2025 Best Sociology Degrees in Minnesota

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

Best Online Sociology Degrees in Minnesota

2025 Top Five On Campus and Online Sociology Degrees in Minnesota

Minnesota 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 Minnesota.

Here are the top sociology programs in Minnesota:

1. University of Minnesota Twin Cities – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Minneapolis

Program Overview: The University of Minnesota – Twin Cities offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program that emphasizes social research, inequality, and community engagement. Students benefit from extensive research opportunities and the chance to work with nationally renowned faculty.
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2. Bethel University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

St. Paul

Program Overview: Bethel University provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a strong focus on social justice, community development, and cultural awareness. Students can participate in service-learning projects and internships to enhance their skills.
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3. Macalester College – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

St. Paul

Program Overview: Macalester College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a globally minded curriculum. The program encourages students to explore topics such as race, urban studies, and environmental sociology through research and study abroad opportunities.
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4. Hamline University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

St. Paul

Program Overview: Hamline University features a flexible Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program designed to combine academic theory with hands-on experience. Students engage in internships, collaborative research, and community-based learning projects.
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5. University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

St. Paul

Program Overview: University of St. Thomas (Minnesota) provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology that integrates ethics and social justice. Students can take advantage of small class sizes, personalized mentorship, and numerous community engagement opportunities.
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What Sociology Degrees Are Available in Minnesota?

Minnesota 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 Minnesota, 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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota:

School Program Length/Credits Online Availability
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities BA in Sociology 3 years (accelerated) Fully Online & On-Campus
St. Cloud State University BA in Sociology 3–4 years (with transfer credits) Fully Online
Minnesota State University, Mankato BS 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 Minnesota offer affordable sociology programs with competitive tuition rates. Here are some of the most affordable options:

School Program Tuition Range (Per Year) Online Availability
St. Cloud State University BA in Sociology $7,500–$9,500 Fully Online & On-Campus
Minnesota State University, Mankato BS in Sociology $8,000–$10,000 Fully Online & On-Campus
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities BA in Sociology $8,500–$10,500 Fully Online & On-Campus

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

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

Minnesota State University Moorhead: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology emphasizing social research, inequality, and cultural diversity. Students can enhance their learning through internships, research opportunities, and community engagement projects.
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Winona State University: Provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology that focuses on social theory, research methods, and social justice. The program includes opportunities for hands-on experience through internships and service-learning projects.
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Concordia University-Saint Paul: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology designed to explore the complexities of human behavior, social structures, and cultural diversity. The program prepares students for careers in social services, education, and community development.
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Minnesota State University-Mankato: Provides a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Sociology, emphasizing social institutions, inequality, and applied research. Students benefit from internships, research opportunities, and access to faculty mentorship.
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Saint Cloud State University: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology focusing on societal issues, cultural diversity, and social policy. Students can participate in internships, study-abroad programs, and collaborative research projects.
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Minnesota 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.