2025 Best Sociology Degrees in Rhode Island

If you’re looking to obtain your sociology degree in Rhode Island, 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 Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island. 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 Rhode Island.

2025 Top Five On Campus and Online Sociology Degrees in Rhode Island

Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island.

Here are the top sociology programs in Rhode Island:

1. Brown University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Providence

Program Overview: Brown University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program that emphasizes advanced social research, global perspectives, and critical analysis of societal structures. Students benefit from access to cutting-edge research and faculty mentorship.
Program Link

2. Bryant University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Smithfield

Program Overview: Bryant University provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program with a focus on social innovation, organizational behavior, and applied sociology. The program is designed to integrate sociology with business principles for a unique interdisciplinary approach.
Program Link

3. Salve Regina University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Newport

Program Overview: Salve Regina University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology with an emphasis on cultural studies, human behavior, and community development. The program encourages hands-on learning through internships and fieldwork.
Program Link

4. University of Rhode Island – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Kingston

Program Overview: University of Rhode Island (URI) provides a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program that focuses on social theory, research methods, and applied sociology. Students can participate in internships, community projects, and global studies opportunities.
Program Link

5. Providence College – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Providence

Program Overview: Providence College features a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program that explores topics such as social justice, inequality, and ethical leadership. Students have access to community engagement programs and research initiatives.
Program Link

What Sociology Degrees Are Available in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island, 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 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 Rhode Island:

University of Rhode Island BA in Sociology 3 years (accelerated) Hybrid & On-Campus
Salve Regina University BA in Sociology and Anthropology 3–4 years (with transfer credits) Hybrid Options
Providence College 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 Rhode Island 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
Rhode Island College BA in Sociology $8,000–$10,000 Hybrid & On-Campus
University of Rhode Island BA in Sociology $10,000–$12,000 Hybrid & On-Campus
Salve Regina University BA in Sociology and Anthropology $12,000–$14,000 Hybrid Options

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

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

  • Rhode Island College: Offers a BA in Sociology with a focus on experiential learning opportunities.
    Program Link
  • Roger Williams University: Offers a unique Anthropology + Sociology program combining the ideas and methods of these two social sciences into an integrated study of social change, diversity and cultural awareness.
    Program Link

Are we missing your school’s program or need to update the information listed? Please contact us so we can make the necessary changes.