2025 Best Sociology Degrees in Montana

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

2025 Top On Campus and Online Sociology Degrees in Montana

Montana 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 Montana.

Here are the top sociology programs in Montana:

1. University of Montana – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Missoula

Program Overview: The University of Montana offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program with specializations in criminology, inequality, and social justice. The program provides both on-campus and online options, along with opportunities for internships and research.
Program Link

2. Montana State University – Bachelor of Science in Sociology

Bozeman

Program Overview: Montana State University (MSU) provides a Bachelor of Science in Sociology that emphasizes applied sociology, social research, and community engagement. Students can access state-of-the-art facilities and participate in fieldwork opportunities.
Program Link

3. Montana State University Billings – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Billings

Program Overview: Montana State University Billings (MSUB) features a flexible Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program tailored for traditional and non-traditional students. It offers courses in social theory, research methods, and public policy, with options for online or on-campus study.
Program Link

What Sociology Degrees Are Available in Montana?

Montana 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 Montana, 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 Montana 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 the state:

School Program Length/Credits Online Availability
University of Montana BA in Sociology 3 years (accelerated) Fully Online & On-Campus
Montana State University BS in Sociology 3–4 years (with transfer credits) On-Campus & Hybrid
MSU Billings 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

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

School Program Tuition Range (Per Year) Online Availability
MSU Billings BA in Sociology $7,000–$9,000 Fully Online & On-Campus
University of Montana BA in Sociology $8,000–$10,000 Fully Online & On-Campus
Montana State University BS in Sociology $8,500–$10,500 On-Campus & Hybrid

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

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

Carroll College: Offers a BA in Sociology with a focus on ethics, social justice, and community service.
Program Link

University of Montana Western: Provides a BA in Sociology  intended to prepare students with a broad base of knowledge in the social sciences.
Program Link

Montana 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.