Sociology degree programs can teach highly transferable skills that are applicable to a wide range of career pathways. Some of the soft skills you may be taught include:1
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Social awareness and advocacy
- Cultural competence
- Communication
- Research and data analysis
- Public engagement
Continue reading to understand the potential careers in sociology you might want to pursue.
Social Work
If you enjoy the thought of pursuing a career field dedicated to the service of others, you might consider social work. A bachelor’s degree in sociology can provide a good foundation for pursuing the advanced credentials typically required of social workers.2
Social workers focus on empowering disadvantaged individuals, such as neglected or abused children, bullied youths and those suffering from domestic violence, mental health disorders, poverty, discrimination and substance use disorders. They provide counseling services and help individuals access community resources.
Human Resources (HR)
Other sociology careers are found in human resources. HR can align well with the soft skills taught in a sociology degree program, such as communication skills and interpersonal skills.2Human resources professionals are responsible for managing the internal operations of a company, such as its recruitment, hiring, training, benefits and compensation. They also handle workplace conflict resolution and internal policy development.
Law Enforcement
Not all law enforcement employees have criminal justice degrees. With a BS in Sociology, there are many doors open to you in the legal field.3 For example, you might pursue a career in local or state law enforcement, or you might look into joining a federal law enforcement agency.3 Keep in mind you’ll need to meet the career qualifications of any given law enforcement job.
Human Rights
You may feel called to a career path that allows you to help those who are in need, and there are a variety of careers that are involved with protecting and promoting human rights. With a sociology degree, you might apply to law school with the intent of becoming a human rights lawyer.4 In this capacity, your mission in life would be to advocate for victims of civil rights violations, abuse and persecution. Human rights lawyers work at all levels: local, state, national and global.
Another possibility is to pursue work as a policy analyst.5 Within the human rights sphere, policy analysts may evaluate current policies and influence policy changes that will better serve at-risk populations. They conduct research and develop recommendations that can address specific human rights issues, ranging from economic policies to education and beyond.
Here are some other possibilities related to the protection of human rights:5
- Nonprofit administrator
- Diversity and inclusion specialist
- Labor relations specialist
- Community outreach coordinator
Marketing Research
Graduates of sociology degree programs may choose to go into the corporate world. There are many possibilities, but one common choice is marketing research.2 Marketing research analysts evaluate data to identify and analyze consumer trends, such as which products people want to buy and how much they would be willing to pay for them.
