Earning a degree in sociology is a versatile career choice that you can apply to a wide variety of fields. If you are considering pursuing a sociology degree, it’s helpful to learn about the types of jobs you can get once you graduate. Each level of degree can also qualify you for different jobs. In this article, we discuss jobs you can get with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree in sociology and how to progress with a sociology degree.
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Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology
Earning a bachelor’s degree is commonly the base requirement for many careers, including:
1. Teacher
National average salary: $14.89 per hour
Primary duties: A sociology teacher gives lectures and in-class assignments to help the students learn the material. In addition to in-class instruction, sociology teachers may administer and grade homework and examinations to test the student’s understanding of the course material.
2. Market researcher
National average salary: $56,393 per year
Primary duties: A market researcher gathers and assesses data to create marketing and sales plans. They research market conditions, consumer data, and competitor information and present their findings to company decision-makers. They also keep track of sales trends to determine which marketing efforts are most effective.
3. Social worker
National average salary: $59,956 per year
Primary duties: A social worker provides care and counseling for families and children in need. A social worker may be responsible for assessing a family’s living situation to determine how it could improve. Social workers can also assist in identifying and offering solutions for potential social problems an individual or family unit experiences.
Jobs with a master’s degree in sociology
A master’s degree usually takes two years to complete, and you need a bachelor’s degree to qualify for most programs. Jobs that require a master’s degree in sociology include:
1. Substance abuse counselor
National average salary: $19.56 per hour
Primary duties: A substance abuse counselor provides care and assistance to individuals who are struggling with drug or alcohol abuse. They meet with clients to discuss their struggles and propose solutions. A substance abuse counselor often maintains regular schedules with clients to create accountability and discuss the effectiveness of current treatment plans.
2. Entrepreneur
National average salary: $42,891 per year
Primary duties: An entrepreneur creates and builds their own business. They develop a new product or service that meets a specific need, and then build, market, and sell that product or service. Studying sociology is useful for an entrepreneur because an understanding of society and cultures can identify unfilled needs within a community.
3. Professor
National average salary: $4,364 per month
Primary duties: A college professor is an educator at a college or university. They develop a curriculum, teach lectures and assess students through projects and examinations. A professor may also work closely with a teaching assistant to ensure they learn the basics of instructing in academia.
Jobs with a doctoral degree in sociology
A doctorate degree is an advanced degree that allows you to apply for high-level sociology positions, including:
1. Political consultant
National average salary: $62,493 per year
Primary duties: A political consultant assesses a population and guides a political campaign or organization in order to best appeal to that population. They research demographics, conduct interviews, and compile and analyze population data. Understanding how cultures and groups behave is a crucial skill for a political consultant.
2. Financial consultant
National average salary: $83,837 per year
Primary duties: A financial consultant analyzes data and provides financial advice to a client based on the trends identified in that data. They stay current on market trends, attempt to predict future trends, and provide unique reports for each client. They also review the client’s current financial status and goals to ensure they create detailed and unique plans.
3. Dean
National average salary: $89,106 per year
Primary duties: A dean is a senior administrator at a college or university. They oversee one or more departments of the school, ensuring effective operations. Responsibilities include hiring and firing of staff, setting academic policy, and managing both the raising and spending of school funds. A dean of students oversees matters related to the student body.
Jobs with a sociology degree outlook
You can pursue many jobs in various fields with a sociology degree, making the job outlook positive. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for sociologists is expected to grow by 4% from 2019 to 2029, which is as fast as average. However, the job outlook for other careers that could use a sociology degree will be different. Perform some research while completing your degree to find a career path with the best outlook.
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How to advance in sociology
If you are considering a career in sociology, here are some steps that can help:
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Choose a career path. There are many industries that sociology majors can opt to work in, and your chosen career path can have a significant impact on both the level of degree you need to pursue and the supplementary courses that could be most beneficial. Research the salary, job outlook, and potential path, from entry-level to executive, to make a more informed decision.
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Find a college or university that appeals to you. Choosing the right university is an important step in any educational career. Pay special notice to how the school caters to your chosen career by searching for any notable alumni or programs the school offers.
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Seek an internship while at university. Practical experience is an excellent way to build your skills and also provides an opportunity to make connections within your industry. Try to find internships with companies that interest you to get the most value for your time.
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Continue your education. Many sociology fields require an advanced degree for senior positions. While you can begin a career with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, it might be helpful to continue your education as you work to qualify for higher-ranking jobs.
How to transition into sociology from another industry
If you have already begun your career and are seeking a change into a sociology field, you can follow these steps:
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Consider your existing skills and experience. One of the biggest factors in making a switch to a sociology field is your current education, work experience, and skills. The more applicable they are to your new field, the easier it should be to find jobs you qualify for. Make a list of common transferrable skills you have, like communication and problem-solving, to start showing your value.
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Make connections with professionals in the field. You can attend sociology networking events to connect with professionals who may be able to guide you in your transition. You can also ask for an informational interview with a sociology professional to learn more about the field and make a stronger connection.
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Consider completing more schooling. If you find you don’t have enough experience or the right skills for the sociology job you want, consider going back to school to help gain more qualifications. Even being able to list relevant sociology coursework on your resume can help you stand out.
I hope you find this article helpful.
