2025 Best Sociology Degrees in North Carolina

If you’re looking to earn your sociology degree in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina. Explore our top picks below:

If you're looking to obtain your sociology degree, read more to learn about the top programs and sociology degrees in North Carolina.

2025 Top Five On Campus and Online Sociology Degrees in North Carolina

North Carolina is home to several prestigious universities offering excellent sociology programs with both online and in-person learning options. Here are the best sociology degrees in North Carolina:

1. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Chapel Hill

Program Overview: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill) offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program that emphasizes social research, inequality, and community engagement. The program provides a robust curriculum that combines classroom learning with research and internship opportunities.
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2. Duke University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Columbus

Program Overview: Duke University provides an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program that focuses on social theory, inequality, and data analysis. Students benefit from access to world-class faculty, research centers, and personalized mentorship.
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3. North Carolina State University at Raleigh – Bachelor of Science in Sociology

Raleigh

Program Overview: North Carolina State University at Raleigh (NC State) features a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Sociology program that covers areas like race and ethnicity, social theory, and applied research. The program offers flexibility through online and on-campus options.
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4. University of North Carolina Wilmington – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Wilmington

Program Overview: University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNC Wilmington) offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program with a focus on applied sociology, social justice, and community engagement. Students can take advantage of hands-on learning opportunities through internships and service projects.
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5. Wake Forest University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Bowling Green

Program Overview: Wake Forest University provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program that emphasizes ethics, social responsibility, and critical thinking. The program encourages students to engage in research and community service to deepen their understanding of societal issues.
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What Sociology Degrees Are Available in North Carolina?

North Carolina 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 North Carolina, 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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina:

School Program Length/Credits Online Availability
University of North Carolina BA in Sociology 3 years (accelerated) Hybrid & On-Campus
East Carolina University BA in Sociology 3–4 years (with transfer credits) Fully Online
NC State 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

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

School Program Tuition Range (Per Year) Online Availability
East Carolina University BA in Sociology $7,500–$9,500 Fully Online & On-Campus
NC State BS in Sociology $8,000–$10,000 Fully Online & On-Campus
UNC Chapel Hill BA in Sociology $8,500–$10,500 Hybrid & On-Campus

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

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

Appalachian State University: Offers a BA in Sociology with a focus on ethics, social justice, and community service.
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University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG): Provides a BA in Sociology with an emphasis on social services and community development.
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Western Carolina University (WCU): Offers a BA in Sociology with hands-on research and internship opportunities.
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Fayetteville State University (FSU): Provides a BA in Sociology with a focus on social work and applied research.
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UNC Charlotte: Offers a BA in Social Sciences with a sociology concentration.
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