Majoring in Sociology

Sociology is defined as the study of society, social issues and the development and functioning of human society. A degree program in sociology teaches research design and structure, data analysis, statistics and sociological concepts. There are many career options available to sociology majors in both the public and private sectors.

Earning a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate qualifies sociology majors to teach classes in political science, history and social science at the high school level. A PhD, which takes approximately five to eight years to complete, is required to become a university professor.

Sociology majors can find work in politics and public relations. They are hired by campaign managers to identify the particular neighborhoods that can win or lose elections. They also are responsible for analyzing patterns that affect economic and political balances, and they manage and study the United States’ census program to reveal trends in our society. Public relations specialists compile market research to anticipate issues associated with new products or projects.

In journalism, sociologists often work with editors and researchers to better understand the types of stories that engage audiences within a specific region and to determine the most appropriate news topics to cover. They also work as writers, researchers, editors and journalists.

A degree in sociology is useful in the business world, too. Graduates find work in human resources, office administration, public relations, consumer research and management. Non-profit organizations hire sociology majors as program managers and membership and development coordinators. Other community-based job options include urban planning and community development positions. Sociologists are also employed by senior services to study the effects of an aging population on our culture. They use scenario planning exercises and data analysis to predict opportunities for future generations.

Government jobs for sociology majors may involve working with social statistics, public administration, program development, policy analysis and human services. Human services positions include counseling jobs, administration, and advocacy for various groups. Many sociology majors go on to become psychologists or work in social services. Colleges also hire sociology majors to work in admissions, advising, alumni relations and administration.

The FBI hires sociologists to help in their investigations and to assist law enforcement with predicting crime by identifying patterns. They also work in corrections, to determine the effects of programs and regulations on prison populations. Local governments hire sociologists to better understand the impacts of new laws on certain neighborhoods.

While coursework varies between universities, sociology majors can expect to take classes in sociology, economics, research methods, statistics, and race and ethnicity. Some colleges offer the option of specializing in a certain area, such as race relations or crime and punishment; such concentration may make finding a job within a specialized field easier. Through their studies, sociology students gain the ability to understand and analyze social issues, and may be able to create potential solutions and improvements by addressing social inequalities. Students who graduate with a sociology degree have a strong background in research, statistical methods and data analysis, all of which can be useful in a variety of careers.