complex problems in society and explore how humans interact within various social structures. A master's in sociology will prepare you for career paths like research, communications, human resources, data analysis, urban planning, and more.
Our rankings of the best sociology programs consider costs, reputation, and flexibility to ensure quality education.
Featured Online Master's in Sociology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Best Online Master's in Sociology Programs
Popular Courses in an Online Master's in Sociology Program
In an online master's in sociology program, you will learn about sociological concepts and theories to become an expert on human behavior and social interactions. You'll explore social statistics and research methods, among other diverse topics.
These programs, which typically take 2-4 years to complete, will give you skills for research, social services, and policy.
Sociological Theory
This course provides an overview of sociological theories. You'll learn about major sociological theories, their key concepts, and how they are used in our ever-changing social world.
Advanced Statistical Methods
You'll learn to apply analytical and statistical methods to data. The course provides an in-depth examination of various topics related to survey research in sociology, including data processing, statistical design, and data analysis.
Research Methods
This course examines the research methods social scientists use, including data analysis and research design. By critically analyzing research, you'll learn how to apply different research methods as well as ethical considerations that relate to social research.
Social Policy
You'll learn how government policies impact societal structures and how to be a part of those policy developments. The course will introduce you to research on social justice and advocacy leadership in organizational settings.
Diversity and Societal Inequalities
In this class, you'll explore how things like social class, race, ethnicity, gender, and age impact society and individual experiences. You'll study how individuals and institutions maintain social inequalities.
What Can You Do With an Online Master's in Sociology Degree?
A master's in sociology can qualify you for a variety of careers. Depending on your specialization, you can work as a market research analyst, gathering and analyzing data for companies, or as a social worker, helping individuals and families solve complex problems.
Sociology majors also work as political scientists, researching political ideals and policies, and public relations specialists who manage an organization's public image.
The job outlook for many of these roles is positive, with market research analysts (7%), social workers (6%), and public relations specialists (5%) experiencing the highest growth.
Political scientists ($139,380), sociologists ($101,690), and urban and regional planners ($83,720) earn the most money per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The job with the lowest growth rate — survey researcher (-5%) — pays a median salary of $63,380, a bit higher than the lowest-paying role, social worker, which pays a median of $61,330 per year.
| Job Title | Median Annual Wage (May 2024) | Job Growth Rate (2024-2034) |
|---|---|---|
| Market Research Analysts | $76,950 | 7% |
| Political Scientists | $139,380 | -3% |
| Public Relations Specialists | $69,780 | 5% |
| Social Worker | $61,330 | 6% |
| Sociologist | $101,690 | 4% |
| Survey Researchers | $63,380 | -5% |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $83,720 | 3% |
Frequently Asked Questions About Master's in Sociology Programs
A master's degree in sociology is worth the cost if you want to deepen your understanding of society and social behavior.
The degree will provide you with analytical skills and insight into social dynamics that can serve you in a variety of personal settings, from government to education, social work, or research.
An online master's degree in sociology can bring you more career opportunities compared to only holding a bachelor's degree. Plus, a graduate degree can increase your earning potential.
