Sociology Career Outlook

The Sociology Program focuses on the systematic study of human social institutions and social relationships and includes instruction in social theory, sociological research methods, social organization and structure, social stratification and hierarchies, dynamics of social change, family structures, social deviance and control, plus applications to the study of specific social groups, social institutions and social problems.

To find out more about your major including potential areas and employers, required skills, job outlook, and median pay, please access the Occupational Outlook Handbook or the O*Net website.

Career Outlook

Explore the subsections below to learn more about the potential skills a student with a sociology major can develop as well as the potential positions, areas, and employers that hire students with this degree. Please note that these are not exhaustive lists and should be used as a starting point.

Skills

As a sociology major, you will be developing occupations skills that include analytical, communication, conducting interviews, research, critical thinking, empathy, information gathering, planning, social perception, writing, conflict resolution/mediation and cross-cultural awareness.

Positions

Graduates with a degree in Sociology can work as case managers in behavioral health, policy analysts, social and community service managers, public relations specialists, probation and parole professionals, and court clerks.

Areas

Graduates with a degree in Sociology can work within the following areas: banking, administration, health care, management, marketing research, policing, public relations, probation, social work, research and human services. Other areas include law, community planning, social research and government agencies.

Employer

Graduates with a degree in Sociology can work for federal, state and local governments, nonprofit/social service, private foundations, correction facilities/detention centers, airports and transportation facilities, banks, law firms and corporations.

Helpful Resources

Use the employment opportunity resources below to kickstart your preprofessional and or professional experience search. You may also identify a professional or student organization to join and network with individuals in your major and field. Please note that these are not exhaustive lists and should be used as a starting point.