2025 Best Sociology Degrees in Virginia

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

Virginia 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 Virginia, 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 Virginia 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 Virginia:

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

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

• George Mason University: The sociology program emphasizes social justice, inequality, and research methods, preparing students for careers in policy, advocacy, and data analysis.
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• Virginia Commonwealth University: VCU’s sociology program focuses on urban sociology, social movements, and applied research, with opportunities for internships and hands-on learning.
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• University of Mary Washington: The sociology department offers a curriculum exploring social structures, cultural diversity, and public policy, with an emphasis on experiential learning.
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• Old Dominion University: ODU’s sociology program prepares students for careers in research, social work, and policy analysis, with a focus on contemporary social issues.
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• Norfolk State University: This program provides a strong foundation in sociological theory, social research, and community engagement, preparing students for careers in social services and advocacy.
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• Longwood University: The sociology program at Longwood University offers a broad curriculum covering topics such as race, gender, criminology, and social change.
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• University of Lynchburg: This sociology program explores social institutions, inequality, and community development, with an emphasis on applied learning and research.
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• Shenandoah University: Shenandoah’s sociology program integrates interdisciplinary perspectives, preparing students for careers in social research, counseling, and policy development.
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• Radford University: The sociology department at Radford offers concentrations in public sociology, crime and justice, and social inequalities, with strong internship opportunities.
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• Hampton University: Hampton’s sociology program provides students with a strong understanding of social dynamics, cultural diversity, and research techniques, preparing them for graduate study or careers in social services.
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