WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY?
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to global communities; from deviance to organized crime; from religious traditions to state institutions; and from the divisions of race, gender, and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture.
The “sociological imagination” is a framework that helps students learn to view the world from multiple perspectives and begin to see how individuals and social institutions are interconnected. Students learn how people are shaped by biology, culture, and historical and societal contexts, as well as how individuals play a role in shaping these contexts.
Through their studies, sociology majors learn not only to use the “sociological imagination” to observe society, but also to analyze, report on, and understand complex social phenomena.
Learn more about sociology here.
“Sociology is not just a field of study; it’s a lens through which you can understand and navigate the complexities of the modern world.”
—Nicole Jones, Growth Operations Technical Specialist, Prosci
WHAT TOPICS CAN YOU STUDY?
- Communication, Media, and Technology
- Deviance, Crime, and Social Control
- Education
- Environment
- Family
- Gender, Sex, and Sexuality
- Government and Politics
- Health and Medicine
- Immigration and Migration
- Race and Ethnicity
- Religion
- Social Movements and Social Change
- Research Methods and Data Analysis
- Work and the Economy
“My sociology major has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of societal structures, power dynamics, and systemic injustices, which has profoundly influenced both my professional and personal life.”
—Dionna Brown, Youth EJ Programs, National Director, Young, Gifted & Green
WHAT SKILLS WILL YOU ACQUIRE?
Majoring in sociology will provide you with a set of skills that will empower you to engage critically and constructively both inside and outside of work. These are skills you will develop in most sociology courses:
CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING: Sociology graduates can analyze complex issues, identify root causes, and develop evidence-based solutions. This skill set is invaluable in addressing societal challenges.
CULTURAL COMPETENCE: Sociology students explore diverse cultures, perspectives, and experiences, which enables them to engage effectively with individuals and communities from various backgrounds. This competency is especially important in our globalized world.
SOCIAL AWARENESS AND ADVOCACY: Sociology majors are attuned to societal issues, injustices, and inequalities. This awareness often leads to advocacy and a commitment to social justice. Sociology graduates are frequently at the forefront of movements for positive change.
RESEARCH AND DATA ANALYSIS: Sociology students gain a foundation in research and data analysis that equips them to collect and analyze data in order to make evidence-based decisions, and then to communicate their results to broad audiences.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION: Sociology majors can articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively, whether in writing or verbally. This proficiency is indispensable in conveying ideas, advocating for change, and fostering understanding in diverse settings.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT ACUITY: Sociology students develop skills that allow them to contribute their insights to discussions on pressing societal issues
“Sociology has sharpened my psycho-social awareness, as well as my data analysis skills… my sociology degree prepared me to understand the challenges our communities face.”
—Ric Stewart, Director of Annual Giving, Georgia Southern University
WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH A SOCIOLOGY DEGREE?
Sociology graduates work in all employment sectors—nonprofit, private, and public. They hold all kinds of jobs, including policy analyst, market researcher, nonprofit advocate, trainer, writer, social services professional, project manager, teacher, and many, many others.
Graduating with an undergraduate degree in sociology opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities that require a deep understanding of human behavior. The adaptability of this major ensures that graduates can navigate our ever-changing job market with confidence. When you graduate with a degree in sociology, you will be ready to contribute your sociological insights to a world in need of critical thinkers, advocates for social responsibility, and informed citizens.
“The knowledge one gains from sociology is immeasurable and applicable across numerous career paths.”
—Sarah Orr, Senior Premier Support Consultant, Roche Diagnostics
MAJORING IN SOCIOLOGY: A PATHWAY TO OPPORTUNITY (PUBLICATION)
This guide explains what sociology is, provides examples of how students can focus their sociology major depending on their interests and aspirations, and describes how a bachelor’s degree in sociology will prepare students for a rewarding and meaningful career. Finally, students will learn about the exciting careers of several sociology graduates, which will help them think through how they might put their own sociology degree to work. Designed for aspiring sociology students, their families, and advisors. Order today!
“My sociology degree has enhanced my work by providing a deep understanding of social dynamics, fostering effective communication, enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and promoting cultural sensitivity and diversity.”
—Antwon Harris, Education Consultant, Antwon Harris Group, LLC
TEN JOBS THAT ARE GREAT FOR SOCIOLOGY MAJORS, PLUS EXPERT ADVICE ON HOW TO LAND ONE
This article from TheMuse.com features the perspectives of sociologists and sociology faculty on the career options for sociology majors after the Bachelor’s degree.
“Sociology helped reframe my understanding of the world, society, and constructs of reality, allowing me to think more critically about my life experiences, the experiences of others, societal institutions, and society as a whole.”
—Christine Deutscher, President/Owner, Neighborhood Development Associates
WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO WITH THAT? A WORKSHOP FOR UNDERGRADUATE SOCIOLOGY STUDENTS
Transitioning to post-college life can be challenging. In this webinar from February 2020, undergraduate sociology students will learn (1) how to make the most of your undergraduate experience; (2) how to translate your sociological training into the kinds of skills that employers are looking for; and (3) how to figure out if graduate school is right for you. Whether you are new to sociology, ready to graduate, or somewhere in between, Dr. Kerry Greer shares field-tested advice and resources to help you navigate the transition to post-college life.
BUILDING A CAREER WITH A BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN SOCIOLOGY
In this webinar from February 2017, two young professionals who majored in sociology will share how a degree in sociology shaped their career paths and how sociological principles are employed in their positions on a daily basis. Their comments and advice to sociology students are supplemented by Dr. Teresa Ciabattari, Associate Professor of Sociology at Pacific Lutheran University, who presents data on the kinds of skills that employers are looking for and how sociology majors are using their skills in the workplace. She also discusses how sociology programs can support the career readiness of their students.
Sociology Club Guide
Are you starting a Sociology Club? Use this guide to help you start a successful club on your campus.
Honors Program
The Honors Program provides undergraduate sociology students with a rich introduction to the professional life of the discipline. Exceptional sociology students from around the world come together for four days to experience all facets of the ASA Annual Meetings.
Alpha Kappa Delta
Alpha Kappa Delta is the International Sociology Honor Society. It seeks to acknowledge and promote excellence in scholarship in the study of sociology, the research of social problems, and such other social and intellectual activities as will lead to improvement in the human condition.
External Resources
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: Field of degree: Social science : Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Bureau of Labor Statistics 2021-2031 Projection of Data Occupations with Rapid Employment Growth
- Bureau of Labor Statistics 2022-2032 Employment Projections Overall
- 10 Jobs You Can Get With a Sociology Degree | Muse article
- USA Jobs Pathways Program (for those interested in government employment)
- National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) Baccalaureate and Beyond Longitudinal Study
