Many universities and colleges in the U.S. are offering Sociology degrees. Students can choose to pursue an Associate in Science (A.S), a Bachelor of Arts (B.A), a Master of Arts (M.A), or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Sociology.
If you are wondering what can you do with a Sociology degree, then make sure you go through this comprehensive guide. It will discuss several career options for Sociology graduates and will share some interesting employment statistics.
What Is Sociology?
The field of Sociology is about the study of social life and institutions. Sociology explores a range of topics such as Religion, Deviant Behavior, Crime and Law, Family Conflict, Gender Roles, and Racial Identity.
What Can You Do with a Sociology Degree?
Obtaining a degree in Sociology will open a diverse range of career options for you. After completing your degree, you can work in social research, education, and the non-profit sector as a Social Worker, Higher Education Lecturer, Social Researcher, Social and Community Service Manager, Policy Officer, or a Youth Worker.
Let’s take a look at the career outlook statistics and the salary data for some Sociology related careers. These figures have been taken from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Social and Community Service Managers
These professionals coordinate, direct, or plan the activities of a community outreach organization or a social service program. They work for government agencies, for-profit social service companies, and nonprofit organizations.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $67,150 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 13% | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $72,900 | |
| State with the Highest Employment, 2019 | New York | 13,820 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $104,510 |
Social Workers
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $62,230 (Social Workers, All Other) | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 11% (Social Workers) | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $61,750 (Social Workers, All Other) | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | California | 12,210 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | Hawaii | $81,520 |
Post-Secondary Teachers – Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
These professionals teach students a range of technical and academic subjects beyond the high school level. They mostly work at community colleges, professional schools, universities, and colleges.
| Annual Median Salary, 2019 | $75,290 | |
| Job Outlook, 2018-2028 | 11% (Postsecondary Teachers) | |
| Annual Mean Salary, 2019 | $85,240 | |
| State with the Highest Employment Level, 2019 | New York | 1,560 |
| State with the Highest Salary, 2019 | District of Columbia | $149,960 |
What to Expect from a Sociology Degree?
The Associate in Science (A.S) program in Sociology requires completion of around 62 credits. In order to graduate from the program, students have to study many topics such as World Civilizations, Cultural Anthropology, Social Psychology, and Social Problems.
The Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Sociology engages students in the study of social change and social life. The curriculum of the program covers some interesting modules, such as Principles of Sociology, World Religions, Popular Culture, Gender and Global Society, and Violence and Society. The Bachelor’s degree can be usually completed within four years.
The Master of Arts (M.A) in Sociology offers training in social science research methods and sociological theory. Program participants get to explore a range of specialized subject areas such as stratification and mobility, medical sociology, and crime and deviance. This program can be usually completed within two years.
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program in Sociology allows students to specialize in a number of areas, such as the Study of Religion, Human Rights, Feminist Theory, and African American and African Studies. In order to graduate from the program, students are expected to complete the coursework, a dissertation, and a qualifying exam.
Bear in mind that program requirements would vary from institute to institute.
How to Choose a Sociology Degree?
Several factors should be taken into account while choosing a Sociology program. These include:
- The reputation of the program
- The accreditation status of the program
- The fee structure
- The course curriculum
- The distance learning opportunities
- The school’s industry linkages
Sociology Degree Admission Requirements
The admission requirements generally vary from degree to degree and school to school. Therefore, you should do your research before applying to the program. Generally, students are required to submit the admission application form, official transcripts, and recommendation letters, along with the application fee to the admissions office. Since some schools face capacity limitations and accept only a few applicants each year, therefore you are advised to apply to as many Sociology programs as you can.