10 Best Sociology Bachelor's Degree Schools in Rhode Island

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Rhode Island may be the smallest state in the United States, but it still has many big things going for it.

You’ll find more than 400 miles of coastline in Rhode Island, and that is where it gets its nickname the Ocean State.

Another impactful experience that many people fro Rhode Island want to have is the chance to earn a Bachelors degree.

Here, students from all across the United States can join in on prestigious learning experiences in Providence, Kingston, and beyond the state borders in Connecticut and even online.

If you are the type of person that is looking to expand your horizons, Rhode Island may have just the solution for you.

Take a look at ten of the best schools for people who want to study Sociology in Rhode Island.

1Brown University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

In Providence, Rhode Island, you will find Brown University, a quaint private school founded in 1764.

This gorgeous tree-lined campus is just minutes away from the city, but once you take a step on Brown Universities lawns you will be taken back in time.

Typically, you will find about 8,000 students roaming the halls here, studying their various degrees.

Through the Department of Sociology, students can immerse themselves in interesting and collaborative learning with the Sociology Bachelors degree.

It will take about four years to finish your degree at Brown University, and in that time you will engross yourself in discussion and research in courses such as:

  • Introduction to Sociology
  • Race, Immigration and the Making of Inequality
  • Sex, Gender, and Society
  • Organizations and Society

Along the way, students will be required to take on an internship so that they can learn hands-on knowledge of the field.

An internship can be done locally through a government agency, healthcare system, or even a school.

Once you have completed all of the required courses and internship, you will be ready to take a walk across that stage and graduate.

Upon graduation, many doors in Sociology will open for you, including roles like:

  • Federal Case Manager
  • Private Investigator
  • Adoption Agent
  • High School Teacher

Enrollment

Head to the school’s website to submit your application, which is easy and quick to fill out.

All you will need to do is head to the admissions tab to find the application you are looking for.

There are applications for first year freshman, transfer students, returning students and even international learners.

It should take no more than twenty minutes to complete your application here, and you won’t even need to submit any ACT or SAT scores.

International students will need to take and pass an English Proficiency exam before being considered for admission.

Completing your application is the first step, then you need to submit and wait to hear back about the status of your enrollment.

It should take about two to three weeks to hear back from an academic advisor, at which time you can enroll in classes and begin orientation.

Fees

Basic tuition for a year at Brown University will cost you $65,656.

Adding room and board as well as books will boost that price up to $88,948 per year.

This means a four year degree will cost between $262,624 and $355,792 at Brown University.

Students are welcome to apply for scholarships, grants, and financial aid.

Contact Information

  • Address: 115 Waterman St. Providence, RI 02912
  • Phone: 401-863-1000
  • Website: www.brown.edu

2Providence College

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

This Catholic school is another small institution located in Providence, Rhode Island.

While it may be a Catholic university, students from all walks of life are welcome to learn here.

Students can enjoy small class sizes and various opportunities for research, internships and even clubs and organizations.

One of the several provided programs that is on the undergraduate level is the Sociology Bachelors degree.

Sociology is the study of human behavior and how it affects society, so if you are a person who enjoys getting to know how people think, this is the best option for you.

Along with general education classes, students will take more tailored classes including:

  • History of Social Thought
  • Immigration
  • Sociology of the Family
  • Consumer Sociology

Students will take on experiential learning opportunities throughout their four years at Providence College.

Then, once you graduate, you will see all of the Sociology options laid out for you in Rhode Island and around the world in roles such as:

  • Hospital Administrator
  • Public Relations Manager
  • Actuary
  • Sociologist

Enrollment

If you are ready to take the next step in your education journey, head to the Providence College website to begin filling out an application.

On the website, you’ll find the admissions tab where you can click to create an account and submit your information.

Along with your application, you will need to provide a $65 non-refundable application fee.

Also, important documents should be uploaded with your application, including:

  • Transcripts
  • Letter of recommendation
  • Personal essay
  • ACT or SAT scores

Once you have completed all of the above criteria, you’ll hear back from an academic advisor by December of the year you are completing.

Then, you can start deciding on which classes to enroll in as well as complete orientation.

Fees

One year of tuition at Providence College is $60,710, but if you want to live and eat on campus that price goes up to $77,860.

Since it takes four years to complete a Bachelors degree, graduates will pay between $242,840 and $311,440.

Financial aid is available for all students at this school.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1 Cunningham Sq. Providence, RI 02918
  • Phone: 401-865-1000
  • Website: www.providence.edu

3University of Rhode Island

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

The first public school on our list is the University of Rhode Island, which is located in Kingston.

This mid-sized school houses about 13,000 students per year and has a large campus.

The University of Rhode Island has even been ranked in the top 100 public schools by U.S. News and World Report.

There are tons of undergraduate opportunities that span a wide variety of interests.

From English to science and even engineering, students from all over the world come to the University of Rhode Island to experience college life.

Along with 93 other opportunities, students who want to learn more about society and how humans work can take on the Sociology Bachelors degree.

The Sociology Bachelors degree is a four year path that will teach students about culture, race, and gender along with many other topics including:

  • Social Psychology
  • Crime and Delinquency
  • Race and Ethnicity
  • Social Movements and Change

Students will also get the chance to research and complete field studies to ensure well-rounded knowledge of the field.

Along the way, you will be expected to complete a capstone project as well as do independent study research projects to complete your degree.

After 120 credit hours have been completed, you will be ready to graduate from the University of Rhode Island.

Take all that knowledge that you know have and turn it into a satisfying career like:

  • Private Investigator
  • Human Resources Manager
  • Journalist
  • Diversity Manager

Enrollment

First year freshman, transfer students, and international students all have a place at the University of Rhode Island.

Take a tour of the campus either virtually or in person before you decided to enroll here.

Then, head to the website and fill out the simple and quick application.

All you’ll need to do is create an account and fill out your personal information.

There is a $65 application fee in order to submit the application, which is non-refundable.

Along with your application, please provide the following information:

  • High school transcripts or transcripts from previous education
  • List of senior year courses
  • Essay
  • One or two letters of recommendation

You will need to have at least a 3.2 GPA in order to be considered for admission here.

It should take about three weeks to hear back on whether you have been accepted or not.

Fees

Rhode Island residents who do not live on campus will pay $16,408 per year to attend the University of Rhode Island.

If you plan to live and eat on campus, that number increases to $30,538 per year.

Those from out of state will pay $35,804 for base tuition and $49,934 to include room and board.

Since it is a four year degree, Rhode Island residents will have a final tuition bill of between $65,632 and $122,152.

Out of state graduates will pay between $143,216 and $199,736 to finish their degree.

Contact Information

  • Address: 45 Upper College Rd. Kingston, RI 02881
  • Phone: 401-874-1000
  • Website: www.uri.edu

4Bryant University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

In Smithfield, Rhode Island you will find another small private school by the name of Bryant University.

Ranked number 6 in Regional Universities North, Bryant University is a small school that is founded in tradition.

Each program is distinguished and exceptional and not only that, professors typically have high degrees in the fields that they teach here.

Those who have an interest in learning about society and how differences can make for interesting perspectives will like the Sociology Bachelors degree offered here.

Work with classmates as well as professors side by side to conduct research and discussions in courses that may include:

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

Completing field work and an internship throughout your time at Bryant University will allow you to graduate with extreme knowledge.

U.S. News and World Report has rated the Sociology department at Bryant University number 7, and has been in the top 10 for the last decade.

Now that you have seen all that goes into life at Bryant University in the Sociology department it is time to gradate and begin your lifelong career.

Some of the best careers in Sociology will be waiting for you to fill them, including roles like:

  • 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

5Southern New Hampshire University

Programs Offered:
Online
Out-of-State

Southern New Hampshire University is a 100% virtual school, so even if you live in Rhode Island you can still stay home and do all of your coursework.

This online school has been around for decades, and currently over 100 programs are available to busy adults to study right from the comfort of their own homes.

Earning a degree at Southern New Hampshire University is a great way to learn while taking care of your family or keeping a full time job.

One of the popular options for Bachelors degrees at Southern New Hampshire University is the Sociology degree.

Students will take on general education classes as well as more specialized courses that pertain to Sociology like:

  • Social Sciences Research Methods
  • Sociology of Social Problems
  • Sociology of the Family
  • Sociological Prospectives

At this school, students will have the option to enroll in the Community Health concentration as well as the general Sociology path.

No matter what you choose you will be a forced to be reckoned with once you graduate from Southern New Hampshire University.

Upon completing four years of school, you will be ready to take on one of the multitude of important Sociology roles in the world such as:

  • Community Health Worker
  • Community Service Manager
  • Health Policy Lobbyist
  • Consumer Advocate

Enrollment

It is easy to apply to Southern New Hampshire University, and as of right now there is no application fee.

If you would like to start your application, all you need to do is complete your personal information and submit your transcripts from high school or previous college experience.

You will be able to choose your start date, and you won’t need to submit any GPA requirements, everything is ready for you to begin your college career.

It should take about a week to hear back on whether you have been accepted at Southern New Hampshire University.

Fees

Typically, it costs about $9,900 a year to attend Southern New Hampshire University.

This includes books and other fees, which will be $39,600 after four years of education.

Students in the military receive a discount and will pay $6,930 per year to attend.

It will cost military students $27,720 for four years of college.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for this school.

Contact Information

  • Address: 2500 North River Rd. Manchester, NH 03016
  • Phone: 800-915-7648
  • Website: www.snhu.edu

6Yale University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

Yale University is a prestigious Ivy League school that is located in New Haven, Connecticut.

Those from Rhode Island will need to make the short drive to Yale University in order to study there as it is an on-campus school.

Founded in 1701, Yale University is the oldest college in the entire state of Connecticut.

Now a days, students from all around the world join at this Old-English style campus each year, totaling about 12,000.

You could be one of them if you are interested in the Sociology Bachelors degree as there is a popular program at the undergraduate level.

This degree will take four years to complete and along with general education classes, students will be required to take classes such as:

  • Foundations of Modern Social Theory
  • Contemporary Social Theory
  • Methods of Inquiry
  • Inequality, Economic Mobility and Public Policy

At Yale University, students will have the choice of general Sociology or to choose a concentration:

  • Economy and Society
  • Health and Society
  • Data and Society
  • Inequality, Race and Society

No matter which path you choose, you will make a difference in the field of Sociology with a degree from Yale University.

Good grades and concentration will lead you toward a successful career after graduation that may include:

  • Special Librarian
  • Student Personnel Worker
  • Journalist
  • Foreign Service Officer

Enrollment

Before becoming enrolled at Yale University, many prospective students like to take a tour of the campus, whether virtual or in person, to get a feel of where they will be learning the next four years.

Once you have decided that Yale is right for you, you can go to the website to complete the application.

First year applicants as well as transfer students and international students are welcome to apply to Yale University.

Upon submitting your application, there is an $80 non-refundable application fee.

Along with your personal information, you will also need to provide the following paperwork:

  • Recommendation from two teachers and one counselor
  • School report or transcript
  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Mid-year report

Deadlines occur throughout the year, so keep an eye out for important dates.

Decisions on admission will be posted online as well as emailed about one month after completing your application.

Fees

Tuition per year at Yale University is $64,700 and with room and board that price goes up to $83,880.

Since there are four years to complete a degree, graduates will pay between $258,800 and $335,200 depending on the amenities chosen.

There is also an optional $2,894 fee per year for health insurance.

Financial aid and scholarships are available as well for all students.

Contact Information

  • Address: P.O. Box 208241 New Haven, CT 06520
  • Phone: 203-432-4771
  • Website: www.yale.edu

7University of Connecticut

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

The University of Connecticut is a large public school located in Stores, Connecticut.

Those who want a big college experience will want to enjoy the 4,000 acre campus here.

Rhode Island residents will need to complete their education on campus as there are no online programs available here.

You will find beautiful, historic buildings and classmates who share similar interests.

Small courses sizes and 115 undergraduate programs to choose from should make you excited to take a look at the University of Connecticut.

A popular choice for Bachelors degree here is the Sociology program, providing four years of education.

It will require 120 credit hours to complete this degree, and 24 of those must be Sociology related.

Consider these classes when thinking about joining the Sociology Bachelors degree program:

  • Methods of Social Research
  • Social Theory
  • Women and Crime
  • Social Welfare and Social Work

Once you become a senior, you will need to take on an internship in order to fulfill all requirements.

Then, its time to graduate and think about a fulfilling career in Sociology such as:

  • Legislative Aide
  • Special Agent
  • Program Officer
  • Market Researcher

Enrollment

First year students, transfer students, and even students from other countries are welcome to apply to the University of Connecticut.

Prospective students will need to create an account on the website to begin, you will also need to provide an $80 non-refundable application fee.

Along with your personal information, please provide the following paperwork:

  • Essay
  • Two option letters of recommendation
  • Official transcript
  • ACT or SAT scores

International students will also need to provide immigration status paperwork.

Upon submitting your application it may take up to a month to find out the status of your application.

You can check on the school’s website or wait for an email from an academic advisor.

Fees

In order to learn at the University of Connecticut, you will have to pay $34,362 per year as a resident of Connecticut who plans to use room and board.

Those who are residents of Connecticut but will not live and eat on campus will pay $16,332 to attend this school.

A Bachelors degree requires four years of commitment, so graduates from Connecticut will pay between $65,328 and $137,448

If you are from another state, your yearly tuition will be $39,000 without room and board and $57,030 with those amenities.

Out of state graduates will pay between $156,000 and $228,120 to attend this school.

Regional New England residents will get a reduced tuition cost at $25,350 for non-campus living and $46,896 for on-campus living.

This means that regional students will pay between $101,400 and $187,584.

Health insurance is something that is also available, which can add an additional $2,946 per year to your total tuition costs.

You will be able to sign up for financial aid as well as grants and scholarships at this school.

Contact Information

  • Address: 241 Glenbrook Rd. Storrs, CT 06269
  • Phone: 860-486-4900
  • Website: www.uconn.edu

8Central Connecticut State University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Online
Out-of-State

Central Connecticut State University is a powerful public school for determined adults.

Here, students are welcome to come from all states and even other countries to experience the education.

However, if you are from Rhode Island and you don’t want to move out of state to study, you can always do so online as Central Connecticut State University offers some interesting virtual degrees.

One of the online and on campus degrees that this school provides its students is the Sociology Bachelors degree.

As a four year program, students will spend their time learning about society and humans to connect the two in meaningful ways.

Along the way, expect to take on courses that will have you thinking, such as:

  • Social Problems
  • Sociological Theory
  • Community Research
  • Research Methods

No matter if you are an online student or plan to learn on campus, you will need to take on a local internship in your senior year to earn hands-on experiences.

Then, after completing 120 credit hours, you will be ready to take your knowledge into the real world in a career like:

  • Census Researcher
  • Community Health Worker
  • School Counselor
  • Criminologist

Enrollment

Before you apply to Central Connecticut State University, you should set up a campus tour to see if it is the right school for you.

If you have made up your mind, head to the website and find the application under the admissions tab.

There, you’ll be able to fill out your information for incoming freshman, transfer students, international students and even returning learners.

Every couple of months there are deadlines, so keep a look out so you can get your application in on time.

Along with your application, it is important to submit:

  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Transcripts from previous education

Expect to hear back about the status of your application within a week or two.

Fees

Students who are from the state of Connecticut will pay $12,106 per year, but with room and board that price goes up to $24,570.

A Bachelors degree from Central Connecticut State University is four years long, so the average student will pay between $48,424 and $98,280.

Out of state students who live in New England, New York or New Jersey will pay $27,806 with room and board.

This cost comes out to be $111,224 after four years of education.

If you are from another state or another part of the world, expect to pay $37,458 with room and board, which averages at $149,832 after graduation.

Financial aid and scholarship are available for qualified students, as well as military students will receive a discount on their tuition.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1615 Stanley St. New Britain, CT 06050
  • Phone: 860-832-3200
  • Website: www.ccsu.edu

9American Public University

Programs Offered:
Online
Out-of-State

Another Fully online school is American Public University which was created for busy adults.

This school has about 90,000 students enrolled all around the world and will provide world-class education in many subjects.

For those who would like to keep a full time job or just want to stay home and learn, American Public University is a fantastic option.

A popular degree choice from American Public University is the Sociology Bachelors degree.

Here, students can choose one of many concentrations to focus on:

  • Community Action
  • Education
  • Health
  • Social Justice
  • Public Policy
  • Digital Society

It is possible to also learn general Sociology if you do not wish to choose one of these paths.

Each concentration will require 15 hours of specialized courses, and the rest of the classes will look like:

  • Social Problems
  • Social Deviance
  • Classical Sociological Theory
  • Research Methods in Sociology

After completing the majority of your classes, you will be tasked with a senior seminar, which will showcase how much you have learned over the past four years.

Then, it is time to graduate and show the world all that you have learned at this fine school.

Expect many doors to open up for you with a degree in Sociology, including roles such as:

  • Economist
  • Demographer
  • Child Welfare Social Worker
  • Arbitrator

Enrollment

It is completely free to apply to American Public University, and it is also easy as you only need to go to the website to get started.

Submit your previous education level to begin your application, American Public University accepts first year freshman, transfer students, and even international learners.

Military members are also welcome to apply.

It may take a few days to hear back about the status of your application, but once you do you will be ready to enroll in classes.

Fees

It costs about $8,550 per year to attend American Public University.

Since everything is done online, there are no fees associated with boarding or meal plans, and even books are included in the tuition price.

This means that for a four year degree, graduates will pay $34,200.

Military students will pay $30,000 for four years of education.

Contact Information

  • Address: 111 West Congress St. Charles Town WV, 25414
  • Phone: 877-755-2787
  • Website: www.apu.edu

10University of Massachusetts-Boston

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Online
Out-of-State

The last school on our list will have you heading north to Boston, Massachusetts.

The University of Massachusetts in Boston is a fairly new public school with a founding in 1964.

Students can take on many organizations, clubs, programs, and research opportunities at this 100 acre college.

Those who are ready to take life’s challenges and earn their dream degree will enjoy the mid-sized school.

One of the popular education paths here is the Sociology Bachelors degree, which is a four year degree perfect for those who want to learn more about society.

While students from Rhode Island may want to stay home and learn, that is an option if you attend this school as there are online and in-person classes each year.

This program will last four years and cover topics like race, gender, and culture.

General education classes will take up some time on your course list, but you will also get the chance to learn in more specialized courses like:

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

Students in their senior year will also need to work on an internship locally, this can be done at home or on campus.

Good grades and finalizing your internship will get you the education needed as well as hands-on experience to step into the real world after graduation and take on a career that may include:

  • 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.

Contact Information

  • Address: 100 Morrissey Blvd. Boston Mass, 02125
  • Phone: 617-287-5000
  • Website: www.umb.edu

Final Thoughts

Rhode Island is a small state which means you’ll likely need to look beyond the borders to find incredible schools.

That doesn’t mean Rhode Island won’t offer what you need for education, considering many private and public schools have the Sociology Bachelors degree you’ve been waiting for right in your home state.

Now that you have seen all that Rhode Island can do for you in your journey to your degree, we hope you have narrowed down the possibilities.

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.