Overview of Sociology

Sociology is a social science that explores and examines the social institutions, relationships, social interactions, and culture. It includes the study of topics such as crime, politics, education, health, families, bureaucracy, the individual, inequality, power, and social change. Sociology seeks to understand the forces of power, authority, and collective action within various social contexts. Studying sociology gives people the tools to think critically about all kinds of social issues, problem solve and design solutions for social problems, read the context, understand different perspectives, become an effective communicator, and much more.

Career Opportunities Associated With Sociology

Sociology can help open the door to careers in a variety of fields such as law, the social services, public health, human resources, communications, education, government, consultation, urban planning, and research. People with a degree in sociology are prepared for a range of careers that involve analyzing data, examining social systems and structures, identifying problems, and formulating solutions. Those with a sociology degree can be found in positions such as social workers, nonprofit program coordinators, human services administrators, community organizers, and marketing analysts.

Internship and Co-op Opportunities Related to Sociology

There are many internships and co-op opportunities available to students with a degree in sociology. From non-profit organizations to government agencies, there are employers that are looking for creative thinkers and individuals with an understanding of social structures and how people interact. Common internships and co-ops for sociology majors include working with social services organizations, government agencies, urban planning departments, research organizations, and consulting companies.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations Within Sociology

Sociology offers specialized tracks or concentrations for students. These tracks are designed to develop an in-depth understanding of human behavior and interactions in a specific area of study. Specialized tracks or concentrations include areas such as culture and identity, economics and inequality, gender and sexuality, globalization and political sociology, health and medical sociology, law and society, and race and ethnicity.

How Sociology Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

Students who major in sociology have a unique set of skills that they can use to succeed in graduate school and further education. These skills include developing a deep understanding of social phenomena, honing analytical skills, developing expertise in research methods and data analysis, gaining an understanding of policy-making, and developing excellent communication skills. Additionally, sociology majors are exposed to interdisciplinary courses that draw upon other social sciences, which can help to bolster their skillset and make them better prepared for graduate school.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Sociology

The impact of artificial intelligence on sociology is two-fold. On the one hand, it can help researchers by speeding up the process of data collection and analysis, which can enable them to conduct more sophisticated studies. On the other hand, artificial intelligence may also threaten to replace human labor in the near future, meaning that sociologists may need to find new ways to stay relevant and employable. Furthermore, AI can also play a role in advancing our understanding of social issues by, for example, helping to identify potential sources of inequality or to suggest new policies to address social issues.

The Career Outlook for Sociology

The career outlook for sociology is very positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for sociologists is expected to grow 6% from 2019 to 2029—faster than the average for all occupations. Additionally, sociologists are often employed in a variety of settings such as in hospitals, city government, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and corporations, providing them with job stability and growth potential. Furthermore, sociologists also often make more than the national average salary for college graduates.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Sociology:

Duke University, Salary: $60,357

Harvard University, Salary: $58,277

Columbia University in the City of New York, Salary: $53,374

Dartmouth College, Salary: $49,859

DePauw University, Salary: $46,689

Princeton University, Salary: $44,901

North Dakota State University-Main Campus, Salary: $44,462

Colgate University, Salary: $44,031

Barnard College, Salary: $43,701

University of Pennsylvania, Salary: $43,668

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Sociology.