Careers in Sociology

What Can You do with a Degree in Sociology?

The field of sociology involves exploring and analyzing issues vital to our personal lives, our communities, our nation, and our world. Graduates with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology can pursue employment in a wide range of areas.

Examples of Positions by Area

Community agencies value employees with backgrounds in fields like sociology to address problems facing certain populations within society. Examples of jobs in this area might include: working in community development agencies, or environmental groups, and social service and nonprofit organizations benefiting juveniles, the elderly, and other special populations. Fund-raising or administration within these areas is also possible.

The correctional system includes programs and institutions for both juveniles and adults. Probation, parole, and halfway houses are among the community-based programs, while prisons, jails and detention centers are typical institutional programs. Employees in the correctional system often directly supervise offenders, while others provide specialized services (such as employment training and education).

Sociology majors often find employment in advertising, marketing and consumer research, insurance, real estate, personnel work, human resources, or sales in the business sector. An understanding of patterns and trends, diversity of clientele, and the ability to see and integrate information is an asset in a business environment.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, recent graduates can be found working in admissions, alumni relations, placement offices, or institutional research centers.

The ability to work with people and a focus on stressors within society are useful in rehabilitation counseling or substance abuse programs. A basic understanding of demography and population trends can lead to careers in family planning and health planning.

The ability to work with people and a focus on stressors within society are useful in rehabilitation counseling or substance abuse programs. A basic understanding of demography and population trends can lead to careers in family planning and health planning.

The ability to work with people and a focus on stressors within society are useful in rehabilitation counseling or substance abuse programs. A basic understanding of demography and population trends can lead to careers in family planning and health planning.

With a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, graduates can move into teaching positions in elementary and secondary schools with the proper teacher certification. Some students explore their interest in teaching and gain experience by applying to Teach for America.

Examples of Full-Time Positions by Sector

  • Research Assistant
  • Research Director
  • Evaluation Assistant
  • Program Analyst
  • Special Agent, FBI
  • Assistant Planner
  • Data Reviewer, Social Security
  • Civil Service Test Examiner
  • Budget Analyst
  • Health Statistician
  • Research Director
  • Statistical Analyst
  • State Trooper
  • Licensing Worker
  • Case Management Worker
  • Program Analyst
  • Social Research Assistant
  • Parole Agent
  • Health Planner
  • Research Consultant
  • Probation Officer
  • Correctional Service Officer
  • Health Facilities Evaluator
  • Youth Worker
  • Public Health Analyst
  • Urban Planner
  • Senior Planner, County Government
  • Community Analyst
  • Court Paralegal
  • Police Officer
  • Social Caseworker
  • Vocational Counselor
  • Program Coordinator, YMCA
  • Social Services Director
  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • Public Education Coordinator
  • Youth Work, Home for Runaways
  • Child Care Worker
  • Activities Director, Nursing Home
  • Administrator, Social Service Agency
  • Technical Writer, Insurance Co. 
  • Manager, Retail Store
  • Management Analyst
  • Vice President of Operations
  • District Sales Manager
  • Marketing/Consumer Research
  • Personnel Management Specialist/Human Resource Manager
  • Insurance Underwriter
  • Account Manager
  • Customer Service Representative