Sociology
Sociology is the study of society, groups, and social behavior. It focuses on family relationships, the demographics of urban and rural spaces, and the consequences of race, gender, and class divisions across society. Sociology examines the behavior and interaction of groups, their origins, and the influence of groups on individual behavior*
Sample Occupations
- Human Services
- Youth Minister
- Nonprofit Management
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Trainer
- Admissions Counselor
- Recreation Director
- Teaching Aid
- Social Worker*
- Counselor*
- Teacher*
- Sociologist*
- Law/Criminal Justice
- Court Reporter
- Loss Prevention Specialist
- Probation Officer
- Lobbyist
- Lawyer*
- Criminologist*
- Government
- Public Administrator
- Demographic Analyst
- Political Campaigning Administration
- Business
- Recruiter
- Public Relations
- Communications Offices
- Human Resources
- Data Analyst
- Financial Analyst
- Marketing & Advertising
- Analyst*
- Urban Planner
Types of Employers
- Colleges & Universities
- Government
- Business & Industry
- Nonprofits
- Social Services
- Research Firms
- Health Agencies & Services
- Counseling Services
Preparing for your career in
Human Services: Gain knowledge of nonprofit human services by volunteering or interning with an organization, develop strong interpersonal skills, take coursework in an area of specialization such as youth, poverty, or immigration, serve as a peer mentor, resident assistant, tutor, or any helping role, learn Spanish or another foreign language commonly spoken in the U.S., obtain higher degrees and licensure for counseling
Law/Criminal Justice: Take courses in criminal justice or debate, join the pre-law society and take the LSAT to get into law school, shadow or intern at a prison, courtroom, or law firm to gain experience and confirm your direction, participate in a debate or forensic team, complete a police academy to become an officer, consider military experience, build skills working with diverse populations
Government: Build knowledge in statistics and social research, read about and gain work experience in government agencies and learn about their needs, research the federal application process, keep abreast of new legislation and policies that might impact your work, consider beginning in the Peace Corps or military, run for student government office
Business: Join a business-oriented student organization, do an internship, develop computer database and spreadsheet skills, focus on statistics, quantitative analysis and methods coursework, gain leadership experience, be willing to start in a management-trainee program
How do I know if its right for me?
ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.
RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.
EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.