Career Opportunities and Work Life

Skills You'll Need

Salary Ranges

The Classroom Experience

Certificate & Degree Options

Career Opportunities and Work Life - Sociology

Careers based in the study of sociology span across many disciplines. Including:

• Research
• Applied sociologist
• Journalism
• Public Relations
• Social work
• Public administration
• Criminal Justice
• Education

A bachelor's degree in sociology can prepare you for entry level positions throughout the business, social service, and government industries. Fields that involve investigative skills and working with diverse groups of people also benefit from sociology degrees.

A sociology degree can also be used as a base for further education. If you are interested in pursuing a degree in law, education, medicine, social work, or counseling, sociology can serve as the broad liberal arts education that prepares you for your continued education.

Sociology Specialties
Due to the diversity of sociology, many sociologists decide to specialize in a certain area of study. These areas include:

• Sex and gender
• Medical sociology
• Organization and occupations
• Racial and ethic minorities
• Family
• Gerontology

Work Environment
Careers in sociology often involve working with people. Communication skills are necessary when having to work with members of differing organizations, educational levels, and cultures.

Travel may be necessary depending on which field you decide to pursue.

Since careers in sociology differ across multiple fields, work week schedules will vary.

Employment Outlook
Today's society is highly technical and data-focused. Employers are looking for those who have studied social research methods, statistics, and computer skills. Organization and leadership skills are also high sought after.

Job opportunities for sociology graduates are expected to grow slower than average through 2014, but the industry is still growing. The U.S. Department of Labor is recording a thirteen percent national employment increase by 2014 for sociologists.