Overview of Sociology

Sociology is the study of human social behavior. It examines the structure and development of human societies, the relationship between individuals and their social environment, and the power dynamics between them. It seeks to explain how social structures, norms, customs, morality, and ideologies are formed and how they shape people’s lives and behavior. It is a broad interdisciplinary subject, incorporating elements of anthropology, history, economics, political science, psychology, philosophy, and social work.

Career Opportunities for Graduates

Graduates with an associate degree in Sociology often go on to pursue a wide range of professions. Common career fields for sociology graduates include social and human services, education, healthcare, legal services, business, and human resources. Those with an associate degree in Sociology may be qualified for positions such as social worker, probation officer, paralegal, political consultant, or research analyst.

Internships and Co-Ops Related to Sociology

There are numerous internship and co-op opportunities related to Sociology, such as internships with a research or policy-focused organization, a human services or healthcare NGO, a community advocacy organization, or a social justice organization. These opportunities can provide students with a chance to gain hands-on experience in the field and develop their job skills.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations Within Sociology

Associate degree programs in Sociology typically offer a variety of tracks or concentrations that students may choose from. Specialization options may include areas such as urban Society, Social Justice and Inequality, Aging, Deviance, Gender, International Relations, Race Relations, and Social Policy. The courses within each track may vary by school, but often include a mix of theory, research methods, and policy.

Preparation for Further Education

An associate degree in Sociology provides a strong foundation for future study in the field. Students who earn their associate degrees can use them to move on to a bachelor’s degree in Sociology or a related field. This can often offer a more in-depth study of the theories and research methods used in the field, as well as practical experience. An associate degree also prepares students for entry-level positions in a number of social service fields.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Sociology

The study of sociology is increasingly being shaped by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology. AI can be used to analyze large datasets and identify social patterns that traditional sociological research may have missed. AI can also be used to create virtual simulations in order to study the behavior of large groups of people. It has the potential to revolutionize the study of sociology by allowing for the exploration of topics such as human interaction, social networks, and group dynamics.

The Career Outlook for Sociology

The Bureau of Labor Statistics Projects a 6% growth in employment of social scientists, including sociologists, from 2019 to 2029. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. There will also be growing opportunities for graduates in the fields of policy analysis, social media research, and data analysis. With a degree in sociology, you can find employment in research, education, government, public policy, and related fields.

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

Central New Mexico Community College, Salary: $32,389

Santa Ana College, Salary: $31,837

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