Sociology Major - Career Paths

Sociology Major - Career PathsSociology Major - Career PathsThe sociology major, a social science, encompasses the study of the development of social groups. Those who major in this discipline learn about society, social problems, social change, diversity, and interactions within and between social groups. The field of sociology covers a wide variety of topics that include social inequality, race and ethnicity, gender studies, criminology, urban sociology and political sociology. Students can earn an associate, bachelors, masters, or doctoral degree in sociology. Associate degree programs are intended for those who plan to transfer to bachelors degree programs. While there are a variety of alternative career choices available to those who have a bachelors degree in sociology, some which require earning an advanced degree in another area, if you want to work as a sociologist you will need to earn a masters degree or a PhD in sociology. With a doctorate degree, you can also teach in a college or university. Sample of Courses You Can Expect to Take Bachelors Degree Courses (Many of these courses are also offered by Associate Degree Programs) Introduction to SociologyCultural AnthropologyContemporary Social ProblemsAging in SocietyMinority RelationsContemporary Social ProblemsMarriage and Family LivingSociology of FamiliesCrime and SocietyResearch MethodsStatistics for Social ResearchSociology of EducationRace, Class, and GenderJuvenile DelinquencyDevelopment of Sociological ThoughtDeviance and SocietyClassical Social TheoryContemporary Social Theory Graduate Degree (Masters and Doctorate) Courses Sociology of Labor MarketsSociological TheorySociological MethodsField Research MethodsFundamentals of Urban SociologyHistorical SociologyEthnographic Field Methods Career Options With Your Degree* Bachelors Degree Mental Health Technician, Juvenile Justice Youth and Family Specialist, Job Skills Coach, Family Service Coordinator, Sociology Research AssistantMaste rs Degree Sociologist, Community College Instructor, Market Research Statistician, Behavioral Health Specialist, Behavior Analyst, Research and Evaluation CoordinatorDoctoral Degree Sociologist, Professor, Researcher (university, government or private sector) *This list was compiled by searching job sites for openings that require a degree in sociology. It includes options for those who graduate with a degree in sociology only. It does not include any jobs that require earning an additional degree in another discipline. Typical Work Settings Individuals who have sociology degrees work in a variety of settings. An undergraduate degree is often among the requirements for jobs in social service agencies. Masters degree recipients also find employment in social service agencies and doing research in the private sector. Some teach in community colleges. Individuals who have a PhD typically are on the faculty of colleges and universities. They are professors and researchers. Some are researchers in the private sector, working at think tanks. Others work for government agencies. How High School Students Can Prepare for This Major High schools students who are planning to study sociology in college should take classes in English and the social sciences. They should also hone their writing skills. What Else You Need to Know Getting a bachelors degree in sociology can help strengthen your communication, research and critical thinking skills all of which are useful in a variety of occupations.Studying sociology as an undergraduate can prepare you for graduate programs in other disciplines, such as law, social work, business, and public health.One usually does not need to have an undergraduate degree in sociology to apply to graduate programs. Most accept applicants who have undergraduate degrees in a social science, the humanities, natural science, or mathematics. Many universities that offer a PhD do not have a terminal masters degree program. Students earn a masters on the way to earning their doctoral degree.PhD candidates must write a dissertation which involves doing independent research.