2025 Best Sociology Degrees in New York

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

New York 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 York, 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.

For New York students seeking to complete their degree efficiently, accelerated programs and transfer credit options are available:

School	Program	Length/Credits	Online Availability
Stony Brook University	BA in Sociology	3–4 years (with transfer credits)	Fully Online & On-Campus
CUNY Hunter College	BA in Sociology	3–4 years (accelerated option)	On-Campus
University at Buffalo	BA in Sociology	3 years (accelerated track)	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.

Affordability is a priority for many students, and New York offers competitive tuition rates at public institutions, along with financial aid options:

School	Program	Tuition Range (Per Year)	Online Availability
Stony Brook University	BA in Sociology	$7,500–$9,500	Fully Online & On-Campus
CUNY Hunter College	BA in Sociology	$6,500–$8,000	On-Campus
University at Buffalo	BA in Sociology	$8,000–$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 Ohio 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.

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

St. John Fisher University: Offers a BA in Sociology emphasizing critical thinking, ethics, and social responsibility. The program integrates community-based learning and research opportunities.
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New York University (NYU): Provides a BA in Sociology that combines rigorous academic coursework with real-world application. Students have access to internships, research projects, and study-abroad opportunities.
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State University of New York (SUNY) at New Paltz: Offers a BA in Sociology with a focus on social justice, cultural diversity, and applied sociology. Students can engage in internships and faculty-led research projects.
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Syracuse University: Provides a BA in Sociology focusing on social inequality, family studies, and cultural analysis. The program offers research assistant positions and internship opportunities.
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CUNY City College: Offers a BA in Sociology that emphasizes urban studies, criminology, and social theory. The program is designed to provide students with practical skills and research experience.
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Binghamton University: Provides a BA in Sociology with options for concentrations in global studies, inequality, and health. The program combines academic rigor with experiential learning opportunities.
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Columbia University in the City of New York: Offers a BA in Sociology with a strong emphasis on theoretical frameworks, data analysis, and interdisciplinary research. Students can engage in advanced research and internships in NYC.
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Ithaca College: Provides a BA in Sociology that integrates theory, research methods, and applied learning. Students can participate in internships, service learning, and faculty-led research projects.
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New York is home to some of the best sociology programs in the country, offering flexibility, affordability, and academic excellence. Whether you’re starting with an undergraduate degree or pursuing graduate-level research, these institutions provide the resources and opportunities to help you achieve your educational and professional goals.