2025 Best Sociology Degrees in Ohio

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

2025 Top Five On Campus and Online Sociology Degrees in Ohio

Ohio 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 Ohio.

Here are the top sociology programs in Ohio:

1. Case Western Reserve University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Cleveland

Program Overview: Case Western Reserve University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a strong emphasis on urban sociology, healthcare, and social justice. Students have access to research opportunities and internships in Cleveland’s dynamic community.
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2. The Ohio State University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Columbus

Program Overview: The Ohio State University provides a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, focusing on areas like inequality, criminology, and social change. Students can engage in research projects and internships in Columbus. The program is available both online and on-campus.
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3. Franciscan University of Steubenville – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Steubenville

Program Overview: Franciscan University of Steubenville offers a unique Bachelor of Arts in Sociology grounded in the Franciscan tradition, with a focus on social justice, family studies, and community service. This program is ideal for those seeking a faith-based educational approach.
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4. Baldwin Wallace University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Berea

Program Overview: Baldwin Wallace University features a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a blend of theory and practical application. Students benefit from small class sizes and internship opportunities in the Cleveland area.
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5. Bowling Green State University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Bowling Green

Program Overview: Bowling Green State University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with strengths in criminology, family studies, and social inequality. Students have access to cutting-edge research facilities and hands-on learning experiences.
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What Sociology Degrees Are Available in Ohio?

Ohio 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 Ohio, 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 Ohio 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 Ohio:

School Program Length/Credits Online Availability
The Ohio State University BA in Sociology 3 years (accelerated) Fully Online & On-Campus
Franciscan University of Steubenville BA in Sociology 3–4 years (with transfer credits) On-Campus Only
Baldwin Wallace University BA in Sociology 3–4 years (accelerated option) On-Campus Only

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 Ohio offer affordable sociology programs with competitive tuition rates. Here are some of the most affordable options:

School Program Tuition Range (Per Year) Online Availability
Bowling Green State University BA in Sociology $8,500–$10,000 Fully Online & On-Campus
The Ohio State University BA in Sociology $9,000–$11,000 Fully Online & On-Campus
Franciscan University of Steubenville BA in Sociology $9,500–$11,500 On-Campus Only

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.

Additional Sociology Programs in Ohio

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

Kent State University: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with tracks in general sociology, criminology and deviance, and social inequalities. The program emphasizes research, data analysis, and practical applications in various fields.
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Youngstown State University: Provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a focus on understanding social dynamics, inequality, and policy implications. Students have opportunities to engage in internships and research projects.
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Oberlin College: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology that emphasizes critical thinking, social justice, and interdisciplinary studies. Students benefit from small class sizes and collaborative learning environments.
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Xavier University: Provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a strong foundation in social theory, research methods, and community engagement. The program integrates service learning and internship opportunities.
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University of Akron: Offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology focusing on social problems, criminology, and data analysis. The program includes options for research projects and community partnerships.
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Ohio 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.