Do you find yourself asking why people behave the way they do? Sociology may be the perfect degree for you — and it can prepare you for success in a variety of fields. If you’re someone always asking questions about why people and society function why they do, studying sociology may be the path for you! But after studying and finishing college, it’s normal to ask the following question: What’s next? Here’s what you can do with your bachelor’s in sociology after college — and which potential career opportunities you can start exploring today.
What is Sociology?
According to the American Sociological Association, sociology is the study of social life and change. It analyzes the causes and consequences of human behavior. Professional sociologists tend to research these things and then offer explanations on why society operates the way it does.
Far from being a “one-size-fits-all” academic approach, sociology can open doors to a diverse range of careers, from studying social justice advocacy and community development to business strategy and public policy. So whether the study is religious groups, crime, politics, or social class — sociology is essentially the field of discovery.
At PLNU, sociology majors study society, analyzing how human behavior and culture can better help us understand the world we live in and how it functions. A sociology degree focuses on understanding social groups and applying approaches that can ultimately improve social or societal behavior.
Career Paths for Sociology Graduates
Sociology can provide a wide range of career options for graduates.
This major equips you with the knowledge and analytical skills that employers value in fields such as law, business, education, healthcare, counseling, or more commonly associated, social work.
The top sociology career paths from these fields showed a diverse pool of job titles for anyone looking for career paths:
Business
With business, you can apply your understanding of group dynamics and human behavior in corporate settings. Careers in human resources, diversity, inclusion, or relations specialty could be a great fit for sociology graduates.
- Business analyst
- Technical writer
- Consumer relations specialist
Education
Teaching the next generation as an educator requires an understanding of how our systems work. Pursuing roles in academic research, school counseling, or educational program development could be perfect for students wanting to use their understanding of human development in action.
- Teacher
- Public health educator
- Service specialist
Social Work
Sociology majors could pursue roles as policy analysts, aiding in the design and evaluation of government programs or working in local community development to address important issues such as affordable housing, education, or public safety.
- Urban planner
- Program supervisor
- Personnel coordinator
Counseling
A sociology degree provides a deep understanding of the social factors influencing mental health, relationships, and life decisions. Counseling could be a rewarding career path that enhances your calling to support individuals and communities.
- Community worker
- Child Welfare specialist
- Addiction counselor
Research
Opportunities for sociology degree jobs also exist in research settings. You may design surveys or publish findings around crucial issues. Research careers in sociology allow you to shape the conversations that drive progress in our local communities.
- Survey technician
- Data analyst
- Census researcher
______
Who are you called to be?
Pursue your purpose at PLNU.
______
Skills You’ll Gain with a Sociology Degree
With PLNU’s Sociology B.A., you’ll better understand how the world around us works. The benefits of a sociology degree equip you with how to work with different people and address specific issues while in the workplace.
You’ll also be equipped with soft skills that can be applied to almost any career you pursue. From critical thinking to problem-solving, you’ll be expected to hone in on these skills to observe how social structures and institutions affect individuals and groups over time — and how solutions can be provided.
Sociology majors also noted that they often find themselves learning something new in the classroom and then immediately applying it to their lives in the outside world. Compared to other studies, obtaining a sociology degree can help you consider a different view than just your own, showing employers that you’re able to take on a number of perspectives in order to provide company solutions.
Exploring Sociology’s Role in Diverse Career Fields
With concentrations such as general sociology and criminal justice, students can also choose from a diverse range of interests. For example, if a student chooses to focus on criminal justice, they’ll learn specific skills that would equip them for possible fieldwork in universities, law enforcement, agencies, courtrooms, or social service organizations. With PLNU, this concentration allows them to focus on law, social class, and ethnicity in the context of sociology while also being in classes that emphasize restorative justice in local communities.
A sociology degree can also be the first step to take if you plan to dream of becoming a professor or researcher. A common path for sociology students is graduate school, where they can pursue a master’s or Ph.D. For professional sociologists, employment is expected to grow by seven percent between 2023 and 2033 (faster than average for other occupations). Their 2023 median annual wage was $101,770.
Take the Next Step Toward a Meaningful Career
Whether you dream of driving meaningful change in local communities or want to explore how human connections shape our lives, sociology offers the tools to turn your passion into a meaningful career. PLNU’s Department of Sociology, Social Work and Family Sciences offers students a place to pursue the career they’ve been called to. Students can also reach out to PLNU Career Services to explore possible options for future sociology graduates. With a vibrant learning environment that emphasizes community impact, students can feel empowered as they take the next step in their academic journey to shape the world around them.