What can I do with a major in…

Careers using SociologyCareer Development Center

September 2010

Sociology Majors Have Skills… Understand and apply theory and

social science research methods Analyze and interpret information Collect and organize data into logical

formats Written and oral communication Knowledge of computer software and

Internet research Instruction

Where Do Bachelor’s Prepared Sociology Majors Work?

Private for profit 37% Government/Military 25% Education 18% Nonprofit 10% Self-employed 10%

Occupational Categoriesof Sociology Baccalaurates

Social Services, Counselors Psychologists 26.5% Clerical/Administrative Support 15.8% Management-related 14.4% Teachers/Librarians 8.1% Services (including Criminal Justice) 8.3% Marketing, Sales 10.1% Social Science Researchers 5.7% Other Professionals (IT, PR) 6.8% Others 4.4%

American Sociological Association, 2007

Applied Sociology Settings Individuals working in applied settings are

research specialists focused on using experimental design and practice skills to find information to improve problems in government, industry, and other practice environments.

Settings include: Higher education Public agencies (federal, state, community) Business/industry Research institutes in non-profit/advocacy sector (i.e.,

NORC)

Policy Making and Administration As research consumers, individuals can use their

sociological background to determine policy and make informed policy decisions, manage private and government programs, commission further research to determine/support their objectives.

Settings include: Housing Transportation Public Health Law Enforcement Education Community Relations

Consulting and Business Individuals with sociology training use demography

and forecasting for strategic planning, implement organizational change through training techniques and competitive analysis, generate/use market research to understand customers’ psyche, increase productivity and efficiency to contain/lower the cost of doing business.

Settings: Human Resources Consulting Sales Management Marketing

Other Jobs to Consider Archivist Architect Curator & other museum-related work Federal Agent Foreign Service Officer Market Researcher Public and international affairs Urban or Regional Planner Work in the travel & leisure industry

Sociology Majors and Graduate Education

More than one-third of sociology majors earn graduate or professional degrees.

At the doctoral level 40% in sociology; 25% in education and psychology

At the master’s level 7% continue in sociology 25% earn a master’s in education Many earn a master’s in psychology or business 75% of those who earn professional degrees study

law 1 in 6 of those in professional school earn a M.D.

For more information… American Sociological Association

www.asa.org

Also check out: libguides.luc.edu/career Wetfeet.com

Helpful Resources atluc.edu/career/resources_reference.shtml#

periodicals

Bureau of Labor Statistics Dictionary of Occupational Titles Occupational Outlook Handbook O*Net The Margaret Riley Guide National Association of Colleges and Em

ployers

Bibliography Fogg & Harrington (2004). College majors handbook.

JIST Publishing

Spalter-Roth & Van Vooren (January 2008). What are they Doing with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology? American Sociological Association – Department of Research and Development

U.S. Department of Labor (2004-2005). Occupational Outlook Handbook

http://maxweber.hunter.cuny.edu/socio/about/career.html#research