Why Study Sociology?

Why Study Sociology?

Why Major in Sociology?

Sociology provides knowledge and skills important to a wide range of occupations. According to recent Sociology graduates, the most important skills they learned were:

  • How to make an evidence-based argument (critical thinking).
  • How to work with people who differ in race, ethnicity, gender or class.
  • How to write a report that can be understood by non-sociologists.

What Can I Do With a Sociology Degree?

  • 1 out of 3 sociology graduates go to graduate school to earn their
  • Master’s Degree or Ph.D.
  • 2 out of 3 sociology graduates enter the workforce after graduation.
Job Categories of Recent Sociology Graduates Graph
Source: ASA. Social Capital, Organizational Capital, and the Job Market for New Sociology Graduates Survey, 2012.

Employment Opportunites

Social Services/Counselors

Jobs

  • Advocacy
  • Case worker/social worker
  • Domestic violence counselor
  • Health Care Coordinator

Employers

  • Adoption and child-care agencies
  • Advocacy groups
  • Community service agencies
  • Federal, state, and local government agencies
  • Halfway houses
  • Non-profit organizations (e.g. AmeriCorps, United Way, etc.)
  • Public Health Departments

Sales/Marketing

Jobs

  • Focus group coordinator
  • Marketing consultant

Employers

  • Non-profit organizations
  • Public and private businesses

Clerical/Administrative Assistant

Jobs

  • Human resources administrator
  • Office manager
  • Paralegal
  • Personal assistant
  • Program assistant

Employers

  • Federal, state, and local government agencies
  • Law firms
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Public and private businesses

Teachers

Jobs

  • Elementary teacher
  • High-school teacher
  • Librarian

Employers

  • Colleges and Universities
  • Public and private schools

Service Occupations

Jobs

  • Corrections officer
  • Parole officer
  • Police officer

Employers

  • Correctional institutions
  • Court systems
  • Federal, state, and local governments (especially law enforcement agencies)

Information Technology (IT), Public Relations, Other Professionals

Jobs

  • Computer analyst
  • Data entry manager
  • IT consultant
  • Market analyst
  • Public relations coordinator

Employers

  • Federal, state, and local government agencies
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Public and private businesses

Social Science Researcher

Jobs

  • Census research assistant
  • Data analyst
  • Market researcher
  • Statistician
  • Survey research technician
  • Program Evaluator

Employers

  • Federal, state, and local government agencies
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Public and private businesses

Management-Related

Jobs

  • Labor relations manager
  • Office manager
  • Project manager

Employers

  • Federal, state, and local government agencies
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Public and private businesses

Other

Jobs

Affirmative action worker
Human rights officer
Legislative aide
Peace corps volunteer

Employers

  • Federal, state, and local government agencies
  • Non-profit organizations

Sources: ASA. What are they Doing with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology? AND Notre Dame. Sociology: What can I do with this major?