10 Best Sociology Bachelor's Degree Schools in West Virginia

Page Navigation

West Virginia is known as the Mountain State due to it being the only state completely within the Appalachian Mountain region.

Considered the third most forested state in the union, people from all over the world come to West Virginia to hunt, fish, camp and much more.

Those from West Virginia may be looking for something more sustainable in their life, like an education, and you can look no further than our list of the ten best schools for people in search of a Sociology Bachelors degree.

From Morgantown to Huntington, there is a school for every type of learner here.

You will find private schools, public schools, and even schools that are one hundred percent online.

No matter what way you want to earn your degree in Sociology, you will find the perfect match right here.

1West Virginia University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

West Virginia University is a public land-grant school that was established in 1867.

Considered a larger school with over 27,000 students attending each year, West Virginia University has a diverse campus.

The majority of the professors here hold the highest degree possible in their field, and 19 of them are Carnegie Foundation Professors of the Year.

You will find over 300 majors available at this large college, and one of those is the Sociology Bachelors degree.

People who are interested in this major will typically like to learn more about culture, society, human behavior and how we all affect the world we live in.

Students will be involved in their education every step of the way in courses such as:

  • Families and Society
  • Sociological Theory
  • Complex Organizations
  • Social Psychology

Students can also earn credits through the Inside-Out Prison Exchange as well as conduct research with the Research Center for Violence.

Finishing your courses with good grades at West Virginia University means you’ll be on your way to a rewarding career in Sociology which could include:

  • Program Supervisor
  • Survey Research Technician
  • Community Health Worker
  • Environmental Specialist

Enrollment

No matter if you are a year freshman, transfer, international or returning student, you are welcome to apply to the West Virginia University.

Head to the website to fill out the application and pay the $50 non-refundable fee.

Next, you can take a campus tour or speak to an academic advisor about the next steps to take.

It should take a couple of weeks to hear back about the status of your application, and if you have been accepted this is a great time to start orientation and looking into what classes to take for your degree.

Fees

If you are a resident of Virginia, you will pay $9,384 per year while out of state students will pay $26,568 per year.

A Bachelors degree is a four year process so the average graduate will pay between $39,336 and $106,272 to attend West Virginia University.

Room and board is an additional $11,618 per year which equals an additional $46,472 in total.

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

Contact Information

  • Address: PO Box 6201 Morgantown, WV 26506
  • Phone: 304-293-0111
  • Website: www.wvu.edu

2Marshall University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

Marshall University has a beautiful campus located in Huntington, West Virginia.

Considered a mid-sized public school, this college will provide education for about 8,000 students each year.

Marshall University is a great place to find a variety of programs, organizations, clubs, and much more to pique any interest.

One of the more popular Bachelors degrees available here is the Sociology path.

Within this program, students will take four years to study human behavior and how it affects individuals and communities.

Along the way, you will take on general education courses as well as more specialized classes like:

  • Social Research
  • Sociological Theory
  • Health, Culture, and Society
  • Sociology of Death and Dying

During your senior year, you will need to take part in field research as well as independent study opportunities and even an internship to gain hands-on knowledge in the field.

Once you complete 120 credit hours, you will have learned enough to gain access to hundreds of interesting careers in Sociology such as:

  • Business Analyst
  • Employment Specialist
  • Program Planner
  • Urban Planner

Enrollment

In order to apply to Marshall University you must go to the website where everything can be done right on your computer.

Once you have completed all of the required questions for the application, it is necessary to provide some additional information:

  • Transcripts from high school or previous education
  • Financial aid information
  • ACT or SAT scores

There is a $40 non-refundable fee for residential students and a $50 non-refundable application fee for international students.

International students will need to provide their scores from the English proficiency exam.

Once you have fulfilled all of the above requests, prospective students will have to wait a couple of weeks to hear back from an enrollment advisor.

Don’t worry though, you can always check your status online as well as enroll in a campus tour.

Fees

Residents of West Virginia will pay $8,942 annually which comes out to $$35,768 after four years of education.

Non-residents will pay $20,294 per year and $81,176 to complete their Bachelors degree.

Room and board are not included in these prices and can be discussed with an academic advisor if needed.

Financial aid, scholarships, and grants are available for all students who attend Marshall University.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1 John Marshall Dr. Huntington, WV 25755
  • Phone: 304-696-3170
  • Website: www.marshall.edu

3West Virginia State University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus

West Virginia State University is another public school that has been around for over one hundred years in West Virginia.

With about 3,000 students roaming campus each year, this is a smaller school but it is considered a land-grant university with many research opportunities.

You will find diverse students as well as professors throughout campus here.

Plus, small class sizes and plenty of opportunities for educational growth abound at West Virginia State University.

Along with over 100 programs to choose from, those who have a knack for understanding society will enjoy the Sociology Bachelors degree.

This program takes four years to focus on race, culture, society and social change.

Some of the classes that you will need to take for graduation at West Virginia State University include:

  • Social Problems
  • Social Gerontology
  • Urban Sociology
  • World Religions

There are 120 credit hours required in order to walk across the stage on graduation day.

A degree from West Virginia State University will allow for you to procure an incredible Sociology career like:

  • Community Health Worker
  • Urban Planner
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Paralegal

Enrollment

You can enroll at West Virginia State University as a first year freshman, transfer student, or international student.

As of right now there is a non-refundable application fee of $20.

In order to complete your application, you will need to create an account on the website.

Everything can be done right online, it should only take about 20 to 30 minutes.

Along with your application you should provide the following information:

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

If you are an international student, you will need to pass the English proficiency exam in order to enroll.

Military and veterans are also welcome to apply, and will receive discounts after acceptance.

You can mail in your transcripts and other information as well as complete it right on the website, which may be faster.

Fees

West Virginia residents will pay $9,942 per year to live off campus while on-campus West Virginia residents will pay $27,236 annually.

Since it takes four years to complete a degree, West Virginia residents who live off campus will end up paying $39,768 for their education while on-campus students will end up paying a tuition bill of $108,944.

Out of state students who live off campus will pay $15,366 and on-campus students will pay $32,580 per year.

This means that if you are from another state and live off campus, you will pay $61,464 to attend West Virginia State University while on-campus students will pay $130,320.

Some other fees that may apply at are:

  • Books and supplies – $1,300
  • Late fees – $71
  • Transportation – $1,733
  • Personal – $2,323

Contact Information


4American Public University

Programs Offered:
Online

American Public University is an incredible online school that has helped over 100,000 working adults to find the career of their dreams.

While the headquarters of this school are in West Virginia, you won’t need to attend any brick and mortar buildings to earn your degree.

You won’t even need to pay for books if you attend American Public University, and you can learn right from your own home.

Choose from over 200 different degree programs here, including the Sociology Bachelors degree.

It will take four years to finish a degree at American Public University, which is typical for a Bachelors program.

Discuss alongside fellow classmates in classes that you will take one at a time such as:

  • American Society
  • Self and Society
  • Social Problems
  • Military Sociology

This degree will give you the knowledge to find any career in Sociology throughout the United States and even worldwide.

Now that you have all the knowledge needed, procure yourself an incredible lifelong career including:

  • News Correspondent Reporter
  • Alcohol and Drug Use Case Worker
  • Human Services Worker
  • Population Specialist

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

5University of Virginia

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

Ranked at number 24 for best National Universities by U.S. News and World Report, the University of Virginia is a spectacular choice for in state students as well as those from around the world.

In fact, nearly 18,000 students roam the campus each year, and with over 100 programs to choose from at the Bachelors degree level, there is something for every interest here.

Those from out of state will need to move here in order to complete there degree.

The Sociology Bachelors degree program is a great choice for people who want to make a difference in the world.

This four year program focuses on social change, society, culture, and much more.

Provided by the School of Arts and Sciences, students will enjoy small classes with likeminded students, including:

  • Sociology of the Family
  • Gender and Society
  • Culture and Power
  • Future Cities
  • Human Society in History

During your senior year, it will be important to complete a research thesis that will take up an entire semester.

This is done to showcase how much you have learned throughout your time at the University of Virginia.

Graduating from the University of Virginia is a big deal and will provide many open doors in careers like:

  • Historian
  • Journalist
  • Corrections Officer
  • Community Service Manager

Enrollment

In order to enroll at the University of Virginia prospective students will need to submit their application online.

It is required to create an account on the school’s website, this way you’ll be able to save your information and come back if needed.

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

  • High school transcripts
  • ACT and SAT scores
  • Secondary school report
  • Counselor recommendation
  • Teacher recommendation

It should take about a week or two to hear back on your application status, an academic advisor will get in contact you via email when a decision has been made.

Then, you will be able to sign up for orientation and begin enrolling in classes.

Fees

Full time students who are from Virginia will pay $20,342 per year to attend this school while out of state students will pay $55,914.

Since it takes four years to complete a Bachelors degree at this school, graduates who are from Virginia will pay $81,368 while out of state students will have an expense of $223,656 to attend this school.

Other fees may apply such as books, transportation, and personal expenses.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for all students who attend the University of Virginia.

Contact Information

  • Address: 1827 University Ave. Charlottesville, VA 22904
  • Phone: 434-924-0311
  • Website: www.virginia.edu

6George Mason University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

In the neighboring state of Virginia you will find George Mason University in the town of Fairfax.

This mid-sized school has a diverse student body of about 13,000 people.

Those from out of state will need to move to Virginia in order to partake in the majority of programs here.

You’ll find students from every state and over 130 countries have come here to earn their degree.

Along with over 100 degree programs there is the Sociology Bachelors degree available at George Mason University.

This degree will take four years to finish and requires both general education courses and specialized classes in Sociology related areas like:

  • Methods and Logic of Inquiry
  • Sociological Theory
  • Statistics
  • Sociological Analysis and Practice

In order to complete requirements for graduation, you will need to partake in an internship during your senior year.

This will show how much you have learned and give you hands on experience as well.

Then, you will be ready to take the Sociology world by storm in a role such as:

  • Methods and Logic of Inquiry
  • Sociological Theory
  • Statistics
  • Sociological Analysis and Practice

Enrollment

Enrollment at George Mason University is quite simple and can be done on the school’s website.

All you will need to do is go to the admissions tab and find the right application for you.

The school accepts first year freshman, transfer students, international students as well as returning learners.

Before signing up for enrollment, you may want to think about attending a campus tour, which can be done virtually or in person.

Once you have decided to apply to George Mason University, you can create an account and start filling out your personal information.

Currently, there is a $70 non-refundable application fee for students from the United States, while international students will pay an $80 fee.

Along with your application, please provide the following paperwork:

  • High school transcripts
  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Secondary school report
  • Personal statement

After submitting all of your information it may take a couple of weeks to know if you have been accepted.

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

Fees

In order to attend George Mason University, Virginia residents will need to pay $13,812 per year for a total of $55,248 after four years of education.

Those from out of state will pay $37,976 to attend for one year and $151,904 to complete their degree.

These numbers do not include room and board which will be an additional $15,151 per year for those amenities.

Other fees may apply such as:

  • Books – 1,278
  • Transportation – $1,200
  • Personal expenses – $2,750
  • Lab fees – $100

Contact Information

  • Address: 4400 University Dr. Fairfax, VA 22030
  • Phone: 703-993-1000
  • Website: www.gmu.edu

7Longwood University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

In Farmville, Virginia, you will find Longwood University, a small school with a big heart.

West Virginia residents will love the close proximity to home but they will need to move to Virginia in order to complete a degree here.

As a historic public institution, students from all over the world come here to learn each year.

Currently, there are about 3,800 people enrolled to take their dreams to the next level.

You could be one of them with the Sociology Bachelors degree, a four year path.

This program focuses on society as a whole as well as intricate details like family, gender, race and much more.

You will take 120 credit hours of courses that will include:

  • Contemporary Social Problems
  • Sociology in Practice
  • Deviance
  • Digital Society

Students can also choose a concentration besides just general Sociology, including:

  • Family Studies
  • Community Health

No matter which path you choose, students will be required to take on an internship during their senior year for better understanding of the field.

Longwood University is a great place to finish your degree, and once you graduate you will be ready for a career like:

  • Social Worker
  • Probation Officer
  • Community Development Officer
  • Insurance Agent

Enrollment

Head to the Longwood University school website to find the admissions tab to get started.

There, you’ll see that there are several different applications to choose from.

No matter if you are a first year freshman, transfer student, or even from another country, you have a spot here at Longwood University.

In order to complete your application it is required to create an account.

Then, you will need to fill out your personal information and include the following:

  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Personal statement
  • Letters of recommendation

After completing the above criteria, submit your application and wait to hear back from an academic advisor.

You can also check the status of your application on the school’s website.

Once you have heard back about your acceptance, it is time to begin orientation, signing up for classes and even taking a campus tour.

Fees

Virginia residents who live on campus will pay $28,796 while out of state students will pay $41,006 per year to attend Longwood University.

These numbers include room and board fees, but for those who plan to live off campus the yearly tuition is $19,936 for in-state students and $32,146 for out of state learners.

Virginia residents will pay between $79,744 and $115,184 to attend Longwood University while out of state students will pay between $128,584 and $164,024 for their college degree.

Financial aid and scholarships are available for all students.

Contact Information

  • Address: 201 High St. Farmville, VA 23901
  • Phone: 434-395-2000
  • Website: www.longwood.edu

8Johns Hopkins University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

You will find the prestigious Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

West Virginia residents will need to travel to Maryland in order to complete this degree as there are no online programs.

However, this gorgeous campus will make you feel right at home, especially with the views and color changing seasons.

At Johns Hopkins University, there are over 100 different Bachelors level programs to choose from including the Sociology degree.

Learn about human behavior and how society affects us all in courses like:

  • Social Theory
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • Global Social Change
  • Social Statistics

It will take four years and 120 credits to complete this degree.

Then, you will be on your way to a real world career in Sociology that could help many people, including:

  • Private Investigator
  • School Counselor
  • Journalist
  • Training and Development Specialist

Enrollment

Johns Hopkins University accepts applications only in certain months of the year, so keep an eye out so you don’t miss important dates.

Before you commit to this school, the faculty asks that you take a campus tour to ensure it is the right fit for you.

If you have already decided, head to the website to fill out the easy application.

Johns Hopkins University considers three parts of each prospective student when looking for new students:

  • Academic Character
  • Impact and Initiative
  • Overall Match

You will want to provide the following information along with your application:

  • Essay
  • $70 non-refundable application fee
  • SAT or ACT scores
  • Two teacher evaluations

After all of these steps have been completed and submitted, you will hear back from the university within two weeks.

Then, you can sign up for orientation and begin looking at what classes you want to take.

Fees

Typically, it costs $20,482 per year to attend which includes room and board.

Most students take part in the room and board amenities, and after four years you will end up paying $81,930 to earn a four year degree.

Other expenses that may occur per year include:

  • Books – $900
  • Transportation – $700
  • Personal – $1,400

Most students require some type of financial aid in order to attend Johns Hopkins University.

Contact Information

  • Address: 3400 North Charles St. Baltimore, MD 21218
  • Phone: 410-516-8000
  • Website: www.jhu.edu

9University of Richmond

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

The last Virginia based school on our list is the University of Richmond, which is a private school that was founded in 183o.

Located near a gorgeous lake, students will have an incredible view of forests while studying their choice of more than 100 programs.

Ranked at number 25 for Best National Liberal Arts Universities by U.S. News and World Report, the University of Virginia is a great place for even those form West Virginia.

Here, you can study in the Sociology Bachelors degree program which will allow you to learn about society and the ways the world works.

Students will be a part of small classes and interesting discussion in courses such as:

  • Cultural Theory
  • Global Women’s Reproductive Health
  • Race and Ethnicity in America
  • Race, Class and Schooling

Students can also get involved in research studies as well as take on an internship during their junior or senior year for more hands on experience.

After finishing your degree at the University of Richmond, you will be ready to step into the real-world and take on careers in Sociology which may look like:

  • School Counselor
  • Social Science Statistician
  • Correctional Treatment Specialist
  • Private Investigator

Enrollment

Begin your enrollment in beautiful Richmond, Virginia by completing the online application.

This simple process will only take about thirty minutes as long as you have all the necessary paperwork ready to go.

Along with an application, please provide the following documents:

  • Answer to essay question
  • High school/college transcripts
  • Recommendation letter
  • Senior grades

International students will need to submit financial certification and the English proficiency exam results.

Once you have submitted your information, you will hear back from an academic advisor within a couple of weeks, at which time you can begin enrolling in the classes you want.

Fees

Students will pay $62,600 in tuition costs per year at this school.

However, those who want to take part in room and board will pay $78,810 per year.

Bachelors degrees are about a four year commitment, so the average student will pay between $250,400 and $315,240 upon graduation.

Other costs that may apply include:

  • Books – $1,000
  • Personal expenses – $1,400

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

Contact Information

  • Address: 410 Westhampton Way University of Richmond, VA 23173
  • Phone: 800-700-662
  • Website: www.richmond.edu

10Rivier University

Programs Offered:
On-Campus
Out-of-State

Those who are looking for a smaller out of state school may be impressed by Rivier University.

This Catholic school is located in Nashua, New Hampshire and has a student body of about 2,800.

You don’t need to be Catholic in order to attend this school as they have a diverse class roster and accept people from all faiths and backgrounds.

Here, you will have access to individualized attention from professors as well as research opportunities.

There are less than 100 different undergraduate programs to choose from, but one of the more popular options is the Sociology Bachelors degree.

Within this program, students learn about diversity, culture, society, and gender in interesting and life changing ways.

Some of the classes that you will need to take in order to complete the requirements for graduation are:

  • Social Theory
  • Research Methods
  • Serving the World
  • Introductory Sociology

Then, you will be ready to take on the real world in a career in Sociology such as:

  • Community Relations Director
  • Welfare Counselor
  • Technical Writer
  • Demographer

Enrollment

Consider taking a campus tour before deciding on Rivier University so you can be assured that this school is the best decision for you.

Once you are ready to enroll, go to the school’s website to learn more about the process.

The first thing you are going to want to do is create an account to make it easier to apply.

Along with your personal information, the school will need to see your transcripts and ACT or SAT scores.

It should take anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes to complete the application.

Once you submit, there is about a two week wait to hear back about the status of your application.

Fees

To attend Rivier University you will need to pay $36,508 per year.

This adds up to $146,032 after a four year degree is earned.

Room and board will be an additional:

  • Room – $6,875-14,200
  • Dining Plan – $6,532-6,856

Some other fees that you can expect while studying at Rivier University include:

  • New student – $260
  • Late payment – $250
  • Technology – $258
  • Health Insurance – $200

Contact Information

  • Address: 420 South Main St. Nashua, NH 03060
  • Phone: 603-888-1311
  • Website: www.rivier.edu

Final Thoughts

You won’t just find great schools for Sociology in West Virginia, but you will also find the perfect education in the surrounding states.

If you are looking for an exceptional place to learn and grow, look no further than one of these ten best schools.

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.