2025 Best Sociology Degrees in Tennessee

If you’re looking to advance your sociology education in Tennessee, you’re in the right place. The state is home to several prestigious universities offering accredited, high-quality programs for aspiring sociologists, both online and on campus. Whether you’re interested in studying social theory, research methods, inequality, or community engagement, Tennessee has a variety of options tailored to your needs. With the growing prevalence of online and hybrid options, finding the right program can be challenging. That’s why we’ve compiled the best, fastest, and cheapest sociology programs in Tennessee. Explore our top picks below:

Tennessee is home to universities that provide excellent sociology programs with flexible online and in-person learning options. Here are the best sociology degrees in Tennessee:

Tennessee 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 Tennessee, 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.

Accelerated programs and transfer credit options make it easier for Tennessee students to complete their sociology degrees quickly. Here are some of the fastest sociology programs in Tennessee:

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.

Cost is a significant consideration for many students, and Tennessee offers affordable sociology programs with competitive tuition rates. Here are some of the most budget-friendly options:

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

Looking for more sociology degree options? Check out these additional programs:

• University of Memphis: Students can draw from courses that make use of faculty expertise in such areas as medical sociology, social inequality, sociology of the family, social psychology, criminology and deviant behavior, and methods of social research.
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• Lee University: Lee’s program prepares students for employment in various occupations as well as equips them to enter graduate or law school. Specific focuses include criminology, family studies, social work, and cross-cultural studies.
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• Austin Peay State University: In addition to gaining knowledge in specific areas such as sociology of race, class, gender, families, communities, immigration, and social movements, you will gain skills employers are looking for including social research design, data analysis, equity and inclusion awareness and critical thinking.
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• Nashville State Community College: Start your educational career with an associate’s degree in sociology from Nashville State and benefit from smaller class sizes, expert faculty, and a personalized experience. 
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• Tennessee Tech University: The Sociology Major at Tennessee Tech University leads to the Bachelor of Science Degree and offers three tracks: a Bachelor of Science in Sociology; a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology and Criminal Justice; and a Bachelor of Science in Sociology with a concentration in Social Work.
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