2025 Best Sociology Degrees in New Jersey

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

2025 Top Five On Campus and Online Sociology Degrees in New Jersey

New Jersey 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 New Jersey.

Here are the top sociology programs in New Jersey:

1. Rutgers University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Cleveland

Program Overview: Rutgers University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program that emphasizes critical thinking, research methods, and social policy. Students can access research centers and internships in the nearby New York City and Philadelphia areas.
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2. Princeton University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Princeton

Program Overview: Princeton University provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a focus on global social challenges, ethics, and cutting-edge research opportunities. Students benefit from a world-class faculty and individualized mentorship.
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3. The College of New Jersey – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Steubenville

Program Overview: The College of New Jersey (TCNJ) offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology that combines coursework in social theory, community development, and applied sociology. The program is known for its small class sizes and faculty engagement.
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4. Ramapo College of New Jersey – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Berea

Program Overview: Ramapo College of New Jersey features a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program with specializations in social inequality, community development, and urban studies. The program offers hands-on learning opportunities through internships and research projects.
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5. Seaton Hall University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

South Orange

Program Overview: Seaton Hall’s program teaches you to analyze social life in a critical, intellectually rigorous way. You’ll learn the rich tradition of sociology and apply it to today’s problems and issues.
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What Sociology Degrees Are Available in New Jersey?

New Jersey 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 New Jersey, 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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey:

School Program Length/Credits Online Availability
Rutgers University BA in Sociology 3 years (accelerated) Fully Online & On-Campus
Montclair State University BA in Sociology 3–4 years (with transfer credits) Fully Online
The College of New Jersey 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

Affordability is key for many students, and several universities in New Jersey 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
Montclair State University BA in Sociology $8,000–$10,000 Fully Online & On-Campus
Rutgers University BA in Sociology $9,000–$11,000 Fully Online & On-Campus
The College of New Jersey BA in Sociology $10,000–$12,000 On-Campus

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

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

Caldwell University: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology that emphasizes critical thinking, cultural awareness, and social justice. The program prepares students for careers in public service, education, and social research.
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Kean University: Provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with concentrations in social justice, criminology, and global studies. Students benefit from internships, research opportunities, and a strong focus on real-world applications.
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Rowan University: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology that combines theoretical perspectives with practical skills in research and analysis. The program includes opportunities for internships and community engagement.
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William Paterson University: Provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a focus on social institutions, inequality, and public policy. Students can engage in service learning, internships, and faculty-led research projects.
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Drew University: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology that emphasizes social theory, research methods, and global perspectives. Small class sizes and mentorship opportunities enhance the academic experience.
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Montclair State University: Provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with specializations in family studies, criminology, and social justice. The program offers both academic and professional development opportunities, including internships and research collaborations.
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Stockton University: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology that focuses on cultural diversity, social change, and applied research. Students can participate in internships, service-learning projects, and study-abroad opportunities.
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New Jersey 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.