If you’re looking to get your sociology degree in South Dakota, 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 South Dakota 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, fastest, and cheapest sociology programs in South Dakota. Explore our top picks below:
2025 Best Sociology Degrees in South Dakota

2025 Top On Campus and Online Sociology Degrees in South Dakota
South Dakota is home to several universities offering excellent sociology programs with both online and in-person learning options. Here are the best sociology degrees in South Dakota:
1. Augustana University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Program Overview: Augustana University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a strong emphasis on social justice, community engagement, and ethical research. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized mentorship.
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2. South Dakota State University – Bachelor of Science in Sociology
Program Overview: South Dakota State University (SDSU) provides a comprehensive Bachelor of Science in Sociology that covers areas like social theory, data analysis, and community-based research. Students have access to internships and fieldwork opportunities.
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3. University of South Dakota – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Program Overview: University of South Dakota (USD) features a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program focusing on social inequality, research methods, and community development. The program is available both online and on campus.
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4. Black Hills State University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Program Overview: Black Hills State University (BHSU) provides a flexible Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program that focuses on applied sociology, social justice, and community leadership. The program is offered both online and on campus to accommodate diverse student needs.
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What Sociology Degrees Are Available in South Dakota?
South Dakota 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 South Dakota, 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 South Dakota 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 South Dakota:
School | Program | Length/Credits | Online Availability |
University of South Dakota | BA in Sociology | 3 years (accelerated) | Fully Online & On-Campus |
Black Hills State University | BA in Sociology | 3–4 years (with transfer credits) | Fully Online |
South Dakota State University | 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
For South Dakota 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 South Dakota:
School | Program | Length/Credits | Online Availability |
University of South Dakota | BA in Sociology | 3 years (accelerated) | Fully Online & On-Campus |
Black Hills State University | BA in Sociology | 3–4 years (with transfer credits) | Fully Online |
South Dakota State University | BS in Sociology | 3–4 years (accelerated option) | Fully Online & On-Campus |
These schools offer reasonable tuition rates along with financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and work-study programs. For South Dakota 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 South Dakota
If you’re exploring more sociology degree options, consider these additional programs in South Dakota:
- Northern State University (NSU): Offers a BA in Sociology with a focus on social justice, community development, and research.
Program Link - Dakota Wesleyan University (DWU): Provides a BA in Sociology with an emphasis on ethics, social services, and hands-on research opportunities.
Program Link - Mount Marty University (MMU): Offers a BA in Human Service with internship opportunities and a focus on social work and applied sociology.
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