10 Best Sociology Bachelor's Degree Schools in Washington

Page Navigation

You will love Washington state for its incredible views of mountains, forests, and a variety of wildlife that is awe-inspiring.

Getting its name from the first president, Washington will leave you breathless as you stare at the gorgeous outdoor views.

Plus, thousands of people flock here for the Seattle Space Needle and the Museum of Pop Culture.

Those who are from Washington may be ready to take a step into their dream career, in search of an education to get them there.

Luckily, there are plenty of incredible schools in Washington that can help you get one step closer.

Take a look at ten of our best schools for people who want a degree in Sociology in Washington.

There are public schools big and small, as well as private schools and even online education programs throughout the state.

1University of Washington

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Seattle, Washington is home to the University of Washington, a gorgeous campus that was built in 1861.

Considered a larger school with about 33,000 students attending each year, this public institution is great for those who want a lot of options.

Not only can you engage in hundreds of organizations, clubs, and extracurriculars, but you can also attend one of 180 Bachelors degree programs.

The Sociology program is a great way to learn about society, gender, race, culture and much more.

This four year program is designed to equip students with knowledge to research and explore the outside world.

Some of the courses that you will be required to take in order to complete this degree include:

  • Foundations of Social Inquiry
  • Social Science Statistics
  • Sociological Theory
  • Advanced Sociology

During your senior year, you will be required to take on an internship that will help with hands-on experience down the road.

As a graduate of the Sociology program you may find that some of the options for careers after you earn your degree are:

  • Merchandiser
  • Employment Specialist
  • Legislative Aide
  • Program Officer

Enrollment

Applying to the University of Washington can be done right from home on the website.

All you need to do is go to the school’s page and find the admissions tab.

There, you will be able to start entering in your personal information.

Along with your information, you’ll need to provide the following paperwork:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • $80 non-refundable application fee
  • Two essays

You may also need to write a short-answer in one of the sections depending on your circumstances.

After completing all of this, you will need to submit your information and then wait about two weeks to hear back on your acceptance status.

Fees

To attend the University of Washington, students can choose to live on campus or off, depending on their preference.

Those who are from Washington and attend school but live off campus will pay $21,440 per year.

If you plan to live on campus as a Washington resident, you will pay $36,848 annually.

Out of state people who live off campus will pay $49,938 while campus residents will pay $65,346.

Depending on your circumstances, in-state students will pay between $85,760 and $147,392 to attend the University of Washington.

Those coming in from out of state will pay between $199,752 and $261,384 for a four year degree.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for all qualified students.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1410 NE Campus Parkway Seattle, WA 98195
  • Phone: 206-543-2100
  • Website: www.washington.edu

2Washington State University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Another public school in Washington is in Pullman and is known as Washington State University.

The well-kept lawns and old English style buildings will entice you to enroll here.

This sprawling school has over 200 different programs to choose from.

One of the popular choices for students who want to learn more about the world around them is the Sociology Bachelors degree.

Students will have the opportunity to learn through individualized attention as well as discussion in classes like:

  • Growing Up and Growing Older
  • Sustainability and Society
  • Rural Sociology
  • Development of Social Theory

At Washington State University, students will also be able to take part in Sociology Club, which is a registered club providing leadership and research opportunities for students.

Students are also welcome to take on experience learning opportunities including:

  • Internships
  • Research
  • Service Learning
  • Study Abroad

People who graduate from the Washington State University will find it easy to gain a career in Sociology that could be:

  • News Correspondent Reporter
  • Technical Writer
  • Healthcare Worker
  • Program Specialist

Enrollment

You are invited to take a campus tour of Washington State University before committing to the school so that you can get a feel for what you may be doing for the next four years of your life.

After the tour, if you are ready to apply, head to the website to learn more.

Under the admissions tab, you will find all the information needed to finish applying.

Along with your personal information, you will need to submit the following information:

  • High school or previous education transcripts
  • $70 application fee

You will also want to complete scholarship and financial aid information at this time.

As soon as you submit your application it should take about a week or two to hear back from an academic advisor.

Then, you’ll be ready to enroll in orientation and well as classes.

Fees

Residents of Washington pay $29,944 per year to attend this school while out of state residents pay $45,628.

Attending a school for a Bachelors degree will be a four year commitment, so Washington residents will end up paying $119,776 upon graduation and out of state students will pay $182,512 to earn a degree.

Scholarships and financial aid are available for all students, and 75% of Washington State University students receive some type of aid.

Contact Information

  • Address: WSU Pullman, WA 99164
  • Phone: 509-335-3564
  • Website: www.wsu.edu

3Central Washington University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Online

Ellensburg, Washington is where you will find Central Washington University.

A unique aspect of this school is that there are both online and in-person learning options for many of their degrees.

With over 300 programs to choose from, there is something for everyone at Central Washington University.

Those who have an interest in understanding people and the world around us will get a kick out of the Sociology Bachelors degree.

As a four year degree, students will learn about general education as well as more specialized information in classes like:

  • Social Movements
  • Gender in Society
  • Economic Realities of the American Dream
  • Political Sociology

All of this can be done on campus or right at home, depending on how you want to learn.

After four years, you will be ready to take on the world of Sociology in a career such as:

  • Census Researcher
  • School Counselor
  • Criminologist
  • Advertising Manager

Enrollment

Everyone from first year freshman to transfer students and even military students are welcome to apply to Central Washington University.

All you will need to do is head to the website to get started.

If you submit your application early, you are more likely to acquire scholarships which can help you pay for school.

This application will require that you pay a $60 non-refundable fee upon submission.

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

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

Not everyone can get into Central Washington University, you will need to meet the following criteria:

  • Must have at least a 3.0 GPA
  • Have completed the College Academic Distribution Requirements
    • 4 years of English, 4 years of Math, 2 years of world language, 3 years of science and social studies, and one year of arts

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

Fees

Students who are from Washington will pay $5,370 per year to attend which means that you will end up paying $21,480 upon graduation.

If you are from out of state, you will pay $16,746 per year or $66,984 after graduating.

Some additional course fees, late fees, and other miscellaneous fees may apply.

Contact Information

  • Address: 400 East University Way Ellensburg, WA 98926
  • Phone: 509-963-1111
  • Website: www.cwu.edu

4Eastern Washington University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Located in beautiful Cheney, Washington, Eastern Washington University is one of the best public schools in the United States.

In fact, the school has held its ranking in the top 50 for best Regional Universities in the West by U.S. News and World Report for several years.

Founded in 1882, this university has been an impactful institution for over 100 years and is still going strong.

There have been over 100,000 alumni who have gone on to do great things with their degree from Eastern Washington University.

One of the degrees offered here is the Sociology Bachelors degree, which will require four years of your time.

Students will take part in diverse courses that will teach them all about culture, society, gender, and much more.

Some of the courses that you should expect throughout your time at Eastern Washington University are:

  • Methods for Social Research
  • Sociology of Deviance
  • Social Change
  • Social Psychology

Students will need to take part in a senior capstone project as well as a senior thesis to show all that they have learned throughout their time here.

Completing 120 credit hours here will grant you a degree and access to hundreds of incredible careers in Sociology including:

  • Medical Sociologist
  • Actuary
  • Historian
  • Federal Case Manager

Enrollment

Completing an application for Eastern Washington University has been made simple, all you need to do is go to the school’s website.

There, you will find the admissions tab where you can complete the application and submit the $60 non-refundable fee.

Don’t forget to provide the following information along with your application:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • Financial aid information
  • Scholarship information

If you are from another country, you will need to provide their passport information and scores from the English proficiency exam.

It should take a couple of weeks to hear back from an enrollment advisor, at which time you can sign up for orientation and begin looking into classes.

Fees

Washington residents will pay $8,139 per year, which will be $$32,556 after four years of education.

If you come from another state expect to pay $25,464 per year for a total of $101,856 after graduation.

There are some other fees that may apply to both resident and non-resident students, such as:

  • Books – $800
  • Room and Board – $13,739
  • Technology – $120
  • Health and Wellness – $390

Financial aid and scholarships are available for qualified students.

Contact Information

  • Address: 526 5th St. Cheney, WA 99004
  • Phone: 509-359-6200
  • Website: www.ewu.edu

5Western Washington University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Western Washington University in Bellingham is in the top 25 for best Regional Universities in the West according to U.S. News and World Report.

This is why people from all over the world flock to Washington, so that they can receive the comprehensive and inclusive education provided here.

The gorgeous oceanside campus is perfect for those who love the outdoors and want a dynamic college experience.

Students can take part in one of the over 200 programs available here.

One of the most popular options is the Sociology Bachelors degree, which is perfect for people who want to learn more about society and how we all can live together harmoniously.

Throughout this program, students will learn how to understand society, social change, diversity, and more more through open discussion in courses including:

  • The Family in Society
  • Statistics for Sociology
  • Sociology of Law
  • Globalization

Students will also need to complete a senior thesis to show how much they have learned throughout this for year degree.

Once you graduate from Western Washington University, you will be ready for a successful lifelong career in Sociology such as:

  • Teacher
  • Extension Services Specialist
  • Employment Specialist
  • Market Researcher

Enrollment

No matter if you are a returning student, transfer student, first year freshman or coming to join Western Washington University from another country, you are welcome to head to the website and apply.

The first thing you will want to do is choose which type of application to use, and then you’ll fill out the appropriate information.

You will need to create an account on the website, and this will make it easier to save and change your information later.

Deadlines happen throughout the year, so keep that in mind when considering admission here.

You will also need to pay a $70 non-refundable application fee upon submission.

Along with your application, please provide the following paperwork:

  • High school or previous education transcript
  • ACT or SAT scores

Those who submit their application on time will hear back from the school in about a month, letting them know if they have been accepted or not.

Once you have been accepted, you can begin looking at what classes you want to take as well as signing up for orientation to begin your first day at Western Washington University.

Fees

Washington residents will pay a smaller fee than outside states, and that comes to $32,245 which does include books, transportation and room and board.

For those from out of state, the annual tuition for Western Washington University is $49,812 which also includes all the amenities.

Since it takes four years to complete a degree at this school, the average Washington resident will pay $129,980 for their degree while out of state learners will pay $199,248.

Students will have the chance to sign up for financial aid and apply for scholarships as well to help pay for the cost of school.

Contact Information

  • Address: 516 High St. Bellingham, WA 98225
  • Phone: 360-650-3000
  • Website: www.wwu.edu

6Seattle University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Founded in 1891, Seattle University is a prominent Jesuit Catholic school in the Washington area.

Currently, about 7,200 students enroll each year, and you don’t need to be of a certain faith in order to apply here.

This diverse campus welcomes students from all over the United States as well as the world.

With small class sizes and professors who have high degrees in the areas that they teach, the education here is top of the line.

Along with over one hundred programs on the undergraduate level, the Sociology Bachelors degree is a popular and important choice at Seattle University.

Students in this program will learn why people do what they do and how we can all live together with our different perspectives.

It will take four years to complete this degree, and throughout that time you will take general education courses as well as specialized topics like:

  • Ethical Reasoning
  • Creative Expression and Interpretation
  • Gender and Sexuality
  • Society and Behavior

Seattle University is a great place to get a head start on your lifelong career in Sociology.

Take a look at some of the careers that may be waiting for you once you complete your degree:

  • Public Health Educator
  • Employment Specialist
  • Survey Research Technician
  • Market Researcher

Enrollment

Applying at Seattle University is easy, you’ll first need to fill out an application which you can find on the school’s website.

It is required to submit a $60 non-refundable application fee as well.

All types of students are able to apply here, including transfer, returning, first time students and even students from other countries.

You will just need to submit some important information along with your application:

  • High school transcripts
  • ACT or SAT scores
  • Teacher recommendation
  • Counselor recommendation
  • School report
  • Essay

Once you have satisfied these areas in the submission process, you’ll likely hear back from the school within a week with your acceptance status.

At that point, you will be able to sign up for a campus tour, orientation, as well as begin looking at classes.

Fees

Tuition at Seattle University is $53,235 per year for off-campus students.

With room and board, that price is raised to $73,613 per year.

This means that after for yours of education, a degree from Seattle University can cost between $212,940 and $294,452.

Other fees that may apply are:

  • Books – $750
  • Technology – $576
  • Wellness fee – $474
  • Loan fees – $50
  • Personal – $1,950

Financial aid, scholarships, and other tuition reduction is available for qualified students including military and veteran.

Contact Information

  • Address: 901 12th Ave. Seattle, WA 98122
  • Phone: 206-296-6000
  • Website: www.seattleu.edu

7Seattle Pacific University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

In West Seattle you will find the small private school known as Seattle Pacific University.

There are about 3,000 students attending this school each year, and they come from all over the world.

Seattle Pacific University only offers 70 distinct undergraduate degrees and one of those is the Sociology Bachelors degree.

To ensure students learn as much as needed to secure a top career in Sociology, 120 credit hours is required in this program in order to graduate.

Those who are interested in learning about people and society will do well in this program.

Along the way, students will take part in small classes that take on topics such as:

  • Sociology of Gender
  • Community Development
  • Social Inequality
  • Gender in the Global Context

Students will also need to complete an internship during their senior year to enhance hands-on experience.

It will take four years to finish your degree at Seattle Pacific University, and then you will see many doors open for you in great careers like:

  • Census Researcher
  • Environmental Specialist
  • Foreign Affairs Officer
  • Sociologist

Enrollment

If you are getting ready to attend Seattle Pacific University, the first thing you are going to want to do is fill out an online application.

There is a $50 non-refundable application fee in order to submit the application.

After filling out all of the necessary personal information on the application, you will need to submit some paperwork, which includes:

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

Prospective students are also welcome to conduct an interview with an academic advisor but it is not mandatory.

It should take about two to three weeks to hear back from an academic advisor, then you will be on your way to choosing classes and setting up a campus tour.

Fees

Tuition for off campus students who are full time is $37,965 and on-campus living students will pay $59,038.

Since it takes four years to complete a Bachelors degree, most graduates will pay between $151,860 and $236,152 after earning a degree.

There are some other fees that may occur, including:

  • Student activities – $850
  • Books and supplies – $768
  • Transportation – $1,950
  • Loan fee – $50

Seattle Pacific University does have financial aid and scholarship options for students who need help paying for school.

Contact Information

  • Address: 3307 3rd Ave. West Seattle, WA 98119
  • Phone: 206-281-2000
  • Website: www.spu.edu

8Whitworth University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Whitworth University is a small Christian private school located in Spokane, Washington.

Considered number 7 for best Regional Universities in the West by U.S. News and World Report, you can be sure that the education here will last a lifetime.

Students from far and wide come here to receive this comprehensive education, and you don’t need to be Christian in order to enroll here.

This 200 acre campus is a beautiful research facility that gives students the chance to work with professors and classmates to change the world.

One of the fascinating topics to enroll in here is Sociology and students can take on the four year Bachelors degree for this path.

Students can take on general Sociology or participate in a concentration that will lead toward more specialized work:

  • Global Sociology
  • Social Analysis
  • Social Work and Human Services

No matter which path you choose, you will be required to take on some interesting courses in Sociology such as:

  • Sociology for Health Services
  • Cultural Anthropology
  • Globalization
  • Race and Ethnicity

Students will also be required to participate in an internship and also have opportunities to study abroad throughout their time at Whitworth University.

Once you have graduated from Whitworth University, you will be ready to take on the world in a great career in Sociology like:

  • Urban and Regional Planner
  • Medical Sociologist
  • Advertising Manager
  • Convention Organizer

Enrollment

Everyone is welcome to apply at Whitworth University from first year freshman to transfer students and even returning adult learners.

All applications can be done online but you can also mail one in if you feel so inclined.

Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis, so you can apply at any time of the year.

Along with your application, you should submit the following:

  • High school transcripts
  • Previous education transcripts if transferring
  • SAT OR ACT scores
  • Letter of recommendation

Applications are free to submit currently, you won’t have to worry about a fee.

Once you have completed all of the above tasks, you are well on your way to becoming admitted to Whitworth University.

Accepted students will hear back within a week or two of finishing their application about their acceptance status.

That is when you can sign up for orientation, campus tours, and even begin enrolling in classes.

Fees

The annual tuition for full time undergraduate students who live on campus is $62,090.

Those who live off campus will pay $48,990 to attend Whitworth University.

After four years of education, off campus students will end up with a bill close to $195,960 while on campus students will pay closer to $248,360

Financial aid and scholarships are also available for qualified students.

Contact Information

  • Address: 300 West Hawthorne Rd. Spokane, WA 99251
  • Phone: 509-777-1000
  • Website: www.whitworth.edu

9Pacific Lutheran University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Tacoma, Washington is home to Pacific Lutheran University, a small private school that has ranked at number 25 for best Regional Universities in the West by U.S. News and World Report.

If you are looking for a close knit community, look no further than the one you can find at Pacific Lutheran University.

Ranked at number one for best colleges that help students find jobs after graduation, this school is perfect for those who are ready to get on their feet and work.

Along with 57 other programs, students can enroll in the Sociology Bachelors degree program.

This path will allow you to learn about society, culture, gender, and much more.

Classes will be small and you will have the chance to discuss with classmates topics including:

  • Gender and Society
  • Research Methods
  • Social Problems
  • Consumption

In order to graduate in this program, students will need to participate in an internship during their senior year.

This will showcase all that you have learned throughout the 120 credit hours required for graduation and will give you hands-on knowledge in the field.

Now that you have a degree from Pacific Lutheran University, take all that you have learned and make life for yourself in a career such as:

  • Merchandiser
  • Employment Specialist
  • Legislative Aide
  • Program Officer

Enrollment

Prospective students who want to take their education to the next level at Pacific Lutheran University can do so by applying online.

First year freshman, returning students, military students and even international students are welcome to apply.

The application is easy and should take about 20-30 minutes with the right paperwork ready to go.

You will need to create an account on the school’s website in order to complete the application.

Some of the important information that you should add to your application includes:

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

Once you have submitted all of this, you will be contacted by an academic advisor in order to get you ready for the next steps in the enrollment process.

Fees

On-campus learners will pay $63,042 per year at Pacific Lutheran University, while those who live off campus will pay $50,594 each year.

A four year Bachelors degree will cost graduates between $202,376 and $252,168 upon graduation.

Other fees that may apply include:

  • Books – $1,000
  • Health insurance – $2,500
  • Personal expenses – $1,900

Financial aid and scholarships are an option when it comes to paying for your education at Pacific Lutheran University.

Contact Information

  • Address: 12180 Park Ave. Tacoma, WA 98447
  • Phone: 253-535-7411
  • Website: www.plu.edu

10Gonzaga University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Another private school with a long history in Spokane, Washington us Gonzaga University.

Here, you will be among about 5,000 classmates working toward earning your dream degree.

This liberal arts education focuses on educating the entire human from head to toe.

Students will gain access to research opportunities, internships, and much more right on this 152 acre campus.

There are plenty of undergraduate programs to look into here, but those who want to understand social change, society, and human behavior will be interested in the Sociology Bachelors degree.

As a four year degree, students will be immersed in discussion and field work in classes such as:

  • Sociology of Sport
  • Sex, Gender, and Society
  • Sociology of Literature
  • Sociology of Health and Medicine

Students will be required to take part in a local internship that can be done through a government agency, health care facility or even a school.

It is also required to complete a senior thesis that will showcase how much you have learned throughout your time at Gonzaga University.

Now that you have all of the education needed from Gonzaga University, step out into the career world and take on a role that may include:

  • Federal Case Manager
  • Actuary
  • Historian
  • Human Resources Manager

Enrollment

Whether you are a first year freshman, transfer student or a returning student, you are welcome to apply to the Gonzaga University.

The easiest and fastest way to apply is through the website on the admissions page.

First year students will fill out one application and transfer students will have another to fill out.

There is a $50 non-refundable application fee for all applicants.

You will also need to submit some important information along with your application, which includes:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous university
  • ACT or SAT scores
  • Letter of recommendation
  • School report

Once you have completed your application, an academic advisor will contact you within two weeks.

This way, you can figure out the next steps, like freshman orientation or a campus tour.

Fees

Students who live off campus will pay $52,540 per year.

Those who plan to use room and board on campus will pay $74,249 per year.

This means that off campus students will have a bill of $210,160 when they have completed their degree and those who lived on campus will pay $296,996 after four years of education.

Other fees may apply including:

  • Books – $1,380
  • Loan fees – $67
  • Transportation- $1,862

Financial aid and scholarships are available for students who are qualified.

Contact Information

  • Address: 502 East Boone Ave. Spokane, WA 99258
  • Phone: 800-986-9585
  • Website: www.gonzaga.edu

Final Thoughts

There are so many great schools in Washington it may be hard tho choose.

We hope that our list has helped you narrow down your options when it comes to finding the best school for a Sociology Bachelors degree.

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.