The scoreline suggests a closer encounter than this game should ever have been with the hosts seemingly in control in the first half.
However, a fightback from the Clarets led to some nervy moments for the Wearsiders with the clock running down.
But Steve Bruce's men held firm for all three points and to ensure they are mathematically safe from the drop themselves.
Burnley on the other hand, look doomed to Championship football next term. The Clarets kept plugging away and there is no doubt that they will battle against relegation to the bitter end.
But they should have been fighting for their Premier League lives on Wearside, and while the endeavour was there, the quality was by and large lacking - Brian Laws' side managing just two shots on target in the whole game.
Sunderland on the other hand had plenty of chances and deservedly took the lead on 25 minutes. Right-back Alan Hutton crossed into the area and a sliding Fraizer Campbell clipped the ball past Brian Jensen in the away goal.
Two minutes later Campbell tried to return the favour playing in the on-loan defender, but the ball was on Hutton's weaker left foot and his effort was comfortably saved by Jensen.
The Black Cats were well on top and could have gone further ahead on 33 minutes, but Hutton's superb cross was headed wide by Darren Bent.
And three minutes later John Mensah was wide of the mark after failing to connect properly with a Steed Malbranque free-kick.
But the Wearsiders did grab a second four minutes before the break. David Meyler clipped a ball over the top to Campbell, who looked offside.
The flag stayed down and the ex-Manchester United striker guided a diving header into the path of Bent, who fired home goal 24 of the season.
After the break, the visitors seemed far more spirited, but it was Sunderland who almost added to their tally on 52 minutes - Kieran Richardson cutting inside before firing straight at Jensen.
Three minutes later Kenwyne Jones fired straight at Jensen.
Just before the hour Burnley's efforts to get back into the game were almost rewarded, but Tyrone Mears' cross was put out for a corner.
Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon was forced to make his first save of the afternoon on 67 minutes, comfortably saving Graham Alexander's long-range effort.
Burnley thought they may have grabbed a lifeline on 82 minutes as substitute Robbie Blake played in Steven Thompson and he beat Gordon to reduce arrears.
Spurred on the visitors pressed, but even four minutes of time added on wasn't enough for them to find a leveller.
In fact, Sunderland went closer to finding the net Jones forcing a save from Jensen and Bolo Zenden firing wide in time added on.