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The scientific study of human behavior, history, and society is the main focus of a sociology degree, and careers in sociology can encompass a variety of positions and industries. A sociologist may pursue a career in research, analysis, historical recordkeeping, or even teaching. A bachelor degree in sociology is a liberal arts degree that can be applied in a number of fields. A master degree in sociology helps graduates work in teaching, research, policy analysis, and counseling. Completing an online sociology degree is one opportunity for prospective sociologists who need a more flexible schedule, and is especially valuable for stay at home parents, working professionals, or returning adult students who wish to complete their studies on a part-time basis. Both a bachelor’s and online master sociology degree make it simple for students to complete or continue their studies on their own schedule.
What is Sociology?
Sociology is the study of patterns in human behavior and the history of society. Sociologists raise important questions for society, applying various methods of analysis and reporting to find answers to some of society’s most common problems. Sociologists attempt to understand society from different perspectives, looking at various influences on society such as sex and gender, medical sociology, organizations and occupations, minorities, and the role of family in different regions and areas around the world. The field also evaluates common areas of society such as:
- Health and medicine
- Sports
- Culture and the arts
- Politics
- Ethnicity
- Social relations and social inequality
- Aging and the life course
- Urban community
- Military, war, and crime
Job Responsibilities and Skills Learned with a Sociology Degree
Sociologists use a variety of tools and methodology to conduct their research, and various organizations have their own reporting procedures and protocol. A sociology degree can train students to think both objectively and subjectively about various subjects and ideas, analyze data, and draw conclusions from reports and statistics. Other skills learned with a sociology degree include:
- Data collection and reporting
- Computer applications and database analysis
- Reviewing business industries and policies
- Networking with other professionals in the field
- Computer-based social data analysis
- Public opinion polling and research
- Urban planning and working with various organizations and communities
- Minority and groups race relations
- Analyzing crime statistics and policing procedures
Sociology Careers and Job Options
Sociology careers offer a wide range of job opportunities and positions. A sociology degree can lead to a position in the fields of:
- International Relations
- Health Care
- Business Consulting
- Military Research
- Criminal Justice
- Education and Administration
- Federal Government work
- Urban Social work
- City Management
- Child Welfare
Sociology careers center around research, policy making, and creating positive outcomes for various social organizations and initiatives. A bachelor degree in sociology equips students with the necessary skills for entry level and administrative positions in the field. A master degree in sociology helps students enter fields for research, teaching, and supervisory positions in various administrative settings. Social psychology, criminology, political initiatives, and demography are just a few other opportunities available for graduates with a sociology degree. However, most find jobs in positions available through the Federal government.
Pursuing an Online Sociology Degree
A bachelor degree in sociology can now be completed online, offering students a chance to work from a distance, and with a flexible schedule. Students who prefer to work independently, or at their own pace, can benefit from completing an online sociology degree and working with students and professors from around the world. Online classes are designed to help students gain the same experience and knowledge as they would in a campus-based setting, but make use of various web platforms and collaboration tools instead. Students have the ability to work on various projects, upload assignments, download lectures, and review course materials without having to attend a formal classroom. In some cases, examinations and test are also administered over the internet. A sociology class delivered over the web may be more in-depth and thorough than a traditional learning format. Students who register for a sociology class online can benefit from increased networking opportunities, access to research libraries and databases, and make use of technology and the internet to conduct research. An online master sociology degree is a strong fit for students who are already working in the field, but need additional training and in-depth studies to supplement their career. Common classes for a bachelor degree in sociology program include:
- Cultural Anthropology
- Crime and Society
- Sociology of Religion
- Social Psychology
- Deviance and Social Control
- Intercultural Communication
- Sociology of Work
Online master sociology degree program courses may include research methodology, database analysis, education principles, and statistical reporting methods.
Employment Prospects and Salary Potential for Sociology Careers
Employment of sociologists and related occupations is expected to grow slower than the average through 2014, but those who complete a sociology degree may find more attractive opportunities in teaching, government, and academic settings. Competition is fierce for these positions, and few graduates qualify for the most high-paying and rewarding positions. Careers in sociology that center around policy research, nonprofit organizations, consulting, and marketing offer the most opportunities. The Federal Government hires the majority of social scientists and sociologists, and this will remain steady in the oncoming years. Median annual earnings of sociologists were $57,870 in 2004; related occupations include:
- Legal Assistants
- News Analysts and Reporters
- Surveyors
- Judicial Workers
- Statisticians
- Counselors
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