2025 Best Sociology Degrees in West Virginia

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

2025 Top On Campus and Online Sociology Degrees in West Virginia

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

1. West Virginia University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Morgantown

Program Overview: West Virginia University (WVU) offers a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program that emphasizes social research, inequality, and community engagement. The program can be completed on campus or fully online.
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2. Marshall University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Huntington

Program Overview: Marshall University provides a comprehensive Bachelor of Arts in Sociology that covers areas like social theory, race and ethnicity, and data analysis. Students can benefit from research opportunities and internships.
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3. Concord State University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Athens

Program Overview: Concord University offers a flexible Bachelor of Science in Sociology program designed for both traditional and non-traditional students. The program is available online and in-person, with a focus on applied sociology and social justice.
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4. Fairmont State University – Bachelor of Science in Sociology

Fairmont

Program Overview: Fairmont State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a focus on community service, research, and social theory. The program can be taken online or on-campus.
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5. Shepherd University – Bachelor of Science in Sociology

Shepherdstown

Program Overview: Shepherd University provides a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with an emphasis on social justice, ethics, and community engagement. This program is available both in-person and online.
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6. West Virginia Wesleyan University – Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Buckhannon

Program Overview: West Virginia Wesleyan College offers programs that prioritize a hands-on, experimental learning approach. Graduates are prepared for professional careers and graduate school through internships, service learning, study abroad, the global classroom, and research.
Program Link

What Sociology Degrees Are Available in West Virginia?

West 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 West 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.

Fastest Sociology Degrees

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 West Virginia:

School Program Length/Credits Online Availability
West Virginia University BA in Sociology 3 years (accelerated) Fully Online & On-Campus
Marshall University BA in Sociology 3–4 years (with transfer credits) Fully Online
Fairmont State University BA 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 Degrees

Affordability is key for many students, and several universities in West Virginia 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
Fairmont State University BA in Sociology $7,500–$9,500 Fully Online & On-Campus
Marshall University BA in Sociology $8,000–$10,000 Fully Online & On-Campus
West Virginia University BA in Sociology $8,500–$10,500 Fully Online & On-Campus

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 West Virginia and around the United States

West Virginia 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.

If a program that fits your needs isn’t offered in West Virginia, consider an online program. There are hundreds of options available and the program for you is out there!

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