Best Sociology Programs in Nevada for 2027

At Nevada, Reno the sociology BA lets you earn course credit for an internship, and the department places students with groups such as the Children’s Cabinet of Reno, the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, the Latino Research Center and the Nevada Humane Society. Two options build on the major. A BA/MA accelerated program lets outstanding students finish the master’s in less time, and PackTeach Sociology pairs the degree with secondary education for two degrees. Minors in sociology and in social research methods and applied statistics are also available. It awarded 23 degrees in 2023–24 and ranks first on the Nevada page.

Internships

For-credit placements with Reno-area organizations

Accelerated Master’s

BA/MA program for outstanding sociology students

Teaching Pathway

PackTeach Sociology leads to two degrees

Program Sources: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology | Degrees & Programs | University of Nevada, Reno

UNLV builds its sociology BA around theory and methods courses, then points you to advanced classes in race and ethnic relations, work and leisure, aging, gender, crime and juvenile delinquency, urban ethnography, and the sociology of medicine, health and mental illness. By graduation you are expected to design a research study in an area you choose, explain the decisions behind it and critique a published report. Fifty degrees were awarded in 2023–24, which makes it one of the larger sociology programs in Nevada.

Advanced Fields

Race and ethnic relations, aging, gender, crime, urban ethnography and sociology of health

Research Outcome

Design a study and critically assess a published research report

Core Foundation

Theory and methods courses

Program Sources: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology | Academics | UNLV

Nevada, Reno gives Sociology MA students three plans: a sociology thesis, a social psychology thesis, or non-thesis comprehensive examinations. The social psychology plan adds six credits in that area; the non-thesis examination covers theory, methods, and a chosen sociological field. All plans require a proseminar, theory, research methods, and statistics, with upper-level graduate work in residence. The department also offers a separate Social Research Analytics certificate. Students considering the interdisciplinary social psychology PhD should distinguish that doctoral program from the sociology master’s specialization.

Three MA Plans

Sociology thesis, social psychology thesis, or non-thesis exams

Related Certificate

Social Research Analytics, separate from the MA

Program Sources: University of Nevada, Reno: Sociology Graduate Programs

UNLV’s sociology PhD takes two kinds of students: those entering with a bachelor’s degree on the Post-Bachelor’s Track, and those who already hold a master’s on the Post-Master’s Track. Training covers classical and contemporary theory, quantitative and qualitative methods and data analysis, and specialized knowledge in at least two substantive areas. Beyond coursework, you are expected to present at regional, national and international conferences and to publish in peer-reviewed journals or books. UNLV carries the Research 1: Very High Spending and Doctorate Production designation, and 3 sociology doctorates were awarded in 2023–24.

Entry Tracks

Post-Bachelor’s Track and Post-Master’s Track

Specialization

Expert knowledge in at least two substantive areas

Scholarly Output

Conference presentations and peer-reviewed publication

Program Sources: Doctor of Philosophy - Sociology | Academics | UNLV

College of Southern Nevada’s Associate of Arts with an emphasis in sociology is built as a transfer degree, so graduates can move on to a four-year institution to continue their studies. Along the way you practice critical thinking, data analysis, writing and oral communication. The Living Sociology Club adds community service, educational talks and networking, and the Sociology Forum brings in speakers on topics such as homelessness, diversity in American society and mass media. The department notes that sociologist positions typically require a graduate or doctoral degree. Ten degrees were awarded in 2023–24, first on the Nevada page for associate programs.

Transfer Pathway

Seamless transfer to a four-year institution for continued study

Skills Emphasis

Critical thinking, data analysis, writing and oral communication

Student Activities

Living Sociology Club and the Sociology Forum speaker series

Program Sources: Sociology Program | College of Southern Nevada