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.
- Social Service Jobs
- USAJOBS
- The Federal Courts
- Feeding America
- Partnership for Public Service
- Aunt Martha's Youth Service Center
- Chicago Crime Commission Internship
- City of Chicago Internships
- Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Cook County State's Attorney's Internships
- Department of Children and Family Services Internship
- DuPage County Clerk of the Circuit Court
- DuPage County Sheriff's Department
- Elim Christian Services
- Greater Chicago Food Depository
- Illinois Attorney General's Office
- Illinois Department of Human Services
- Metropolitan Family Services
- Mercy Home for Boys and Girls
- Official Site of Illinois Courts
- Pillars Community Services
- Sertoma Centre
- Social Service
- Social Service Department Internship -- Circuit Cook of Cook County
- South Suburban Family Shelter
- State of Illinois Circuit Court of Cook County
- Will County Clerk of the Circuit Court
- Will County Sheriff's Department
- YMCA
- Youth Guidance
- YWCA
Opportunities
Handshake
In addition to other employment opportunity websites, the Center for SUCCESS uses Handshake to share internships and jobs with students. Please explore the positions provided
in the automated feed below or click "View All" to explore positions in Handshake
using your major as a filter.
Although we attempt to screen all employers and positions, the Center for SUCCESS
and Saint Xavier University assume no liability for the accuracy of information shared
in this feed or through Handshake. The views and opinions shared by employers through
Handshake do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Center for SUCCESS
and Saint Xavier University.
Please Note: This feed may include positions not directly related to your major, as employers
have the option to assign all majors to posted roles. If you have any questions about
a particular employer or position, please contact centerforsuccessFREESXU.