Sociology is the study of human groups and how the group influences social behavior. The field is both a science and a philosophy, seeking to answer questions about human behavior through the use of scientific methods. Sociology gives us new and important knowledge about the social world. The focus of the sociology major is to prepare students with the methodological background and analytical skills necessary for working in today’s world, while allowing students to gain a basic understanding of a variety of areas within sociology such as social stratification, criminology, social psychology and comparative sociology.

Every sociology major completes a senior project in one of our two senior capstone courses SOC 405 Quantitative Social Research Seminar or SOC 416 Qualitative Explorations. Working closely with faculty, each student designs and completes a semester-long investigation of a sociology-related topic. The senior capstone course provides students with firsthand experience and analytical skills that are valuable in the work world and in graduate study.

JOB TITLES OF PAST GRADUATES:

Community and Social Services: AmeriCorps Member • Counselor • Child Care Worker • Group Home Worker • Manager of Group Home for Children • Non-Profit Agency Fundraiser • Peace Corps Member • Social Service Agency Worker • Substance Abuse Group Worker • Volunteer Services Director • Recreation Activity Leader • Social Security Administration Caseworker

Criminal Justice: Border Patrol Agent • Correctional Officer/Jailer • Law Enforcement Officer • Probation/Parole Officer • Juvenile Detention Center Worker • Insurance Claims Investigator

Human Resources: Employment Counselor • Job Service Specialist • Labor Relations Manager • Personnel Administrator

Business & Management: Advertising • Banking • Customer Service Representative • Insurance • Public Relations • Stockbroker

Applied Sociology/Research: • Market/Consumer Research Analyst • Opinion Survey Researcher • Grant Writer/Assistant

FURTHER EDUCATION

Compatible graduate study programs includes: sociology, anthropology, social work, criminal justice, marriage and family counseling, school counseling and guidance, psychology, law, medicine, business, public health, urban planning, and theology.

Occupational Outlook

Knowledge and research skills learned in sociology can be used in a variety of careers. Many employers advertise for management trainees, marketing personnel, salespersons, system planners, field representatives, counselors, labor-management negotiators, and recruiters, to name a few. Employers seek alert, highly motivated people who like to work with other people. Sociology students who build a major or minor with the proper mix of electives and research/analytical skills will be at a competitive advantage in the job market. Sociology graduates have obtained jobs where they administer programs, conduct small research projects and participate as analysts on social research teams. Sociology majors’ earnings are similar to that of other liberal arts majors. Sociology majors often seek and obtain jobs in human service/non-profit fields that often pay less than business/for-profit related fields but are rewarding in other ways. Sociology majors are strongly encouraged to consider a wide variety of career options and not narrow their interests to careers that appear to be directly related to sociology. Faculty advisers can assist students in identifying a wide range of career opportunities.