10 Best Sociology Bachelor's Degree Schools in Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania was the 2nd state to join the union way back in 1787, and today it still houses much of the incredible historical landmarks.

At Washington Crossing State Park, you’ll see where George Washington led his troops and not only that, you’ll find gorgeous plains and mountainous regions throughout this impeccable state.

Some people who come to Pennsylvania, or even those who live here, are ready to take on the next step in their journey by finding the right career path for them.

This may include college, and in Pennsylvania, you have your choice of some of the most prestigious and intriguing schools out there.

From private to public, small and large, Pennsylvania will lead you toward the career of your dreams through one of our ten best universities for people who want to study Sociology.

1University of Pennsylvania

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

The University of Pennsylvania has been ranked in the top ten of national schools for several years, according to U.S. News and World Report.

This private university has almost 300 acres to roam where nearly 24,000 students visit each year.

One of the best attributes of the University of Pennsylvania is that there are small class sizes, typically less than 20 students per course.

While looking to study here, you may find some incredible majors to choose from, including the Sociology Bachelors degree.

This degree will drive interest from those who want to learn more about society, why we do what we do, and how our race, gender, and culture affect us daily.

It will typically take about four years to finish a degree from the University of Pennsylvania.

While you are studying here, you will be required to take on courses such as:

  • Health of Populations
  • Event History
  • Advanced Demographic Methods
  • Sample Survey Methods

A unique aspect of an education from the University of Pennsylvania is that you’ll be able to choose a concentration if you’d like:

  • Applied Research and Data Analysis
  • Cities, Markets, and the Global Economy
  • Culture and Diversity
  • Education and Society
  • Family, Gender, and Society
  • Law and Society
  • Medical Sociology
  • Structures of Opportunity and Equality

Any of these or general Sociology will get you closer to a career that you have always dreamed of.

After completing your required classes and taking on an internship, you will  be ready for the work force in roles that include:

  • Child Welfare Specialist
  • Urban and Regional Planner
  • Actuary
  • Sociologist

Enrollment

The first step toward becoming a part of the University of Pennsylvania family is to fill out an application.

You can do so right on the website through the admissions tab.

First year freshman, transfer students, and international learners are all welcome to apply here.

After finding the application, you’ll need to create an account to get started.

Then, you’ll fill out all of your personal information including your transcripts from previous schools.

There is a $75 non-refundable fee for all applications, even if you are denied.

It will be about mid-December each year before students start to hear about acceptance decisions.

At which time you can find more about housing, financial aid, and even orientation.

Fees

Tuition at University of Pennsylvania varies on where you live, those who live at home will pay $58,620 per year while students who live on campus will pay $89,028 annually.

Since it takes about four years to complete a degree, graduates typically pay between $234,480 and $356,112.

Other costs may occur including books, transportation, and other student fees.

These can add up to about $3,000 per year.

Financial aid is a big part of the education process at the University of Pennsylvania.

Contact Information

  • Address: Philadelphia, PA 19104
  • Phone: 215-898-5000
  • Website: www.upenn.edu

2Haverford College

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Haverford College is a small school located on the outskirts of Haverford, Pennsylvania and enrolls nearly 1,500 students per year.

On this gorgeous arboretum campus that houses over 400 species of plants, students from all across the world come here to enjoy fresh and exciting education.

You will find diverse classmates and hundreds of activities to choose from depending on your interest right on campus.

Here, students focus on individual growth while keeping the community at the forefront.

You’ll be excited to join one of the many great Bachelors levels programs at Haverford College, including the Sociology Bachelors degree.

The study of society and how human behavior affects us all will lead toward an incredible and honorable career.

This four year degree will focus on culture, race, and how the world works in courses such as:

  • Foundations in Social Theory
  • Statistical Methods in Economics
  • Qualitative Methods
  • Senior Departmental Studies

During your senior year, you will be tasked with creating a project that is culminated by a year long research study of your choosing.

After finishing the 120 credit hours required for graduation, it is time to step into the real world and find an incredible career in Sociology like:

  • Paralegal
  • Social Worker
  • Urban Planner
  • School Counselor

Enrollment

Before committing to Haverford College, academic advisors suggest taking a campus tour to make sure the school is right for you.

Once you have decided that you are ready to apply, all you need to do is go to the website to begin.

There, you’ll find a simple application through the admissions tab that shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to complete.

Prospective students will need to pay $65 to submit their application, and that is a non-refundable fee.

Along with your application, you will need to provide the following documents:

  • Transcripts
  • Counselor report
  • Two teacher evaluations
  • Mid-year school report form

Appliers also have the option to submit ACT or SAT scores but it is not required.

You will also get the chance to conduct an interview with an academic advisor.

This can help them see the whole person and make it easier on their decision to accept you to the school.

After finishing your application you will hear back via email about the status of your enrollment.

If you have been accepted, you can start deciding which classes to take and enroll in orientation.

Fees

Per year, the base tuition at Haverford College is $67,522 but for those who plan to use room and board amenities that price goes up to $86,900.

A Bachelors degree requires at least four years of your time, so students who do not live on campus will end up paying $270,088 for their education.

Students who live on campus will end up with a bit of a higher bill at $347,600 upon graduation.

Other expenses that you may find at Haverford College include:

  • Books and supplies – $1,240
  • Personal – $1,900

All students have access to financial aid and scholarships at this school.

Contact Information

  • Address: 370 Lancaster Ave. Haverford, PA 19041
  • Phone: 610-896-1000
  • Website: www.haverford.edu

3Arcadia University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

This private school was founded in 1853, and ever since then Arcadia University has been a superb foundation for education in Pennsylvania.

The gorgeous old world buildings and treelined campus are just one of the many aspects that draw students to this school.

The quaint small-town feel is another important piece that creates a diverse world, and students from far and wide head here to learn one of over over one hundred experiential learning programs.

One of the four year Bachelors degrees available at Arcadia University is in Sociology.

Those who want to learn more about culture, race, and society will love this degree path.

You’ll take several general education classes plus more specialized courses in Sociology like:

  • Research Methods
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • Writing for Social Sciences
  • Criminology

At Arcadia University, you will also be able to study abroad or take on an internship if you want to learn more hands-on throughout your time studying.

Completing 120 credit hours will gain you access to a degree and multiple careers in Sociology that may be to your liking, such as:

  • Medical Sociologist
  • Federal Case Manager
  • Insurance Agent
  • Labor Relations Representative

Enrollment

Access the application right on the school’s website if you are ready to apply to Arcadia University.

In order to begin, you’ll need to create an account and fill out your personal information.

There are some other pieces of paperwork that you’ll need to submit along with your application, including:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • One letter of recommendation
  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Essay
  • List of activities

No matter if you are a first year freshman, transfer student, or even international, you are welcome to apply to this school.

Once you have completed your application, you will hear back from the school about an admission decision within two weeks.

A deposit for enrollment is required if you choose to begin your education at Arcadia University.

Fees

If you are a full time student at Arcadia University you will pay $47,590 per year to attend.

Since it is a four year commitment to earn a Bachelors degree, the total cost of tuition is $190,360 upon graduation.

Other yearly fees that may apply to attendants of this school are:

  • Room and Board – $14,090
  • Books – $1,500
  • Lab fees – $100
  • Parking – $100

Scholarships and financial aid are available for all students at this school.

Contact Information

  • Address: 450 South Easton Rd. Glenside, PA 19038
  • Phone: 215-572-2900
  • Website: www.arcadia.edu

4Pennsylvania State University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Since its founding in 1855, Pennsylvania State University has been an exceptional public school for Pennsylvania residents as well as students from across the globe.

QS World University Rankings has given Pennsylvania State University the prestigious award of being in the top 6% of world-class colleges.

If that isn’t enough to get your attention, this large campus will give you something to talk about.

Nearly 42,000 students attend Pennsylvania State University on its massive 8,000 acre campus each year.

Those who are ready to kick their education up a notch will love all of the enticing activities and programs to choose from here.

One of the over 600 options available at the undergraduate level is the Sociology Bachelors degree.

Through this program you will learn to navigate society and human behavior while attempting research and internships to understand real-world experiences.

Several of the important classes you must take in order to graduate from this school include:

  • Elementary Statistics
  • Research Methods in Sociology
  • Sociological Theory
  • Intermediate Social Statistics

After completing four years of courses and research, it is time to graduate from Pennsylvania State University and move onto a successful career in Sociology such as:

  • Community Health Worker
  • Merchandiser
  • Technical Writer
  • Public Health Educator

Enrollment

Good standing in your high school education is the best way to become accepted at Pennsylvania State University.

For those who are ready to apply, you can head right to the website to begin.

Along with your application, please remember to include the following documents:

  • GPA from high school
  • Transcripts from high school or other education
  • SAT or ACT scores

Completing your application should be quick and easy and once you submit, an academic advisor will contact you soon via email or telephone.

It does take about two weeks to hear back about the status of your application.

Fees

Pennsylvania residents will pay $19,286 yearly to attend this school for base tuition, but with room and board that price goes up to $32,270.

For those from other states, the yearly price to attend Pennsylvania State University is $38,651 for base pay and $51,635 to use room and board.

You will find that it takes about four years to finish a degree, so residents of Pennsylvania will pay close to $154,604 and those from out of state could pay $206,540.

Financial aid, scholarships and grants are available for most students at this university.

Contact Information

  • Address: 201 Old Main University Park, PA 6802
  • Phone: 814-865-4700
  • Website: www.psu.edu

5University of Pittsburgh

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Another large public school in Pennsylvania is the University of Pittsburgh, which is located more in a city with just over 146 acres of campus.

Those who are ready to begin their dream career love the University of Pittsburgh for its student to professor ratio as well as the accolades.

The University of Pittsburgh is considered the Number One Public School by U.S. News and World Report as well as being the Number One Public School in the Northeast by the Wall Street Journal.

Find yourself among likeminded individuals who have a knack for learning in one of the 646 degree options here.

The Bachelors of Arts in Sociology is an in-person option for those who love to study behavior and society.

Within this four year program, students are focused on understanding the world and the people within it.

Along the way, you’ll take general education classes but also more specialized courses including:

  • Sociology of Everyday Life
  • Societies
  • Social Theory
  • Social Research Methods

Students will also have the opportunity to perform research, involve themselves in internships and even study abroad if that is something you’d choose to do.

Now that you have finally graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, you will see that many doors have opened for you in roles that look like:

  • Criminologist
  • Actuary
  • Medical Sociologist
  • Career Specialist

Enrollment

If you have decided on enrolling at the University of Pittsburgh, all you’ll need to do is go to the website and find the admissions tab to begin.

Military, first year freshman, transfer students and international students are all welcome to apply here.

After completing your information, you will see that there is a $55 non-refundable application fee that is due upon submission.

Along with your application, please submit the following information:

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

An academic advisor will contact you in two to three weeks upon submission of your application.

Fees

Pennsylvania residents will have a tuition cost of $22,072 a year.

Since it takes four years to complete a degree, the average Pennsylvania resident pays $88,288 upon graduation.

If you are not from Pennsylvania but want to attend, that will be $40,560 per year or $162,240 after four years.

Room and board is not included in this price and will be an additional $12,268 per year.

Other fees may apply, including:

  • Book fees – $1,000
  • Transportation fee- $260
  • Student activity fee – $200
  • Wellness fee – $510

Contact Information

  • Address: 4200 Fifth Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15260
  • Phone: 412-624-4141
  • Website: www.pitt.edu

6Muhlenberg College

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Muhlenberg College is a small, independent, liberal arts school that is close to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Approximately 2,000 students attend this school each year in pursuit of their dream degree.

This private school was founded in the late 1800’s and has been going strong since its very beginning.

Here, students can gain access to research and opportunities founded in experiential learning.

One of the many offerings at Muhlenberg College is the Sociology Bachelors degree, which will take four years to finish.

Throughout this program, students will study group behavior in society and how each perspective can make a difference.

Those who have a knack for understanding people will enjoy courses like:

  • American Ethnic Diversity
  • Sexuality and Gender
  • Sociology of Health
  • Research Design in Sociology

It will take 120 credit hours of dedication to complete your degree at Muhlenberg University.

Then, you will be ready to graduate and find a successful lifelong career in Sociology which may include:

  • Convention Organizer
  • Labor Relations Representative
  • Marketing Research Analyst
  • Data Analyst

Enrollment

You can be a part of the diverse community here at Muhlenberg College, all you’ll need to do is check out the website to learn more about applying.

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

Don’t forget to include these important documents along with your application:

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

Some prospective students may want to conduct an interview with an academic advisor, this will help them get to know you better as a person.

Make sure that you are on top of things and following deadlines to ensure your application gets to the right people on time so you can begin orientation and signing. up for classes.

Fees

Muhlenberg College has a yearly tuition rate of $58,005.

Those who earn a Bachelors degree will end up paying $232,020.

Expect to pay $7,310 to $9,725 annually to live in a dorm on campus.

Meal plans are another added expense at $1,585 to $6,130 depending on how many meals you buy.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for all students.

Contact Information

  • Address: 2400 Chew St. Allentown, PA 18104
  • Phone: 484-664-3100
  • Website: www.muhlenberg.edu

7Franklin and Marshall College

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Lancaster, Pennsylvania houses Franklin and Marshall College, another small, private school with high honors.

Students will enjoy small classes, with less than 20 students per class, and collaborate education that surpasses expectations.

At Franklin and Marshall College, people from over 50 countries come to enjoy the benefits here.

Not only do you get the education you deserve, but everything is done right on a small, close-knit campus perfect for those who enjoy the hometown feel.

Just 60 undergraduate degrees are available here, and one of those is the admirable Sociology Bachelors degree.

You’ll take four years to complete these incredible courses, as well as others, that will help you succeed in a Sociology career once you graduate:

  • Concept of a Person
  • Free Will
  • Sociology and Medicine
  • Criminology

Students will get the chance to research on and off campus as well as take on entrepreneurship programs.

Then, it is time to graduate so that you can make your mark on the world in a role such as:

  • Personnel Interviewer
  • Corrections Officer
  • Criminologist
  • Adoption Agent

Enrollment

It is so easy to apply to Franklin and Marshall College, the first step is to head to the website and find the admissions tab.

There, you’ll see the easy and accessible application that should only take about twenty minutes to fill out.

No matter if this is your first year as a college student or if you are returning, you are welcome to apply to Franklin and Marshall College.

There is a $60 non-refundable application fee at this time.

Don’t forget to submit the following documents along with your application:

  • ACT or SAT scores
  • Teacher letter of recommendation
  • Counselor letter of recommendation
  • High school or previous education transcript

Once you have done all that, you will be on your way to enrolling in classes.

Fees

One year of tuition at Franklin and Marshall College is $65,841.

Expect to pay an additional $15,040 per year for room and board amenities.

Total tuition will cost $83,506 per year for those who want to include those amenities in their yearly tuition costs.

Since it takes four years to complete a degree at Franklin and Marshall College, students will pay between $259,364 and $334,024.

Contact Information

  • Address: 637 College Ave. Lancaster, PA 17603
  • Phone: 877-678-9111
  • Website: www.fandm.edu

8Bucknell University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Bucknell University has ranked at number 30 as a National Liberal Arts University by U.S. News and World Report.

Considering the size of this school, that is an incredible award, especially for a private school.

There are about 3,000 students who enroll at Bucknell University each year, coming from all over the world.

The College of Arts and Sciences hosts the Sociology Bachelors degree, which is an endearing degree for those who want to learn more about how people think and work.

It will take four years to complete the 120 credit hours required for graduation.

Along the way, students will take on interesting and immersive courses such as:

  • Sociology of Social Problems
  • Law and Society
  • American Society and Culture
  • Social Inequality

A unique aspect of Bucknell University is that students are able to take part in field research in their community in order to gain hands-on experience.

It is also required to take on a senior project so that your professors can understand all that you have learned throughout your time here.

Once you graduate from Bucknell University, you will be prepared for a role in Sociology like:

  • School Counselor
  • Career Counselor
  • Gerontologist
  • Human Services Worker

Enrollment

In order to apply at Bucknell University, you will need to create an account on the school’s website.

This way you can save your information and come back if necessary.

There is a $50 non-refundable application fee to apply to Bucknell University.

Once you are accepted there is also an enrollment deposit of $500 to keep your spot at the school.

First year freshman, military students, returning learners and transfer students are all welcome to begin their journey to a higher education here.

It should take about a month to hear back from this school, but they also have early acceptance so keep an eye out for important dates.

Once you find out that you’ve been accepted you can begin orientation and signing up for classes.

Fees

Attending Bucknell is a great experience but it does come with some costs.

For students who do not want to live on campus, the yearly tuition is $64,418 and those who want to live on campus will have a higher tuition cost at $80,890 per year.

A four year commitment is what it takes to finish a Bachelors degree at Bucknell University.

This means that graduates typically end up paying between $257,672 and $323,560 to attend this college.

The activity fee per year is $354.

There are options for financial aid and scholarships to help pay for schooling.

Contact Information

  • Address: One Dent Dr. Lewisburg, PA 17837
  • Phone: 570-577-2000
  • Website: www.bucknell.edu

9Bryn Mawr College

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Bryn Mawr University has tied with the previous school at number 30 in the ranking for National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News and World Report.

Another small school fit for those with big dreams, this private institution houses just 1,400 students per year.

Bryn Mawr is a distinguished women’s college surrounded by lush forests and gorgeous brick buildings.

Here, you will find 52 programs to choose from, one of them being the Sociology Bachelors degree.

Students will study social problems in society as well as human behaviors and how we can all make changes to the world.

Within this program, you will take on many courses related to Sociology such as:

  • Society, Culture, and the Individual
  • Punishment and Social Order
  • Social Theory
  • Global Sociology

During your senior year, you will have the opportunity to work on an individual research project that will span the entire year.

Completing this project and maintaining good grades will get you a degree as well as lead you toward the path of success in a career that may include:

  • Social Science Statistician
  • Rehabilitation Counselor
  • Law Enforcement Officer
  • Historian

Enrollment

The website is the easiest way to find an application to apply to this school.

Once you are there, get ready to fill out your information and begin the process of enrollment.

First year students, international learners, and returning students are all welcome to begin their journey.

In order to complete the application, it is necessary to create an account on the website.

Then, you’ll want to submit the following information:

  • Writing sample
  • Transcripts
  • Two teacher recommendations
  • School counselor recommendation
  • Mid-year report

Some optional information to think about including with your application includes:

  • ACT or SAT scores
  • Interview with academic advisor

Once you have completed the application and submitted all of your information you will hear back from an advisor by the school’s deadline of December.

Then, you can start enrolling in classes and sign up for orientation.

Fees

Yearly, students will pay $61,190 to attend Bryn Mawr College.

Food and housing is an additional fee at $18,690 per year.

This means that graduates will pay between $244,760 and $319,520 to attend this school.

Additional fees may include:

  • Books – $1,000
  • Travel – $900
  • Loan fees – $56

Contact Information

  • Address: 101 North Merion Ave. Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
  • Phone: 610-526-5000
  • Website: www.brynmawr.edu

10Villanova University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Villanova University is the only Augustinian Catholic school in the entire country, and it is located right in Villanova, Pennsylvania.

Typically about 10,000 students attend this school each year, and you do not need to be Catholic in order to enroll.

Here, you will find yourself immersed in gorgeous architecture that will remind you of the old-world.

The charm of Villanova University will get you excited to learn one of the many programs offered here.

Within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, students are welcome to enroll in the Sociology Bachelors degree program.

Along with general education classes, students are encouraged to take on discussion in courses such as:

  • Justice and Society
  • Police and Society
  • Drugs and Society
  • Criminological Theory

Take on world-experience in an internship during your senior year to complete your four year ride at Villanova University.

Then, you will be ready to graduate and find a successful career in Sociology that may include a role like:

  • Private Investigator
  • Substance Abuse Counselor
  • Community Service Manager
  • Journalist

Enrollment

It is quite simple to apply to Villanova University, the first step is to find the application on the website.

Then, you’ll need to create an account to begin filling it out.

This should take about thirty minutes of your time.

There is a non-refundable application fee of $80 to apply here.

Along with your application, please provide the following information:

  • School report and transcripts
  • Teacher recommendation
  • Senior year grades

It is optional to include counselor recommendations and ACT or SAT scores with your application.

Prospective students are welcome to tour the campus before deciding on Villanova University.

Fees

The average tuition for students at Villanova University is $63,806 and if you plan to use room and board that price goes up to $85,316.

It takes four years to complete a Bachelors degree, so graduates will pay between $255,224 and $341,264 upon graduation.

Books and other expenses are included in these prices.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for all students who attend this school.

Contact Information

  • Address: 800 Lancaster Ave. Villanova, PA 19085
  • Phone: 610-519-4500
  • Website: www.villanova.edu

Final Thoughts

Now that you have seen the variety of great schools that Pennsylvania has to offer, we hope you have been able to pick your favorite.

There are many ways to learn about Sociology and incredible careers that await you once you graduate.

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.