One of the most popular college degrees is that of Sociology. If you ever had plans to study this subject, you might be wondering what jobs or careers can you do with a sociology degree. It is true that sociology graduates are skilled in social science and research but they can also find a career in a wide variety of industries.
The field of sociology is broad, and the jobs you can do with a degree in it are equally diverse.
Sociology is the study of human behavior and society. Sociologists study things like families, social interactions, communities and cultures, as well as patterns of inequality. In short: everything that makes us human!
You might be surprised by how much you can do with a degree in sociology. It’s not just for people who want to work at nonprofits or become academics!
Here are just some of the many jobs you can do with a sociology degree:
-Social worker
-Case manager
-Market researcher
-Urban planner
-Public policy analyst
-Campaign manager
What jobs can i do with a sociology degree
Introduction
Wondering what kind of real-world jobs you can land with a sociology degree? You’re in luck. There are plenty of careers that a sociology degree can help prepare you for, and many are growing even faster than average. From social worker to urban planner, criminologist to market research analyst, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to fulfilling careers that don’t require an advanced degree (though some may). So if you’ve earned your bachelor’s in sociology and are wondering where it might take you next, here are the top jobs for a sociology major.
Criminologist
Criminologists are the people who study the causes of crime and how to prevent it. They look at factors like:
- Biological factors that make some people more likely to commit crimes than others
- Environmental factors (such as substance abuse or poverty) that can contribute to criminal behavior
- The effectiveness of different forms of punishment, such as fines and imprisonment, in preventing repeat offenses
Urban planner
Urban planners are responsible for planning, designing and managing the development of cities and towns. Urban planners work with a wide range of stakeholders including government, businesses and community groups.
Urban planners are often required to work with local government to improve the quality of life in the community. The role requires a strong understanding of what makes good planning, as well as an ability to analyse data on demographic trends and economic growth in order to create effective strategies for sustainable development.
Community organizer
Community organizers are responsible for bringing people together to solve problems. They coordinate efforts and advocate for change, while also helping people obtain the resources they need. Community organizers work with governments, social services and other organizations to ensure that their communities have access to the resources they need in order to live healthy lives. Sometimes called grassroots leaders, these individuals often work with non-profit organizations or community groups who help low-income families find jobs or housing options.
Sociology professor
A sociology professor is a person who works at a college, university or other educational institution. They teach classes on all aspects of sociology. To become a professor, you need to get a Ph.D. in sociology and complete an internship at an accredited educational institution. You then have to pass the National Teaching Examination (NTE) in order to be certified as a professor by the state where you live.
The salary of a full-time professor ranges from $80k-$100k per year depending on your level of education and years spent teaching
Social worker
Social workers help people with social problems, like poverty and homelessness. They work in hospitals, clinics, prisons, schools and community organizations. Social workers can specialize in mental health care for children or the elderly; substance abuse counseling; child welfare services; advocacy for the poor and homeless; international development assistance; gerontology (care of older adults); etc.
Some states require social workers to have a master’s degree from an accredited college or university before they can practice independently as professional social workers.
Market research analyst
Market research analysts are in charge of predicting the future of a company’s product or service. They collect data from surveys, interviews and other sources to determine what customers want to buy, how much they’re willing to pay for it and when they’ll be ready to purchase.
If you have a sociology degree, this could be an excellent job for you! Your understanding of human behavior will allow you to predict trends through statistical analysis. You can also use your knowledge of social science methodology and research design skills to collect accurate data on people’s preferences.
Policy administrator
Society is more complex than ever, and so are the policies that govern it. Policy administration is a field that’s growing in importance as governments work to implement complicated regulations and procedures.
For example, in education policy there are federal programs like No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and Race to the Top that have resulted in significant changes to school districts across the country. Policy administrators help to implement these policy initiatives by gathering data from schools across a state or country, monitoring compliance with standards set by NCLB and Race to the Top, and advising legislators on how best to make sure their constituents are getting what they need from public education institutions.
Policy administrators also work in areas such as health care and social welfare; for example:
- They might monitor delivery of government benefits like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) food stamps or TANF cash assistance through electronic benefit transfer cards (EBTs).
- Or they could oversee implementation of new regulations issued by Medicaid agencies or other federal agencies tasked with ensuring patient safety during medical treatments/procedures provided at hospitals/hospice facilities etcetera.”
A sociology degree can take you many places, from the criminal justice system to academia.
A sociology degree can take you many places, from the criminal justice system to academia. Once you have your degree, you can use it in a variety of fields. Some jobs include:
- Working in the criminal justice system
- Urban planning
- Community organizing
- Being a professor or teaching at a university
Conclusion
Studying sociology can prepare you for a wide range of careers. Whether you choose to go into academia or work in the private sector, your degree will help you understand and engage with the world around you. Take some time to think about what interests you, and what you want out of your career. Do you want to spend more time with friends and family, or are you willing to take on the grind of a 9-to-5 office job? Is it important for your work to pay well, or do other factors like job satisfaction matter more? It’s up to each person which path they take after earning their degree, so make sure it is one that fits your unique talents and interests—and don’t forget about those who come before us!