Sociology majors learn to approach these topics from a critical standpoint. They study the issues at hand. Independent research is also done to learn more about the topic they are interested in.
Strong Skills of Sociology Majors
A large part of the sociology major involves research. Students will have to do their own research and record their findings in a formal structure. The research will consist of qualitative and statistical data. The students will then have to present an analysis of this data. They must pay close attention to the fine details to see what they say about the larger picture. Sociology majors will develop strong critical thinking skills along with research experience.
Sociology majors must present their work through both written and oral assignments. Students are then strengthening both sides of their communication skills. They learn to organize their thoughts in a written format. They also get comfortable presenting their ideas in front of a group of people. This strengthens their public speaking skills. Public speaking is a skill in high demand. It is used across almost all fields and it makes most people uncomfortable.
Sociology majors also learn how to solve problems. They identify social problems, and brainstorm possible solutions. Throughout the course of their degree they develop strong problem-solving skills. These can be applied to many career paths.
Common Jobs for Sociology Majors
Sociology majors develop many versatile skills and a wide base of knowledge. They have various career options after graduation. A career path should be chosen based on personal strengths and areas of interest. Below are many careers often pursued by those with a degree in sociology.
Guidance Counselor
Guidance counselors use problem-solving skills and their knowledge of learning and family. They work with the students and their families to ensure academic success.
Guidance counselors also deal with conflicts between students. They use problem-solving skills to help the students come to an understanding.
Counselors can also use a knowledge of social issues. This can help them resolve conflicts between students. Counselors can also speak to groups of students about social issues they all may face. These can range from bullying to practicing safe sex.
Salary and outlook: Guidance counselors can expect to earn a salary between $33,610 and $94,690. On average, they make $56,310. Employment opportunity is expected to increase by 8% between 2018 and 2028.
Human Resources Representative
Human resources representatives use many skills developed by sociology majors. Their research skills translate into the hiring process. They must know how to interview candidates. The representative must then analyze how the candidate’s abilities will help the business. This is a similar process as the evaluation of data done by sociology majors
HR representatives are also responsible for resolving conflicts within the workplace. They must use problem-solving skills to find a solution that all parties can agree with. Knowledge of social groups and issues can help the HR representative do this.
Salary and outlook: On average, HR representatives can earn $60, 880 per year. Their salary could be as low as $36,270 or as high as $104,390. Job outlook should increase by 5% between 2018 and 2028.
Lawyer
A lawyer’s work is like the work done by sociology majors as they complete their degrees. They conduct research and analyze it to support their claims. Lawyers must present their case in written and oral formats, like sociology majors. This profession requires strong communication skills.
A knowledge of social issues is useful to lawyers as well. Many areas studied by sociology majors appear in legal practices. These can include family matters, marriage, divorce, and criminology, among others.
Salary and outlook: Lawyers make between $58,220 and $208,000 per year, with the average being $120,910. There is a projected 6% growth in job outlook between 20218 and 2028.
Management Consultant
Management consultants are responsible for solving business problems. They use problem-solving skills to find many possible solutions for their clients.
Management consultants also conduct research. They use their findings to get to the root of the problem. This is necessary to come up with an effective solution.
Consultants also must have strong communication skills. They are required to to present their findings and solutions to clients with clarity.
This career path offers opportunity for advancement. Consultants fresh out of college start out in assistant positions. They help those in superior positions with work such as research. Assistants can advance to higher positions after gaining experience in the field.
Salary and outlook: Management consultants earn an average of $83, 610 per year. Their salary can range from $48,360 and $152,760. The opportunities within the field are expected to grow 14% between 2018 and 2028.
Market Research Analyst
Market research analysts investigate the public opinion of advertisements and products. They use social research methods to gather statistical data. These include surveys, interviews, and focus groups. Analysts use this data to discover how to increase customer base and satisfaction.
This field demands a sociologist’s knowledge of different groups of people. The analyst’s understanding of age, gender, ethnicity, and class help them interpret findings.
Salary and outlook: Market research analysts can expect to earn an average salary of $63, 120. This can range from $34,310 to $121,080. Expect job outlook to increase by 20% between the years of 2018 and 2028.
Media Planner
Media planners organize their client’s marketing campaigns. Their goal is to maximize sales across all different groups.
Media planners use a knowledge of groups gained through a sociology degree. They must be familiar with the habits of each group the client wants to reach. They also must research the preferences of the target group. These findings are then analyzed and applied to marketing practices.
Salary: Media planners earn an average of $49,709 per year. Salary can range from $38,000 to $63,000
Policy Analyst
Policy analysts address wide-spread issues that need the government needs to address. They must research the individual issue. Then, they must use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to find a solution.
A sociology degree addresses many of the social issues a policy analyst will face. These include poverty, substance abuse, education, homosexuality, and more.
Policy analysts must also have strong writing abilities. They must propose legislation in a written format. They must be convincing to both government officials and the general public.
Salary and outlook: The average salary of a policy analyst is $58,489. They can make between $41,000 and $82,000 per year.
Public Relations Specialist
Public relations specialists are the middleman between the media and their clients. They must persuade media personnel to broadcast their client’s information and story.
Communication skills are key in public relations positions. PR specialists need to be clear and coherent when talking to media management.
A sociologist’s understanding of people and groups is necessary in this field. A PR specialist must understand the preferences of their audience to be persuasive.
They also need strong writing skills. This helps create effective press releases.
Salary and outlook: Public relations specialists are looking at an average of $60,000 a year. This can range from $33,690 to $112,310. There is a projected growth of 6% within the field between 2018 and 2028.
Social Worker
A career in social work is very rewarding. Social workers help clients better their lives. They address common social issues faced by their clients. Social workers also reach out to agencies to gather resources for their clients.
Social workers must have strong listening and communication skills. The client should feel heard and understood. The social worker needs to present their advice in a clear, understandable manner.
A sociology major’s knowledge of the social world is necessary in social work. They must be able to identify the problems faced by their client. They must use their knowledge of these issues with their problem-solving skills. Social workers combine many sociology major skills to provide clients with solutions.
Salary and outlook: Social workers earn between $30,750 and $81,400. The average salary is $49,470. Expect the field to expand by 11% between 2018 and 2028.
Survey Researcher/Pollster
Survey researchers and pollsters collect data on public opinion. These opinions tend to be on issues studied by sociology majors. They can include health, politics, and culture.
Researchers must create effective surveys that produce clear data. They analyze this data, using writing and communication skills to present their findings.
Pollsters also use a sociological knowledge of groups. They deal with demographics. They must understand the preferences of specific groups and their affect on the data.
A social curiosity is useful in this line of work as well. Pollsters must often conduct background research about what they are surveying.
Salary and outlook: Survey researchers and pollsters make an average of $57,700 per year. Their salary can range from $29,620 and $103,400. The projected growth of job outlook is low, at 1% between 2018 and 2028.
Sociology majors develop a wide array of skills through their courses. These skills are also applicable to a wide variety of jobs. These skills open up many job opportunities for sociology majors. These 10 career paths are only some of the many careers a sociology major can pursue.