Sociology in United States
The United States offers 32 Sociology programmes across 24 universities, making it one of the broadest selections available for students interested in understanding social structures, inequality, and human behaviour. New York University, Boston University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Case Western Reserve University are among the prominent institutions, offering programmes at bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels.
Tuition ranges from free (some programmes carry no tuition charge) to approximately €13,000 per year, placing US Sociology programmes among the more affordable options in English-speaking higher education. Graduates typically pursue careers in social research, public policy, education, social work, and nonprofit management.
3+2 Social Work Program Leading to MSW
This unique 3+2 Social Work program at Baldwin Wallace University allows you to earn both a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from BW and a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) in just five years. You will complete three years of undergraduate study at Baldwin Wallace, focusing on psychology and related disciplines, before applying to CWRU's Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences during your third year. Upon successful completion of your first year in the graduate program at CWRU, Baldwin Wallace will award your Bachelor's degree. The MSW will be awarded by CWRU after you successfully complete their graduate program. This integrated pathway prepares you with the academic qualifications needed to pursue certification as a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) in Ohio, enabling you to take on leadership roles in social service.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)
The Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Mississippi Valley State University is designed to prepare students for entry-level social work positions and graduate studies. The curriculum is grounded in the person-in-environment perspective, blending values, knowledge, and skills for ethical practice. A special focus of the program is on the needs of impoverished minorities in rural and urban regions, particularly within the Mississippi Delta. Students will learn to empower client populations through advocacy for social and economic changes. The program emphasizes family and child welfare, equipping graduates to address complex social, emotional, and environmental factors impacting children and families. Through coursework and extensive field education in community agencies, students gain hands-on experience. The BSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), ensuring a high standard of professional preparation.
Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) - Online
Maryville University offers an online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program designed for students seeking to enter the social work profession. This program leverages technology to provide a flexible learning experience for individuals balancing education with other commitments. Maryville University has a long history of innovation in higher education, aiming to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for impactful careers.
BRIDGE Program for Graduate Social Work
The BRIDGE Program at Boston University's School of Social Work (BUSSW) is a unique pathway designed to increase access to graduate social work education for individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds, including international students. It aims to prepare individuals for graduate study and address critical cultural competency needs within the human services field. The program provides a transitional bridge to the academic community, offering support and resources to help students succeed in their pursuit of an MSW degree.
Doctor of Social Work (DSW)
California Baptist University's (CBU) Doctor of Social Work (DSW) is a professional doctoral degree designed for master's-prepared social workers seeking to advance their careers. The program focuses on equipping practitioners with advanced training and skills for leadership in community and faith-based organizations, social policy advocacy, and practice mastery. It emphasizes community engagement and social innovation, Christ-centered justice, and global leadership. The DSW program utilizes a flexible online format with two required on-campus residencies per year.
Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW)
The Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program at The University of Texas at Austin is a top-ranked graduate program designed to prepare students for advanced social work practice. You will gain the skills to work effectively with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The program offers two distinct concentrations: Clinical Social Work, focusing on direct practice with clients, and Administrative and Policy Practice, concentrating on leadership and policy development. Students can tailor their education further through specialized certificate programs or dual degrees with other disciplines.
Master of Social Work
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at Mississippi Valley State University is designed to prepare students for professional social work practice across micro, mezzo, and macro levels. The curriculum focuses on imparting advanced social work knowledge, values, and skills essential for working with diverse populations in various settings. A special emphasis is placed on social work practice with impoverished minorities in rural areas, particularly the Mississippi Delta region, as well as in larger, diverse communities. The program's concentration is in Child and Family Welfare, aligning with the principles of rural social work practice.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at NYU Silver is a leading graduate program focused on clinical social work practice. It aims to equip students with advanced skills to serve diverse communities and address complex human behavior and social inequities. The program emphasizes direct service and prepares students for impactful roles in various settings. Graduates are trained to work with individuals, families, and groups, often entering careers in mental health clinics, hospitals, and nonprofit organizations. The curriculum integrates evidence-based interventions, policy practice, and hands-on clinical training. Small class sizes and dedicated faculty foster a close-knit learning environment. Students benefit from the extensive social service ecosystem of New York City for practicum placements, offering real-world experience. The program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Master of Social Work (MSW)
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at California Baptist University (CBU) prepares students to be agents of change by enhancing human well-being and serving vulnerable populations. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice, advanced professional development, and hands-on learning experiences, equipping graduates to make a significant impact in their communities, both locally and globally. Students can choose to study online or in person, benefiting from personalized mentorship, practical field work, and opportunities to conduct influential research.
Master of Social Work (MSW)
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign offers a Master of Social Work (MSW) program designed to prepare students for advanced practice in social work. The program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and has a long history of excellence. Students can pursue their degree through an on-campus or online format, allowing for flexibility to accommodate full-time work or other commitments. The curriculum focuses on developing advanced practice skills in areas such as policy, research, human behavior, and specialized topics, culminating in a significant internship experience. Both on-campus and online options are available. The on-campus program offers full or part-time study, while the online program allows students to work full-time while completing their degree through evening classes. Students can specialize in either Leadership and Social Change or Advanced Clinical practice. The program emphasizes a strong theoretical foundation combined with practical application through a required internship in the student's chosen concentration.
Medical Sociology
This program examines the intersection of sociology and health-related issues. It employs macro, mezzo, and micro perspectives to analyze health and illness. The curriculum delves into the social and cultural contexts of healthcare delivery in the United States, with a specific focus on racial and age disparities, as well as urban versus rural healthcare access. Students will explore both objective and subjective experiences of health and illness, alongside political, economic, and environmental factors. Ethical considerations, such as end-of-life care and physician-assisted suicide, are also addressed. Learning occurs through theoretical classroom instruction and engagement with real-world settings.
On-Campus Master of Social Work (MSW)
The on-campus Master of Social Work (MSW) at Case Western Reserve University offers a comprehensive program for students dedicated to addressing complex social challenges. This signature program at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences integrates research, theory, and practical experience to develop leaders in the social work field. Students join a supportive community focused on improving society through various specialized paths of study. The program offers flexibility with full-time and part-time options, ranging from 39 to 60 credits. For those with a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), an advanced standing option allows completion of the MSW in as little as one year. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through extensive field education, bridging classroom knowledge with real-world professional practice.
Online Master of Arts in Sociology
The Online Master of Arts in Sociology at Arizona State University is designed to equip students with practical and research skills to understand and improve individual and community well-being. This program explores how social relationships and interactions affect individuals, families, and employees. Graduates will be prepared for impactful roles in public, private, and nonprofit sectors. This master's degree can be completed in as little as 15 to 18 months. It focuses on application-based knowledge and does not require a thesis, serving as a terminal degree. It is not intended as preparation for a PhD or for certification/licensure.
Pathways to Social Work Certificate
The 'Pathways to Social Work and Other Helping Professions' is a free online certificate program designed to help you explore if a career in social work or other helping professions is the right fit for you. This course provides foundational knowledge about the field and guides you on how to pursue further education, such as a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. It covers various career opportunities within social work and may also offer insights relevant to fields like mental health counseling and marriage and family therapy.
Ph.D. in Social Work
The Ph.D. in Social Work program at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is designed to cultivate scholars and educators who will advance the field of social work through research, teaching, and policy development. Since its inception in 1993, the program has focused on rigorous training, equipping graduates with advanced skills in designing, evaluating, and communicating social interventions. Our graduates are prepared for impactful careers in academic institutions, research settings, and policy-making organizations, both nationally and internationally. The doctoral curriculum is organized around the theme of social intervention, encompassing policy, program, and direct practice. This approach acknowledges the interconnectedness of these intervention levels and provides students with the flexibility to tailor their studies to their specific interests. The goal is to produce leaders who can contribute significantly to the knowledge base and practice of social work and social welfare.
PhD in Social Work
The PhD in Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin is a full-time, in-residence doctoral program designed to prepare students for advanced research and scholarship in the field. The interdisciplinary curriculum emphasizes rigorous training in advanced research methods and statistics, equipping graduates to contribute significantly to social work knowledge and practice. The program requires 47 credit hours of coursework, excluding the dissertation. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in academia, research institutions, and advanced practice settings. The program fosters a commitment to social justice and encourages candidates with personal and professional readiness to strengthen the field through impactful research and scholarship.
PhD in Sociology
The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program in Sociology at UC San Diego equips students with advanced research and theoretical skills to become leading scholars and educators in the field. The program emphasizes rigorous training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods, alongside a deep understanding of classical and contemporary sociological theories. Students engage in in-depth coursework and develop expertise in specialized areas of sociology through core seminars and electives.
PhD in Sociology
The Department of Sociology at UC Davis offers a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program for students interested in advanced study and research in sociology. The program allows students to pursue designated emphases in various interdisciplinary areas such as African American & African Studies, Critical Theory, Feminist Theory & Research, Human Rights, Science & Technology Studies, and Study of Religion. This doctoral program focuses on developing in-depth research skills and contributing to the field of sociological inquiry.
PhD in Sociology
The PhD program in Sociology at Purdue University offers a comprehensive graduate education focused on a strong foundation in both theory and methodology. Students engage with core curriculum courses that cover qualitative and quantitative research methods. Beyond the core, the program allows for specialization in one of seven distinct areas, enabling students to delve deeply into specific sociological fields.
Pupil Services License in School Social Work
This program at Baldwin Wallace University allows licensed social workers to earn the Ohio Pupil Services License in School Social Work. It is a cooperative program offered in partnership with Case Western Reserve University's Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. Successful completion leads to eligibility for the Pupil Services License from the Ohio Department of Education. Please note: As of May 13, 2026, Baldwin Wallace University is no longer admitting new students to this specific program as a major. However, coursework in this area will continue to be integrated into other academic programs. Current students enrolled in the major will receive full support to complete their degree requirements. This program is one of only three Chancellor-approved programs in Ohio leading to the Pupil Services License. It is designed for social workers who already hold a professional social work license and a graduate degree (MSSA/MSW) from the CWRU Mandel School or a CSWE-accredited graduate social work program with a direct practice MSW or equivalent.
Social Work Associate Professor
Social Work, Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program equips students with the knowledge, values, and skills necessary for generalist social work practice. The curriculum addresses critical societal issues such as racism, injustice, and individual/family problems. You will explore ethics, human behavior, social policy, and research methods, preparing you for careers in mental health, child welfare, healthcare, and beyond. The program emphasizes anti-racism, anti-oppression, diversity, equity, and inclusion to promote human and community well-being and social justice. The program focuses on building a strong understanding of human experiences through scientific inquiry and theoretical frameworks, with an emphasis on the role of privilege and oppression. You will learn to advocate for human and community rights, working towards solutions for issues like poverty and systemic racism. The curriculum instills the core ethics and values of the social work profession, including service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, respect for diversity, the importance of relationships, integrity, and competence.
Social Work, MSW
The Master of Social Work (MSW) program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison equips students with advanced generalist practice skills. The curriculum is built on a liberal arts foundation, emphasizing a person-in-environment perspective, empowerment, and strengths-based approaches. The program aims to prepare graduates for autonomous advanced generalist practice across diverse settings by providing knowledge, values, and skills in areas such as social problems, policy, systems of oppression, multilevel interventions, ethical advocacy, social justice, and research-informed practice. The School of Social Work is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment and maintaining strong partnerships with community organizations for meaningful field experiences. The MSW curriculum is oriented towards generalist social work practice, integrating content on professional values and ethics, diversity and inclusion, populations at risk, and social, economic, and environmental justice. Students complete a generalist practice year focused on direct practice across various system sizes (micro-to-macro), followed by a specialization year. The advanced generalist specialization offers optional areas of focus including aging, child, youth, and family welfare, health, and mental health. Students also have opportunities for electives and can construct individualized sub-focus areas with advisor assistance. The Part-Time MSW Program offers a hybrid learning format, with in-person sessions held every other Saturday and online components. This option is designed for students who cannot commit to full-time study and allows for completion in four years. Fieldwork placements may be available in the student's home community. Both traditional and advanced standing options are available, with focus areas in child, youth, and family welfare, or mental health.
Sociology
The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Albany State University offers a comprehensive study of society, its structures, institutions, and human interactions. This program prepares students to understand and address complex social problems globally. Students will learn to apply sociological concepts and theories to foster social change and become engaged, socially responsible global citizens. The curriculum includes a variety of courses such as Gender Roles, Social Stratification, Marriage and Family, Social Institutions, Global Health Disparities, and Women in Health. Additionally, students have the option to pursue a concentration in Medical Sociology, focusing on the social context of health, illness, and healthcare. This degree provides a strong foundation for graduate studies or careers in both public and private sectors.
Sociology Degree, Bachelor of Arts
Maryville's Sociology program offers a comprehensive understanding of the sociological principles that shape human relationships within a complex society. The program emphasizes applied, career-related experiences and encourages students to engage with pressing social issues. You can easily pair your sociology studies with coursework in fields such as healthcare, criminology, government, or education, creating a personalized academic path.
Frequently asked questions
How many Sociology programmes are available in the United States?
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There are 32 Sociology programmes across 24 universities in the United States.
Which US universities offer Sociology programmes?
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Notable institutions include New York University, Boston University, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Case Western Reserve University, Maryville University, and California Baptist University.
How much does studying Sociology in the United States cost?
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Tuition ranges from free (some programmes charge no tuition) to approximately €13,000 per year, depending on the institution and programme level.
Can international students apply for Sociology programmes in the US?
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Yes, US universities enrol international students in Sociology programmes; you will need an F-1 student visa and typically must submit TOEFL or IELTS scores.
What are typical entry requirements for Sociology in the United States?
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Undergraduate applicants need a high school diploma; graduate programmes generally require a bachelor's degree in sociology or a related social science, a statement of purpose, and letters of recommendation.