What can I do with a Major in....Sociology?
A degree in Sociology prepares you to understand and investigate how people behave in society.
Before you begin to look at the different types of opportunities available to Sociology majors, you must look at yourself and ask yourself a few basic questions:
What am I good at?
Understand your major strengths, skills and accomplishments. Some examples of skills and qualities employers look for are:
Interpersonal
Analytical
Oral and written communication
Problem solving
Listening
Resourcefulness
Ability to handle stressful situations
What do I like to do?
Examine your interests. What kind of life style do I want to lead? Examine your values...is money what you're after, job security, challenging work?
If you are having trouble answering these questions, you are not alone. Make an appointment with an advisor in the Career Center. We want to help you!
POSITIONS
Once you know yourself, you are ready to decide where and how you want to apply this knowledge.
A bachelor's degree in Sociology and the appropriate skills and/or experience can lead to positions as:
Policy analysts
Market researchers
Labor union organizers
Police officers
Counselors of ex-offenders
Human resource assistants
Social service workers
Public relations representatives
Caseworkers, etc...
Experience in the field or an advanced degree could lead to certain positions in:
Research
Consulting
Criminology
Urban planning
Economic development
International policy
Management
Teaching
Public office
Social work
For information on graduate schools, consult Peterson's.
EMPLOYMENT
Typical places of employment are:
Criminal justice system
Economic development organizations
Urban planning agencies
Labor unions
Federal, state and local government
Correctional institutions
Market research firms
Social service agencies
Foundations
Non-Profit organizations
Associations
Community organizations
Hospitals and health care facilities
Colleges and universities
Mental health organizations
Child welfare or family services
Churches and religious organizations
LEARN MORE
To help you decide which area to pursue you must do in-depth research into each area of specialization and/or industry you have an interest in.
St. John's University Department of Sociology
Sociology Career and Job Resources on the Internet
Places to begin:
Join the Career Centers COACH Program
The Occupational Outlook Handbook
Talk to people in the field, talk to your professors, write to and/or join one of the following associations:
American Sociological Association 1722 N St. NW., Washington, DC 20036 (202) 833 - 3410 www.asanet.org
American Association of Industrial Social Workers, 6501 Wilson Mills Road, Suite K Cleveland, OH 44143
Citizens for a Sound Economy 1250 H Street NW, Suite 700 Washington DC, 20005 www.cse.org
Society for Human Resource Management 1800 Duke St., Alexandria, VA 22314 (703) 548 - 3440 www.shrm.org
American Society for HealthCare Education and Training, 840 North Lake Shore Dr., Chicago, IL 60611
For additional lists of Associations consult the Encyclopedia of Associations