Sociology: The Study of People
by Robyn Tellefsen
Sociology focuses on human behavior in the context of culture and society. It ranges from the study of relationships in family units in the most primitive cultures to the research of large bureaucratic institutions in major industrialized nations. Specialties within sociology include criminology, cultural traditions, demography, family relations, gerontology, race relations, social change, social status, and social welfare.
Skills in sociology
A sociology degree serves as an excellent foundation for a career in business or social services. The sociological perspective is essential in today's multiethnic and multinational business, government, and social service environment. An undergraduate sociology major provides valuable insights into social factors such as age, gender, education, ethnicity, race, and social class, which affect the way organizations operate.
Sociology majors are given the opportunity to develop qualitative skills through the use of interviews; focus groups; and conflict, policy, and social impact analysis. Additionally, sociology majors develop quantitative skills, including management of large-scale data, statistical analysis, and survey design. After graduation, sociology majors may participate in interviewing projects, market analysis, strategic planning, survey design and research, systems analysis, and trend analysis.
Advanced sociology degrees
Most professional sociology work requires graduate education. Sociology degree holders may continue on to advanced studies in areas such as business administration, education, law, medicine, public health, social work, theology, and urban planning. Many careers in these fields require a graduate degree.
Sociology careers
To expand your career options with a bachelor's degree, consider adding a major or minor in African-American and African Diaspora studies, criminal justice, economics, English, international studies, journalism, Latino studies, math, or psychology.
Sociology degree holders are often found in social agencies and social services. Some are caseworkers with programs in adoption, child abuse, child welfare, food stamps, and juvenile services. Others are probation officers, employed as administrators in community development programs, family counseling agencies, neighborhood centers, and outpatient clinics for mental hospitals. Still others work in drug treatment centers and vocational rehabilitation facilities, or in education as school social workers and teachers.
Sociology career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of sociologists is expected to increase 10 percent from 2006 to 2016. The incorporation of sociology into research in other fields will continue to increase the need for sociologists. They may find work conducting policy research for consulting firms and nonprofit organizations, and their knowledge of society and social behavior may be used by a variety of companies in advertising, marketing, and product development. In May 2006, sociologists had median annual earnings of $60,290.
Explore a career in sociology today.
Skills in sociology
A sociology degree serves as an excellent foundation for a career in business or social services. The sociological perspective is essential in today's multiethnic and multinational business, government, and social service environment. An undergraduate sociology major provides valuable insights into social factors such as age, gender, education, ethnicity, race, and social class, which affect the way organizations operate.
Sociology majors are given the opportunity to develop qualitative skills through the use of interviews; focus groups; and conflict, policy, and social impact analysis. Additionally, sociology majors develop quantitative skills, including management of large-scale data, statistical analysis, and survey design. After graduation, sociology majors may participate in interviewing projects, market analysis, strategic planning, survey design and research, systems analysis, and trend analysis.
Advanced sociology degrees
Most professional sociology work requires graduate education. Sociology degree holders may continue on to advanced studies in areas such as business administration, education, law, medicine, public health, social work, theology, and urban planning. Many careers in these fields require a graduate degree.
Sociology careers
To expand your career options with a bachelor's degree, consider adding a major or minor in African-American and African Diaspora studies, criminal justice, economics, English, international studies, journalism, Latino studies, math, or psychology.
Sociology degree holders are often found in social agencies and social services. Some are caseworkers with programs in adoption, child abuse, child welfare, food stamps, and juvenile services. Others are probation officers, employed as administrators in community development programs, family counseling agencies, neighborhood centers, and outpatient clinics for mental hospitals. Still others work in drug treatment centers and vocational rehabilitation facilities, or in education as school social workers and teachers.
Sociology career outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of sociologists is expected to increase 10 percent from 2006 to 2016. The incorporation of sociology into research in other fields will continue to increase the need for sociologists. They may find work conducting policy research for consulting firms and nonprofit organizations, and their knowledge of society and social behavior may be used by a variety of companies in advertising, marketing, and product development. In May 2006, sociologists had median annual earnings of $60,290.
Explore a career in sociology today.
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