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CIP 45.1103 Social Sciences

Rural Sociology

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

42

2025 · 3 schools

International share

9.5%

4 international students

Bachelor's degrees

29

0.0% international

Master's degrees

2

0.0% international

Overview

Rural Sociology is a specialized field within sociology that focuses on the social structures, relationships, and issues prevalent in rural areas. This discipline examines the unique dynamics of rural communities, including their economic, social, cultural, and political aspects. Scholars in this field study various topics, such as agricultural practices, rural development, migration patterns, community organization, and the impact of globalization on rural life.

One of the key concerns of Rural Sociology is understanding how rural communities adapt to changes, including shifts in economic practices, demographic changes, and environmental challenges. Researchers often explore the interplay between rural and urban areas, investigating how policies and social changes in urban settings can affect rural populations.

Students studying Rural Sociology gain insights into how rural societies function, the challenges they face, and the strategies they employ to sustain their communities. They learn to apply sociological theories and methodologies to analyze rural issues, preparing them for careers in research, public policy, community development, and social advocacy.

Moreover, Rural Sociology plays a crucial role in informing policies that aim to improve the quality of life in rural areas, ensuring that the voices of these communities are heard in broader societal discussions. The field emphasizes the importance of understanding the complexities of rural life, making it an essential area of study in the context of ongoing debates about sustainability, equity, and social justice.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2020 to 2025, graduates grew 75% and the international share went from 0.0% to 9.5%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
59.5%
Asian
4.8%
Hispanic
7.1%
Black
14.3%
Other
4.8%
Intl.
9.5%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 3 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#14 Cornell University New York 17 4
#34 University of Wisconsin-Madison Wisconsin 10 0
— Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College Georgia 12 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Related jobs and pay

OccupationUS employmentMean hourly wageMean annual wage
Managers, All Other 622,190 $73.99 $153,890
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other 16,580 — $88,390
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary 11,850 — $96,980
Sociologists 2,260 $55.25 $114,920

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2020–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.