What Can I Do With a Major in Sociology?
A Sociology Major prepares you well for graduate school, the human services field, development work, social and academic research, and civic leadership.
Besides being full of fascinating insights into human behavior and thinking, the Sociology field is broad enough to encompass many more interests. That's because it touches on subjects as diverse as criminology, poverty, aging, urban development, media, medicine, science, race, and gender. If you're endlessly curious about why people and groups do the things they do, this might be the right major for you.
Our Sociology coursework gives you more than just training in contemporary human inquiry. It also helps you develop the critical thinking, analytical, writing, research, and fieldwork skills employers almost always seek.
Sources: Rutgers University, Ashland University
Career Options, Employers, and Transferable Skills
Career Options, Employers, and Transferable Skills
*Some may require further education or specialization.
Anthropologist
Caseworker
Clinical Social Worker
Community Relations Director
Community Resource Coordinator
Community Service Agency Worker
Corrections Officer
Counselor in the following areas:
Abortion & Alternatives
Adoption
Battered Spouse
Children’s Services
Chronic Disease Services
Employee Assistance
Pregnancy
Rape/Crisis Intervention
Rehabilitation
School
Senior Citizen
Services Worker
Substance Abuse
Customer Service Representative
Elder Care/Recreation Worker
Gerontologist
Labor Relations Specialist
Market Research Analyst
Men’s Services Worker
Minority and Race Relations Specialist
Peace Corps/VISTA Worker
Political Systems Researcher
Population Studies Researcher
Social Services Agency Director
Social Worker
Urban/Regional Planner
Vocational Services Worker
Women’s Service Worker
Youth Services Worker
Private & Non-Profit Organizations
Adoption and Child Care Agencies
Advertising Agencies
Education Institutions
Financial Service Companies
Hospitals
Labor Unions
Management Consulting Firms
Market Research Firms
Mental Health Institutions
Newspapers/ Magazines
Personnel Agencies
Publishing Companies
Religious Organizations
Retail Stores
Social Service Agencies
Substance Abuse Clinics
Government Agencies
Civil Rights Commission
Consumer Affairs Office
County Probation Department
Division of Youth and Family Services
Federal Communications Commission
Foreign Service
Health and Human Services
Labor Department
National Science Foundation
Peace Corps/VISTA
Veterans Administration
General Skills
Possesses proficiency in interpersonal communication and networking
Conducts and explains sociological research clearly
Establishes and maintains rapport
Knows community resources
Maintains composure in stressful situations
Displays sensitivity to and understanding of human development and behavior
Understand socio-cultural forces impacting human behavior
Possesses awareness of the processes involved in dynamic person-environment interactions
Research Skills
Operates and uses information derived from computers
Evaluates, integrates and applies knowledge
Observes and analyzes introspectively
Develops strong quantitative and statistical skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Evaluates problems and makes appropriate decisions
Analyzes concepts, definitions, arguments, and complex problems
Organizes ideas, deals with questions of value, and extracts information
Distinguishes fine differences between views and discovers common ground
Generates ideas and formulates solutions
Communication Skills
Interprets and clearly explains psychological research and tests of all types
Presents ideas through well-constructed, systematic arguments
Listens and responds to others objectively
Expresses a distinctive view and explains complex material
Eliminates ambiguities and vagueness in communication
Establishes and maintains rapport through interpersonal communication skills
Articulates problem-solving and goal-oriented results
Experiential Learning
- Answering a crisis hotline and providing support to callers
- Serving on mission trips to foreign countries
- Organizing, planning, and implementing activities for senior citizens
- Working as a supervisor at a juvenile detention center
- Leading units of campers at a summer camp
- Serving as an advocate for rape victims
- Doing Sociology projects in the community
Professional Associations
American Sociological Association
Rural Sociological Society
Society for the Study of Social Problems
Southern Sociological Society
southernsociologicalsociety.org
Eastern Sociological Society
Enhancing Your Employability
Here are some ways to improve your job prospects:
- Join relevant student organizations to develop leadership skills.
- Participate in internships and field experience placements.
- Add a minor or double major.
- Become active in alumni and mentor networks.
- Plan on a graduate degree for advancement.
- Take part in mock interview opportunities.
Contact Us
To make a career counseling appointment or for additional assistance in our services, call us at 904-819-6286 or email us using the button below.