Careers in Sociology

A. Human Services

This is a career working in community organizations or social service agencies. It is for those who enjoy a challenge, are not afraid of change, and enjoy solving problems.Jobs are found in a variety of areas: labor, work with minorities, in politics, in criminal justice areas, in law, in recreation, in marriage and family related areas, working with gay and lesbian issues, in local communities. It is recommended to volunteer with organizations to gain experience, supplement your major with courses in areas of interest, and learn foreign languages.

Areas of service (casework, social work, programming, educating)

B. Teaching

.Alternative certification is a route for Sociology graduates who want to teach in the Public Schools.

C. Research and Data Analysis

This is an area for those who enjoy research data and working with numbers. There are job opportunities in diverse areas including in business and industry, organizations, government, libraries, non-profits, publishers, and research centers. It is recommended to develop strong computer skills, statistical analyzation skills, and writing skills.

A is a population specialist who collects and analyzes vital statistics related to population changes, such as births, marriages, and deaths. Demographers plan and conduct demographic research, surveys, and experiments to study human populations and affecting trends.

(masters degree required) may specialize in research on group relationships and processes in an industrial organization.

Other Positions:

D. Public Employment

There are many opportunities for Sociologists in federal, state or local governments. The federal government has many entry level jobs for sociology majors. It is recommended to develop strong computer skills.

Employment at the Federal Level:

Many of government units are focused on social life, social changes, and social causes of behavior. Departments that hire include the
Veterans Administration, Housing and Urban Development, Defense, Agriculture, Interior, Commerce, Transportation, Education, Treasury, and Energy. Especially notable are the following:
Department of Agriculture
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
Drug Enforcement Administration
Environmental Protection Agency
U.S. Customs Service
U.S. Information Agency

Positions include:

Urban sociologists focus on research on the origin, growth, structure, and demographic characteristics of cities and social patterns and distinctive problems that result from an urban environment

Rural sociologists may specialize in research on rural communities in contrast with urban communities and special problems occasioned by the impact of scientific and industrial revolutions on a rural way of life.

A social ecologist specializes in research on interrelations between physical environment and technology in spatial distribution of people and their activities.

Employment at the State Level:

Related Occupations at the City/County/Local Level:
There are opportunities at the county level, municipal level, township level, in school districts, and in commissions or other boards or authorities.
Investigator

E. Human Resource Management

This is an area that combines human interaction with paperwork and administration to help an organization maintain cohesiveness, solve problems, provide the right environment, training, and other issues related to human resources.It can include data management, training, administration, public presentations.

A social pathologist specializes in investigation of group behavior that is considered detrimental to the proper functioning of society.

The social welfare research worker conducts research that is used as a tool for planning and carrying out social welfare programs.

Other Positions