2025 Best Sociology Degrees in California

California offers a range of sociology degree levels to match different career and academic goals:

• Associate Degrees: Typically two-year programs that provide foundational knowledge and can be transferred to a bachelor’s degree program.
• Bachelor’s Degrees:
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA): Focuses on qualitative research, theory, and cultural studies.
  • Bachelor of Science (BS): Emphasizes quantitative research, data analysis, and applied sociology.
• Master’s Degrees: Advanced degrees that prepare students for leadership roles, research positions, or further doctoral studies.
• Doctoral Degrees: Suitable for research-intensive careers, academia, and leadership positions.

In addition to being able to take advantage of the wide variety of on-campus options for obtaining these degrees in California, students living in the state can also take advantage of online degree opportunities from Universities throughout the United States. Online degrees provide high-quality learning opportunities and allow students to take advantage of living at home or continuing their careers while they earn their degrees. If you are seeking a degree not offered in your state, visit our degrees page to find the best online options.

For students looking to complete their sociology degree quickly, accelerated programs and transfer credits can help you graduate sooner. Here are some of the fastest sociology degree options in California:

School	Program	Length/Credits	Online Availability
University of California, San Francisco	BA in Sociology	3 years (accelerated)	Fully Online & On-Campus
California State University, Fullerton	BA in Sociology	3–4 years (with transfer credits)	Fully Online
University of Southern California	BA in Sociology	3–4 years (accelerated option)	Fully Online & On-Campus

Accelerated programs often allow students to take more credits per semester or enroll in condensed summer courses to finish their degrees faster. Additionally, students can speed up their timelines by transferring credits from community colleges, prior coursework, or Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Many universities also offer credit for life or work experience, allowing non-traditional students to bypass certain requirements. Online programs often provide more flexibility with self-paced courses, enabling motivated learners to complete their degrees ahead of schedule. To make the most of these options, students should work closely with academic advisors to plan their course schedules effectively and take advantage of available resources.

Affordability is a significant factor for many students, and several universities in California offer sociology programs with competitive tuition rates. Here are some of the most affordable sociology programs in the state:

School	Program	Tuition Range (Per Year)	Online Availability
California State University, Fullerton	BA in Sociology	$7,500–$9,500	Fully Online & On-Campus
University of Southern California	BA in Sociology	$8,000–$10,000	Fully Online & On-Campus
University of California, Los Angeles	BA in Sociology	$8,500–$11,000	Fully Online & On-Campus

These schools offer reasonable tuition rates along with financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. For California residents, in-state tuition provides a significant cost advantage, making higher education more accessible. Additionally, many of these universities provide flexible payment plans to help students manage their expenses while pursuing their degrees. Online learning options can further reduce costs by eliminating commuting and housing expenses, which is ideal for working professionals or those with family commitments. Students are encouraged to explore institutional scholarships and grants specific to sociology majors to further lower their financial burden. By combining affordability with high-quality education, these programs ensure that students receive excellent value for their investment.

If you’re exploring more sociology degree options, consider these additional programs in California:

San Diego State University: SDSU offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, focusing on issues like social change, inequality, and urban studies. Students benefit from internship opportunities and faculty-led research projects.
Program Link

University of California, Santa Barbara: UC Santa Barbara provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with emphasis areas such as globalization, race and ethnicity, and environmental sociology. The program offers research opportunities with renowned faculty.
Program Link

University of California, San Diego: UC San Diego’s sociology program offers diverse tracks, including science and technology studies, global studies, and social inequalities. Both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science options are available.
Program Link

University of California, Irvine: UCI provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with strengths in immigration, education, and culture. The program is well-regarded for its cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary approach.
Program Link

University of California, Riverside: UC Riverside’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology emphasizes topics such as criminology, gender studies, and social stratification. Students can engage in hands-on research and community engagement projects.
Program Link

University of California, Davis: UC Davis offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with concentrations in social services, law and society, and comparative studies. The program integrates research opportunities and experiential learning.
Program Link

Biola University: Biola’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program combines faith-based learning with a focus on social justice, community engagement, and global issues. The program includes internship opportunities for practical experience.
Program Link

University of California, Berkeley: UC Berkeley’s sociology program is one of the most prestigious in the nation, offering students the opportunity to study topics such as globalization, social movements, and economic sociology.
Program Link

California State University, Long Beach: Cal State Long Beach provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a strong focus on urban sociology, social change, and public policy. The program includes opportunities for internships and community research.
Program Link

University of California, Santa Cruz: UC Santa Cruz offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with strengths in social justice, environmental sociology, and cultural studies. Students can engage in research and experiential learning projects.
Program Link

Loyola Marymount University: LMU’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology combines a liberal arts education with a focus on social justice, inequality, and urban issues. The program integrates internship opportunities in the Los Angeles area.
Program Link

Chapman University: Chapman’s sociology program emphasizes critical thinking, cultural diversity, and social justice. Students can choose from concentrations like social work or social analysis.
Program Link

Fresno Pacific University: Fresno Pacific’s Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program focuses on community engagement, criminology, and social inequality. The program is grounded in a faith-based perspective.
Program Link

Point Loma Nazarene University: PLNU offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a focus on social justice, urban issues, and community development. Students benefit from small class sizes and hands-on learning experiences.
Program Link

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona): Cal Poly Pomona’s sociology program prepares students for careers in public policy, social research, and human services. The program emphasizes applied sociology and real-world problem solving.
Program Link

California offers a variety of excellent sociology degree programs with flexible, affordable, and accelerated options. Whether you prefer online learning or traditional classroom settings, there are numerous opportunities to study sociology and build a rewarding career in social services, human resources, research, and public policy.