If you’re looking to advance your sociology education in Maryland, you’re in luck. The state offers a variety of accredited, high-quality programs for aspiring sociologists, both online and on campus. Whether you’re interested in exploring social theory, research methods, or community engagement, there are schools in Maryland ready to support your next educational step. With online and hybrid options becoming more prevalent, finding the right program to meet your needs can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve ranked the best online and on-campus sociology programs in Maryland. Explore our top picks below:
2025 Best Sociology Degrees in Maryland
2025 Top Five On Campus and Online Sociology Degrees in Maryland
Maryland is home to several universities offering outstanding sociology programs, whether you prefer online or in-person learning options. Our rankings highlight the best sociology degrees in the state, considering factors such as program quality, affordability, flexibility, and student outcomes. To ensure transparency, we’ve developed a comprehensive methodology that guides our evaluation process, which you can explore in detail on our Methodology Page. This approach ensures that our recommendations reflect the needs of students seeking high-quality education in Maryland.
Here are the top sociology programs in Maryland:
1. Johns Hopkins University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Baltimore
Program Overview: Johns Hopkins University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program that emphasizes advanced research, urban studies, and social justice. The program provides access to cutting-edge faculty research and internship opportunities in Baltimore.
Program Link
2. University of Maryland, College Park – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
College Park
Program Overview: University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) provides a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts in Sociology that covers areas like social theory, race and ethnicity, and data analysis. Students benefit from research opportunities, internships, and proximity to the nation’s capital.
Program Link
3. University of Maryland Eastern Shore – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Princess Anne
Program Overview: University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) offers a Bachelor of Science in Sociology program with a focus on community development and applied sociology. The program supports experiential learning and career preparation.
Program Link
4. Mount St. Mary's University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Emmitsburg
Program Overview: Mount St. Mary’s University provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with an emphasis on social behavior, ethics, and community engagement. The program integrates liberal arts education with practical research and service-learning experiences.
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5. Goucher College – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Program Overview: Goucher College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program that focuses on cultural studies, qualitative research, and social change. Goucher emphasizes experiential learning through internships, community projects, and global education opportunities.
Program Link
What Sociology Degrees Are Available in Maryland?
Maryland 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 Maryland, 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.
Fastest Sociology Degree Program Options
For Maryland students looking to complete their degree quickly, accelerated programs and transfer credits can help you graduate sooner. Here are some of the fastest sociology degree options in Maryland:
School | Program | Length/Credits | Online Availability |
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) | BS in Sociology | 3 years (accelerated) | Fully Online |
Towson University | BS in Sociology | 3–4 years (with transfer credits) | On-Campus & Hybrid |
University of Maryland, College Park | BA in Sociology | 3–4 years (accelerated option) | 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.
Cheapest Sociology Degree Program Options
For budget-conscious students, several universities in Maryland offer affordable sociology programs with competitive tuition rates. Here are some of the most affordable options:
School | Program | Tuition Range (Per Year) | Online Availability |
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) | BS in Sociology | $7,500–$9,500 | Fully Online |
Towson University | BS in Sociology | $8,000–$10,000 | On-Campus & Hybrid |
University of Maryland, College Park | BA in Sociology | $8,500–$10,500 | On-Campus |
These schools offer reasonable tuition rates along with financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. For Maryland 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.
Additional Sociology Programs in Maryland
If you’re exploring more sociology degree options, consider these additional programs in Maryland:
McDaniel College: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, focusing on social life and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. The program emphasizes a rigorous, evidence-based understanding of social dynamics, preparing students for diverse career paths.
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University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC): Provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, emphasizing social theory, research methods, and contemporary social issues. The program integrates experiential learning opportunities, including internships and research projects.
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Hood College: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, focusing on social problems, race and ethnicity, gender inequality, criminology, and globalization. The program prepares students for careers in social action, research, human services, and administration.
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Towson University: Provides a Sociology Concentration within the Department of Sociology, Anthropology & Criminal Justice. The program emphasizes the scientific explanation and analysis of social processes, structures, and institutions, offering opportunities for independent research and internships.
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Loyola University Maryland: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, providing insights into social factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, education, and social class. The program equips students with theoretical, analytical, and methodological tools to engage with various social issues.
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Salisbury University: Provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, exploring issues like the environment, immigration, human rights, criminal justice, and social inequality. The program encourages civic involvement and offers a solid foundation for various career opportunities.
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Frostburg State University: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, emphasizing the use of sociological theory and research methods to explore modern social life. The program teaches students to apply sociological principles to everyday experiences.
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Morgan State University: Provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, focusing on equipping students with sociological tools to positively change their communities. The program offers a robust education in race, gender, education, oppression, and social inequality.
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Maryland 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.