10 Best Sociology Bachelor's Degree Schools in Massachusetts

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As one of the first states in the Union, Massachusetts has a rich and powerful history.

In fact, the pilgrims settled right in Cape Cod and the first post office ever invented was founded in Boston in 1692.

There are plenty of wonderful things that people from Massachusetts can be proud of, and that includes the education system here.

Thousands of people flock to Massachusetts each year to study and learn from incredible public and private schools.

One of the interesting and important degrees offered across the state is the Sociology Bachelors degree.

From Cambridge to Williamstown, there is a school for everyone in Massachusetts.

Take a look at these ten best schools for those who are looking to earn a Bachelors degree in Sociology in Massachusetts.

1Harvard University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

People from around the world have heard of Harvard University due to its founding in 1636.

Considered the oldest university in the United States, and with its prestigious education, students from all over the world are enriched daily.

This private school is great for people who want a close-knit community on a large campus.

With over 5,000 acres to its name, Harvard University is ranked at number 3 for best National Universities by U.S. News and World Report.

Students can study more than 50 degree programs here, including the Sociology Bachelors degree.

As a four year program, students are focused on societal change, gender, race, and much more.

Within this program, students will have the opportunity to take on courses such as:

  • Models of Social Research
  • Statistics for Social Sciences
  • Social Theory
  • Quantitative Research Methods

At Harvard, students will also need to take on an internship in order to fulfill degree requirements.

This can be done during your junior and senior year and will allow for hands-on knowledge I the field.

Harvard University will lead you toward a rich life in Sociology especially once you graduate.

Everything that you learn here can be put into practice in a career like:

  • School Counselor
  • Criminologist
  • Foreign Affairs Officer
  • Secret Agent

Enrollment

The best way to apply to Harvard University is to complete the application on the school’s website.

It is required to create an account in order to save your information.

Along with your application, you will need to submit some answers to general questions as well as an essay to the school.

There is an $85 application fee that is non-refundable as well.

Some other important documents that are required for admission include:

  • SAT or ACT scores
  • School report
  • 2 teacher recommendations
  • Mid-year school report
  • Transcripts from high school or previous education

If you so choose, you can submit an application through the mail as well.

It may take a couple of weeks to hear back about the status of your enrollment.

Fees

Tuition per year at Harvard University runs at $54,269 for students who live off campus.

If you plan to live on campus, that tuition price goes up to $79,450 yearly.

It will take about four years to finish your degree at Harvard University, which will cost off-campus students $217,076 and on-campus students $317,800.

Other fees are included in these prices and you can also get financial aid to help out with the costs of your education.

Contact Information

  • Address: Massachusetts Hall Cambridge, MA 02138
  • Phone: 617-495-1000
  • Website: www.harvard.edu

2Amherst College

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

This private school provides world class education to students from Massachusetts as well as the rest of the world.

Small and mighty, this school hosts less than 2,000 students per year on its small campus.

You will find classes of less than thirty students here, which means the individualized attention you need to be successful in college will be fulfilled.

There are plenty of choices to make when it comes to a degree from Amherst College, and one of the programs available is the Sociology Bachelors degree.

This four year degree program will allow you to expand your mind on society, culture, and diversity in courses including:

  • Foundations of Sociological Theory
  • Self and Society
  • Whitewashing Race
  • Climate Justice Now

During your senior year, it will be important to complete a capstone project which will allow you to show your professors all that you have learned.

After earning 120 credit hours and competing your capstone project, it is time to graduate and take your knowledge into the real world to obtain a career like:

  • Advertising Manager
  • Demographic Analyst
  • Personnel Interviewer
  • Social Welfare Examiner

Enrollment

First year applicants, international, and transfer applicants can all head to the Amherst College website to begin their easy application.

There are deadlines throughout the year, so keep that in mind when applying.

Along with your application, please submit a $75 non-refundable application fee.

Plus, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • Writing sample
  • School report
  • Official transcript
  • Two teacher recommendations
  • Mid-year report and transcript
  • ACT or SAT scores

International application will need to provide English Proficiency exam results as well.

Schedule a time to take a campus tour and enroll in orientation when you have been accepted to Amherst College.

Fees

Per year, non-campus students will pay $66,650 to attend this school while students who live on campus will pay $84,210.

A graduate of Amherst College will end up paying between $266,600 and $336,840 to attend this school.

Other fees that may apply include:

  • Student activities – $630
  • Tuition insurance – $252
  • Health insurance – $2,934

Contact Information

  • Address: 220 South Pleasant St. Amherst, MA 01002
  • Phone: 413-542-2000
  • Website: www.amherst.edu

3Williams College

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Another historical private school in Massachusetts is known as Williams College and is located in Williamstown.

This school is the highest ranking in National Liberal Arts Colleges at number one, according to U.S. News and World Report.

Those looking for a small town feel with gorgeous forested areas surrounding the campus will love Williams College.

Expect small classes here with just above 2,000 students attending each year.

View mountains in the distance and plush greenery throughout this rural campus.

There is no stopping you when you apply to this diverse university, especially when you choose to enroll in the Sociology Bachelors degree program.

In this program, you will take four years to study human behavior, society, and how we can change things for the better.

With courses that are steeped in understanding gender, race, and the world, you can learn a variety of information.

Some of the courses that you will need to complete in order to graduate are:

  • Sciences, Technology and Human Values
  • Race, Environment and the Body
  • Understanding Social Media
  • Crime

Students will also get the chance to work on research independently and write a senior thesis that will discuss what they have learned and important topics throughout your education.

Now that you have a degree from Williams College, go out and find your lifelong career in Sociology, including:

  • Actuary
  • Regional Planner
  • Consumer Survey Advisor
  • Public Relations Specialist

Enrollment

Before you decide that you want to attend Williams College, head to the school for a campus tour to get familiarized with the layout.

Then, if you are ready to complete the application, head to the website to begin.

You will be required to create an account in order to submit your application.

This is easy to do and can be found right on the admissions tab of the website.

Along with your personal information don’t forget to complete the following paperwork:

  • School report
  • Counselor recommendation
  • 2 teacher recommendations
  • Mid-year report

You will also be required to pay the $65 non-refundable application fee.

Prospective students can submit ACT or SAT scores as well as writing supplements but they are not mandatory.

It will take a couple of weeks to hear back from the school on the status of your application.

Fees

Tuition at Williams College is $64,540 per year for students who live off campus and $81,160 for students who live on campus.

There is a four year commitment to earn a Bachelors degree at this school, which means graduates will end up paying between $258,160 and $324,640.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for all students who attend Williams College.

Contact Information

  • Address: 880 Main St. Williamstown, MA 01267
  • Phone: 413-597-3131
  • Website: www.williams.edu

4Clark University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Worcester, Massachusetts is home to Clark University, another small private school in the area.

The brick buildings and old world charm on this 50 acre campus will give you nostalgic feelings for a world since passed.

Here, students can choose from one of fifty undergraduate programs.

This includes the integral Sociology Bachelors degree, which can help students understand how to change the world.

Steeped in culture, diversity, inclusivity and how we can all work together, the Sociology Bachelors degree is 120 credit hours of social and psychological information.

You will take general education courses as well as more niche classes like:

  • The Sociology of Mental Illness
  • Sociology of Gender
  • Aging and Society
  • Genocide

Within this program, each student is given a scholarship in order to conduct their own research.

Along the way, you’ll be able to earn hands-on experience in the field as well as possibly change the outcome of the world around you.

It will take four years to complete your degree at Clark University, then you will be ready to procure a career in Sociology such as:

  • Public Opinion Surveyor
  • Population Specialist
  • Corrections Officer
  • Professor

Enrollment

Clark University has an easy online application that anyone can fill out in about a half an hour.

When you head to the website, you will see that you will need to create an account in order to complete the application.

You can also decide whether you are enrolling as a first year freshman, transfer student, international, or veteran.

Along with your application it is important to provide the following information:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • SAT or ACT scores

International students will also need to provide an English proficiency exam score.

After submitting your application, it may take a couple of weeks to hear back from the school.

Then, you can begin the process of orientation, take a campus tour, and even begin enrolling in classes.

Fees

Tuition for students who live off campus is $54,760 and for on-campus students that price is $67,277.

Considering these prices and the fact that it takes four years to complete a degree at Clark University, graduates will typically end up spending $219,040 to $269,108 in total.

Other expenses may include:

  • Books – $900
  • Transportation – $250
  • Miscellaneous – $800
  • Health insurance – $2,390

Contact Information

  • Address: 950 Main St. Worcester, MA 01610
  • Phone: 508-793-7711
  • Website: www.clarku.edu

5University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Online

Prospective students who are interested in a larger more public school, the University of Massachusetts in Amherst may be just the ticket.

This school is home to about 25,000 students each year and is a great place for sports and extracurriculars as well as education.

You’ll find a diverse student body with classmates from all over the globe roaming campus.

Not only that, but students who have the same mindset as you will be interested in courses that are in your wheelhouse as well.

Along the way, you will find several programs to choose from, but the one that is important for those who are interested in social change is the Sociology Bachelors degree.

The unique factor in deciding to enroll at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst is whether you’d like to take your classes online, as this school has both online and in person courses.

As a four year degree, students will cover general education as well as Sociology courses like:

  • Social Problems
  • Sports, Labor and Social Justice
  • Elementary Statistics
  • The Family

Students will also take courses that will help them find employment after graduating.

Now that you have a degree, it will be easy to see the doors that open for you in roles such as:

  • Alcohol and Drug Case Worker
  • Career Counselor
  • Family Guidance Case Worker
  • Social Service Member

Enrollment

In order to become part of the education program at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, you will need to apply right on the website.

All that is asked of you is to fill out your personal information, and everything can be done right from your computer in about twenty minutes.

Along with your application, it is important to submit the following documents:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • Letter of recommendation
  • ACT or SAT scores

It is also required to submit an $85 non-refundable application fee.

Once you have been admitted, you can schedule orientation and start enrolling in classes that you will need to fulfill your major.

Fees

Students from Massachusetts will be able to pay $8,678 per year to attend this school and those who plan to live on campus will pay $16,397 for full time education.

It is required to take four years to complete a Bachelors degree, which means in-state students will pay between $34,712 and $65,588 to earn their degree.

If you are from another state, that price goes up to $19,646 to live off campus and $27,365 for on-campus living.

After four years, that price is $78,584 for off campus students and $109,460 for on campus students.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for all students at this university.

Contact Information

  • Address: Amherst, MA 01003
  • Phone: 413-545-0111
  • Website: www.umass.edu

6American International College

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

American International College is a private school that was founded in 1885.

On a small campus of just 50 acres, students are introduced to an experiential learning plan that offers hundreds of opportunities.

From research to extracurricular, there are tons of ways to expand your mind at American International College.

Typically, about 1,000 students attend this school each year, which means classes are small and it’s easy to get the individualized attention needed to succeed.

Students who are interested in society and culture will enjoy the Sociology Bachelors degree offered here.

This degree is four years long and will require concentration in courses such as:

  • Social Problems
  • Crime and Deviance
  • Class, Status and Power
  • Sociology of Popular Culture

Students will have the opportunity to learn in the classroom as well as through research and internship opportunities.

Completing your degree from American International College will give you access to hundreds of lifelong careers including:

  • Program Specialist
  • Adoption Agent
  • Welfare Counselor
  • News Correspondent Reporter

Enrollment

In order to apply to American International College, you will need to head over to the website.

Once there, you will find the easy online application that only takes twenty to thirty minutes to fill out.

Along with your application, it is required to submit some important information, such as:

  • High school or previous education transcripts
  • ACT or SAT scores
  • Letter of recommendation

All types of students are welcome to apply here from transfer, first year freshman, international and returning learners.

Fees

Per year at American International College it costs $41,970 to attend, and for those who want to live and eat on campus, that price goes up to $60,430.

This means that graduates will pay between $167,880 and $241,720 to complete their degree in four years.

Books and supplies as well as other fees are included in these prices.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1000 State St. Springfield, MA 01109
  • Phone: 413-737-7000
  • Website: www.aic.edu

7Lesley University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Cambridge, Massachusetts is home to Lesley University, another small private school that is focused on the holistic human.

This tiny campus is on five acres and is right in the middle of the city.

Expect a close knit community here with like minded classmates and professors who have top degrees in the fields that they teach.

With small class sizes you can be sure that you will get the attention needed to succeed in whichever plan you choose.

Those who are interested in a Bachelors degree and want to learn more about society can take on the Sociology program.

This degree is four years long and will require both general education classes and courses in culture, diversity, and gender including:

  • Contemporary U.S. Society
  • Social Theory
  • Disability Studies
  • Drug Wars

During your senior year, it is required to take part in an internship that can show how much you have learned throughout your time at Lesley University, plus giving you experience in the field.

This can be done through a government office, healthcare facility or even a school.

Take all that you have learned from Lesley University and prepare for a successful career in Sociology like:

  • Demographer
  • Social Scientist Researcher
  • Editor
  • Anthropologist

Enrollment

In order to apply to Lesley University you will need to go to the website, where everything can be done right on your computer.

It is required to create an account on the school’s’ website.

Once you have completed all of the required personal questions for the application, you will need to provide some additional information:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • ACT or SAT scores
  • Letter of recommendation

Once you have fulfilled all of the above requests, it may be necessary to wait a couple of weeks to hear back from an enrollment advisor.

Prospective students can check their status online as well as enroll in a campus tour.

Fees

It will cost $31,890 per year to attend Lesley University for full-time students.

Room and board will be an additional $20,360 per year for a total of $52,250.

This means that if you graduate from Lesley University you will pay between $127,560 and $209,000 for a four year education.

Students will be required to have health insurance which costs $3,625 per year.

Financial aid can help pay for schooling as well as scholarships and grants.

Contact Information

  • Address: 29 Everett St. Cambridge, MA 02138
  • Phone: 617-868-9600
  • Website: www.lesley.edu

8Suffolk University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Right in the heart of Boston you will find Suffolk University, a small private school that is considered younger than the others on this list with a founding in 1906.

Still historical, this school has amassed close to 90,000 alumni in its history.

You will love this downtown campus if you are a city person who wants to be right in the hustle and bustle of every day life.

With more than 100 undergraduate programs to choose from here, students may be interested in the Sociology Bachelors degree if they want to learn more about society, culture, and gender.

This degree program will give you four years of experience in Sociology through discussion, research, and field work.

Take on courses that will lead toward your understanding in social change such as:

  • Research Methods
  • The Immigrant Experience
  • Quantitative Research Methods
  • Social Statistics

Then, you will get the chance to apply your skills in the real world with an internship during your senior year.

It will take four years and 120 credit hours to complete this degree program.

Suffolk University will give you the knowledge needed to gain a career in Sociology like:

  • Curator
  • Education Administrator
  • Health Educator
  • Labor Relations Consultant

Enrollment

First time freshman, transfer students, international students and returning students are welcome to apply to the Suffolk University.

In order to begin applying to this school, head over to the website to fill out the simple application.

It should only take about twenty to thirty minutes to apply if you have all of the necessary paperwork ready to go, including:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Essay
  • Personal statement
  • Letter of recommendation

You will need to create an account on the website to finish and submit your application.

It may take about two to three weeks to hear back from an academic advisor with the next steps in the process.

Fees

Students at Suffolk University will pay $44,812 per year to attend this school, which does not include room and board.

If you would like to take part in the room and board amenities, that price goes up to $66,760.

Each Bachelors degree is four years long, which means that graduates will pay $179,248 or $267,040 to attend this school.

Contact Information

  • Address: 73 Tremont St. Boston, MA 02108
  • Phone: 617-573-8000
  • Website: www.suffolk.edu

9Bryant University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

Take a trip to Rhode Island to join the ranks of exceptional scholars at Bryant University in Smithfield.

Students from Massachusetts will need to attend class in-person as there are no online degrees available here.

However, Bryant University is ranked number 6 for regional schools, meaning you will have no problem finding the exact perfect fit for your education.

Each professor that teaches here has the highest possible degree in their field, so you know your education will be top of the line.

One of the many great degree options available at Bryant University is the Sociology Bachelors degree.

This program will take four years to complete and provides students with accurate information on society, human behavior, culture, race, ethnic backgrounds and much more.

Take part in discussion and research in courses that include:

  • Principles of Sociology
  • Social Theory
  • Inequality in Social Institutions
  • Social Problems Social Solutions

At Bryant University, you will be required to take part in an internship as well as field research to complete your graduation requirements.

Then, it is time to graduate and take all that you have learned here and go out into the real world and make a difference in a role such as:

  • Public Health Educator
  • Admissions Counselor
  • Employment Specialist
  • Census Researcher

Enrollment

Take twenty minutes out of your day to complete the easy application on the Bryant University website.

Head to the admissions tab to fill out your personal information.

It is necessary to complete the following criteria along with your application:

  • Essay and personal statement
  • Letter of recommendation
  • School report from guidance counselor of your high school
  • Official transcript
  • $50 non-refundable application fee
  • SAT or ACT scores

Each step along the way will help you become a part of the Bryant University community.

It should take about three weeks to find out the status of your enrollment.

Fees

One year of attendance at Bryant University is $48,432.

Room and board will cost an additional price of between $10,104 and $13,203 per year.

Meal plans are another expense that can range from $5,693 and $6,747 depending on the plan you choose.

Graduates will pay from $193,728 and $273,528 for their four year education at Bryant University.

Other fees that may apply include:

  • Student involvement fee – $422
  • Technology fee – $475
  • Lab fee – $75 per course

There are a ton of grants and scholarships to be seen at Bryant University for qualified students.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1150 Douglas Pike Smithfield, RI 02917
  • Phone:  401-232-6000
  • Website: www.bryant.edu

10University of Massachusetts-Boston

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Online

Those looking for a great online or on campus option will need to look no further than the University of Massachusetts in Boston.

Founded in 1964, this school is considered young compared to the universities surrounding it.

However, it has amassed more than 100,000 alumni in its short life and now provides about 100 programs to its students each year.

You will love this mid-sized school for its diversity and flexibility, being able to take classes on campus or online will help people who have full time jobs or families to take care of.

One of the programs available is the Sociology Bachelors degree, a four year path that leads to well paying careers.

Along the way, you will be expected to take on general education courses as well as classes that are specialized such as:

  • Sociological Theory
  • Social Statistics
  • Criminological Statistics
  • Sociology in Boston

Both online and on campus learners will need to take on an internship during their senior year to complete education requirements.

Then, it is time to walk across the stage and earn your degree so you can step out into a role in Sociology and make a difference, including roles like:

  • Social Researcher
  • Policy Analyst
  • Sociology Educator
  • Social Justice Advocate

Enrollment

International students as well as returning students, transfer students and first year freshman can all apply to the University of Massachusetts in Boston.

The first step is to go to the website to find the application, which should take about forty minutes to finish.

You will need to create an account to begin, but then you’ll have an easier time filling out information and submitting documents.

Some of the documents that you will need to provide along with your application are:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • ACT or SAT scores

Once you have filled out all the necessary information, you will be able to submit and then you can wait about two weeks to hear back about the status of your enrollment.

Fees

Students from Massachusetts will pay $15,535 per year for a total of $62,140 after four years of education.

Out of state students will pay $37,211 for one year of enrollment and $148,844 to earn a college degree here.

Some other fees may apply including:

  • Student ID card – $75
  • Orientation – $178
  • Health insurance – $3,177

International students will have an additional fee of $336.


Final Thoughts

Massachusetts has some incredible schools waiting for you to enroll.

Whether you decide on a public school, private school, or maybe even something online, we hope our list has helped you take on step closer to completing your goal.

Jamie Willis
Career Specialist at BecomeopediaHi, my name is Jamie Willis, and I have been helping students find their perfect internships and education paths for the last ten years. It is a passion of mine, and there really is nothing better than seeing students of mine succeed with further studies.