What Can I Do With A Major In Sociology?

Introduction

Sociology is the study of social life and focuses on the interaction between human groups and institutions and their influences on each other. Sociology ranges from the study of relationships in family units in the most primitive cultures to the research of large bureaucratic institutions in major industrialized nations. Among the specialties within sociology are criminology, demography, cultural traditions, family relations, gerontology, social welfare, race relations, social status, and social change.

Sociology majors find jobs in social service agencies, non-profit organizations, government agencies, educational institutions, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and correctional institutions. They also find jobs in business and industry in market research, public relations, customer service, management, advertising, human resources, and sales.

While many sociology graduates work in a related occupation and obtain an advanced degree, others choose another direction. Many careers do not require a specific major but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. Regardless of your career choices, increase your marketability through internships, responsible work experience, good grades, and involvement in college activities.

A Sample of Related Occupations


Related Occupations Related Occupations Related Occupations
Admissions Counselor Adoption Agent Advertising Assistant
Advertising Manager Alcohol and Drug Case Worker Career Counselor
Case Aid Worker Child Welfare Officer Child Welfare Worker
Claims Representative Community Service Agency Community Support Worker
Compensation/Benefits Worker Congressional Aid Consumer Advocate
Consumer Survey Advisor Convention Organizer Cooperative Extension Agent
Correctional Case Worker Corrections Officer Cottage Parent
Customer service Rep. Data Analyst Day Care Worker
Delinquency Counselor Family Clinic Worker Family Guidance Clinic Worker
Foster Care Worker Fund-raiser/Development Officer Gerontology Aide
Guidance Counselor Hospital Administrator Human Resources Administrator
Human Resources Assistant Independent Living Trainer Insurance Agent/Broker
Job Analyst Labor Relations Representative Labor Relations Specialist
Market Research Analyst Marriage Counselor Mental Health Worker
News Correspondent Nursing Home Administrator Peace Corps/VISTA Worker
Personnel Interviewer Personnel Specialist Personnel Manager
Probation/Parole Officer Program Assistant Psychologist
Public Health Administrator Public Opinion Surveyor Public Relations Manager
Public Relations Specialist Recreation Therapist Rehabilitation Counselor
Reporter Research Assistant Sales Representative
Secret Service Agent Shipping Operations Manager Social Movements Organizer
Social Scientist Social Welfare Examiner Social Worker
Sociologist Speech Pathologist Substance Abuse Counselor
Teacher Technical Writer Veterans Affairs Specialist
Welfare Counselor Writer/Author Youth Counselor
   
 
Types of Employers
Private and Non-profit Organizations
 

 
Government Agencies
 

Related Web Links

 

Professional Associations

For additional career information, see the Occupational Outlook Handbook