What can I do with a major in Sociology?

Sociology is the study of social life and focuses on the interaction between human groups and institutions and their influence 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, social psychology, gerontology, social welfare, race relations, education, social status, and social change.

Related Occupations:
 

Possible employers of Sociology majors:

Skills important for Sociology majors:

• Intellectual capacity to do well in most undergraduate and graduate curriculums
• Ability to conduct and explain sociological research clearly
• Proficiency in reading comprehension, writing and speaking
• Ability to evaluate problems and make appropriate decisions
• Ability to interact with people of different backgrounds in various situations
• Knowledge of community resources
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations
• Ability to operate, and use information derived from computers
• Proficiency in interpersonal communication

• Curious 
• Resourceful
• Empathetic
• Tactful
• Independent
• Desire intellectual growth
• Sensitive to and understanding of social problems
• Desire to solve social problems
• Desire for recognition and appreciation from others
• Strong interest in human problems and events
• Possess integrity 
• Desire to help mankind

• Do an internship
• Participate in charitable outreach endeavors
• Participate in church activities
• Work part-time or volunteer as a peer counselor in a day care center or community service agency
• Join a professional association or a student organization
• Take a leadership role in a civic or student organization

Print Resources:

• Camenson, Blythe and Jan Goldberg.  Real People Working in Service Businesses.  VGM Career Books, 1996.

• Careers in Sociology.  (pamphlet), American Sociological Association, (latest edition).

• Embarking on a Career With an Undergraduate Sociology Major.  American Sociological Association, (latest edition).

• Goldberg, Jan.  Opportunities in Research and Development Careers.  VGM Career Books, 1996.

• Lambert, Stephen.  Great Jobs for Sociology Majors.  VGM Career Books, 1996.

• Social Scientists.  Pp.  119-121, Occupational Outlook Handbook, U.S. Dept. of Labor, (latest edition).

• The Sociology Major as Preparation for Careers in Business.  American Sociological Association, (latest edition).

• Traynor, William.  Opportunities in Human Resources Management Careers.  VGM Career Books, (latest edition).

Internet Resources:

• Social Scientists, (Demographers, Sociologists, Historians), Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Social Workers, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Counselors, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Economists and Marketing Research Analysts, Occupational Outlook Handbook
• The American Sociological Association
• Career Opportunities With a Major in Sociology
• The International Sociological Association

Professional Associations

• American Sociological Association
• Population Association of America
• Rural Sociological Society
• Sociological Practice Association

• College Majors and Careers: A Resource Guide for Effective Life Planning, Revised Edition by Paul Phifer; 1997; Garret Park; Garret Park Press.
• The Career Center at CU-Denver’s homepage: www.cudenver.edu/Student+Life/Career+Center/default.htm
• Fort Lewis College, Career Service’s homepage: http://cso.fortlewis.edu