How to Choose the Right Sociology Degree Program
Finding the “right” sociology program depends on what you want to do with it. Where do you see yourself in ten years? What kind of work do you want to do? What kind of people do you want to work with? Sociology majors tend to work in areas where relationships are key and the understanding of the behavior, culture, and organization of social groups is of the highest importance. Some of those fields include:
- Criminal Justice
- Education
- Government
- Social Service Agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
- Labor unions
- Child welfare organization
- Adoption Agencies
While this list highlights some industries that sociology majors find themselves working, sociologists can find work in many areas as their experience and education can be applied across many different positions.
So how does someone interested in sociology find the degree program that will help them fit into the job they hope for, or help them find the job that’s right for them?
A bachelor’s degree is the standard foundation for work in sociology. Here, students will learn the latest research in the field, take the core sociology classes, as well as discover their career options and be able to focus in on a particular path of sociology. Classes typically include a mix of social research, classic and contemporary sociological theory, adult development, racial and ethnic groups, and often an internship in sociology. Tracks in sociology are often related to job possibilities and vary from school to school, but might include politics and government, family studies, and global sociology. A BA in sociology, then, is a crucial foundation in a solid education before embarking on a successful sociology career.
Additionally, one study published by the American Sociological Association notes that most students (over 60%) who graduate with a bachelor’s degree in sociology do end up working in a field closely related to their job, and are also highlight satisfied with their jobs. A bachelor’s degree is a perfect option for someone looking to find a stable and fulfilling career.
For anyone looking to work in an area that is centered on research or teaching, they might want to pursue a graduate degree such as a master’s or doctorate. Many students who continue with their education and research can become independent consultants or researcher to be hired by a firm to study and analyze societal and behavior data – sociologists working in this capacity tend to make about $73,000 dollars a year on average.
But others with a master’s degree in sociology find it a useful degree to earn before getting a job or doctorate in the fields of public policy, law, and medicine because many of the concepts and methods overlap and the principles of sociology can help with these people oriented fiends. The master’s degree helps to prepare students for a higher level of social science where they will be examining and conducting research, but also gives students an opportunity to truly focus on an area that is of the most interest to them. Where a bachelor’s degree was a foundation in all of the basic points of sociology, a graduate degree is a sociology precision instrument.
Finding a program that works for you is all about knowing that works for your schedule, your long term time commitment to education, and what your career goals are. Knowing your aspirations and aims will set you towards the right degree.
