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American Sociological Association
(All information is taken from the American Sociological Association: www.asanet.org)
Society and Social Life

Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious cults; from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture; and from the sociology of work to the sociology of sports. In fact, few fields have such broad scope and relevance for research, theory, and application of knowledge.

Sociology provides many distinctive perspectives on the world, generating new ideas and critiquing the old. The field also offers a range of research techniques that can be applied to virtually any aspect of social life: street crime and delinquency, corporate downsizing, how people express emotions, welfare or education reform, how families differ and flourish, or problems of peace and war. Because sociology addresses the most challenging issues of our time, it is a rapidly expanding field whose potential is increasingly tapped by those who craft policies and create programs. Sociologists understand social inequality, patterns of behavior, forces for social change and resistance, and how social systems work. As the following pages convey, sociology is an exciting discipline with expanding opportunities for a wide range of career paths.

Majoring in Sociology: A Guide for Students

What is Sociology?

Sociology is the study of group life. As a social science, it combines scientific and humanistic perspectives in the study of urban and rural life, family patterns and relationships, social change, inter-group relations, social class, environment, technology and communications, health care and illness, social movements, community responses to disasters, and pressing contemporary social issues.

Sociology is a valuable liberal arts major for students planning careers in a wide variety of fields including social research, criminology, demography, social psychology, public administration, gerontology, education, rehabilitation, social work, and market research. It provides a useful background for those planning to enter law, business, medicine, community planning, architecture, and politics. In many professional schools, sociology courses are part of the requirements.

How Can I Pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology?

If you enjoy learning about organizations, communities, families, diversity, and how people live and work together in harmony or discord, sociology may be for you. If you like the subject matter in your social studies courses and you are interested in what makes societies work, then consider taking one or more sociology courses in college. Here are some helpful hints as you prepare for college:

  • Acquire basic writing and mathematical skills. These skills are prerequisites for passing entrance examinations and for success in college.
  • Discuss plans with your teacher and high school career counselor.
  • Decide on a desirable region or state and the school(s) you might be interested in attending.
  • Write colleges and universities for catalogues, applications, and scholarship information.
  • Complete applications and send to the college or university you would like to attend. Follow all instructions for applying.
  • After you have enrolled, take a sociology course or two.
  • At a community college, courses in sociology are offered toward an Associate's degree. This is a good way to see if sociology is something you should pursue in a B.A. program.
  • Remember that sociology makes an excellent "double major" with business, social work, education, criminology, women's studies, and other majors.
  • You can declare your sociology major at any time, but it is best to visit the sociology department during your freshman or sophomore year to discuss sequencing of courses.
Sociology: A World of Opportunitites

Most people who think of themselves as "sociologists" or have the word "sociologist" in their job title, have graduate training, but BAs in sociology apply the sociological perspective to a wide variety of jobs in such sectors as business, the health professions, the criminal justice system, social services, and government.

"What can I do with a BA in sociology?" As a strong liberal arts major, sociology provides several answers to this important question:

  • A BA in sociology is excellent preparation for future graduate work in sociology in order to become a professor, researcher, or applied sociologist.
  • The undergraduate degree provides a strong liberal arts preparation for entry level positions throughout the business, social service, and government worlds. Employers look for people with the skills that an undergraduate education in sociology provides.
  • Since its subject matter is intrinsically fascinating, sociology offers valuable preparation for careers in journalism, politics, public relations, business, or public administration--fields that involve investigative skills and working with diverse groups.
  • Many students choose sociology because they see it as a broad liberal arts base for professions such as law, education, medicine, social work, and counseling. Sociology provides a rich fund of knowledge that directly pertains to each of these fields.
"What can I do with an MA or PhD degree in sociology?" With advanced degrees, the more likely it is that a job will have the title sociologist, but many opportunities exist--the diversity of sociological careers ranges much further than what you might find under "S" in the Sunday newspaper employment ads. Many jobs outside of academia do not necessarily carry the specific title of sociologist:
  • Sociologists become high school teachers or faculty in colleges and universities, advising students, conducting research, and publishing their work. Over 3000 colleges offer sociology courses.
  • Sociologists enter the corporate, non-profit, and government worlds as directors of research, policy analysts, consultants, human resource managers, and program managers.
  • Practicing sociologists with advanced degrees may be called research analysts, survey researchers, gerontologists, statisticians, urban planners, community developers, criminologists, or demographers.
  • Some MA and PhD sociologists obtain specialized training to become counselors, therapists, or program directors in social service agencies.
Today, sociologists embark upon literally hundreds of career paths. Although teaching and conducting research remains the dominant activity among the thousands of professional sociologists today, other forms of employment are growing both in number and significance. In some sectors, sociologists work closely with economists, political scientists, anthropologists, psychologists, social workers, and others, reflecting a growing appreciation of sociology's contributions to interdisciplinary analysis and action.

For more information email asanet@asanet.org