2025 Best Sociology Degrees in Michigan

If you’re looking to advance your sociology education in Michigan, 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 Michigan 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 Michigan. Explore our top picks below:

2025 Top Five On Campus and Online Sociology Degrees in Michigan

Michigan 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 Michigan.

Here are the top sociology programs in Michigan:

1. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Ann Arbor

Program Overview: The University of Michigan – Ann Arbor’s Department of Sociology offers comprehensive programs emphasizing various sociological perspectives and research methodologies.
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2. University of Michigan - Flint – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Flint

Program Overview: The University of Michigan – Flint provides a curriculum that explores social institutions, interactions, and change, preparing students for diverse careers.
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3. Wayne State University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Detroit

Program Overview: Wayne State University’s sociology program offers fundamental skills in social research and a wide range of courses examining race, gender, ethnicity, health, and more.
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4. Michigan State University – Bachelor of Arts or Science in Sociology

East Lansing

Program Overview: Michigan State University’s Department of Sociology provides a comprehensive curriculum with opportunities for research in various sociological fields and the option to choose either a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology.
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5. Central Michigan University – Bachelor of Arts or Science Min Sociology

Mount Pleasant

Program Overview: Central Michigan University’s sociology program with a concentration in social and criminal justice isn’t your typical sociology (or criminal justice) major. Here, you’ll go beyond simply learning about current social issues and law enforcement practices. We’ll take a big-picture approach, focusing on how the criminal justice system works within the broader fight for social justice.
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What Sociology Degrees Are Available in Michigan?

Ohio 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 Ohio, 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 Michigan 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 Michigan:

School Program Length/Credits Online Availability
University of Michigan BA in Sociology 3 years (accelerated) Fully Online & On-Campus
Wayne State University BA in Sociology 3–4 years (with transfer credits) Fully Online
Michigan State University 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.

Cheapest Sociology Degree Program Options

For budget-conscious students, several universities in Michigan offer affordable sociology programs with competitive tuition rates. Here are some of the most affordable options:

School Program Tuition Range (Per Year) Online Availability
Wayne State University BA in Sociology $8,000–$10,000 Fully Online & On-Campus
Michigan State University BA in Sociology $9,000–$11,000 Fully Online & On-Campus
University of Michigan BA in Sociology $10,000–$12,000 Fully Online & On-Campus

These schools offer reasonable tuition rates along with financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. For Michigan 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 Michigan

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

Western Michigan University: The Department of Sociology offers programs in criminal justice, sociology, social psychology, and gender and women’s studies.
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Saginaw Valley State University: The College of Arts and Behavioral Sciences offers a sociology program that examines social behavior and institutions.
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Hope College: The Sociology and Social Work Department provides programs that prepare students for careers in social services, research, and community engagement.
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Northern Michigan University: The Sociology Department offers courses that explore social structures, relationships, and change, preparing students for various professional paths.
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University of Michigan – Dearborn: A sociology degree from UM-Dearborn prepares students for diverse and rewarding careers that require robust interpersonal skills and understanding.
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Andrews University: The Department of Behavioral Sciences offers a sociology program that integrates faith and learning, preparing students for service in diverse communities.
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Madonna University: The Sociology Program emphasizes understanding social behavior and institutions, preparing students for careers in social services, criminal justice, and more.
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Oakland University: The Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work, and Criminal Justice offers programs that explore social structures and issues, preparing students for various careers.
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Eastern Michigan University: The sociology major offers a broad education that emphasizes the social and cultural basis of human lived experiences, interactions, and motivation.
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Michigan 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.

Are we missing your school’s program or need to update the information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.