Student Guide for Majoring in Sociology

People are fascinating creatures! People captivated by people – the things we do, the how and the why of what we do – often seek degrees in sociology. Besides being so interesting, sociology is a valuable tool used to improve almost every business, government, and nonprofit entity in operation today. If the science of living in groups sounds like the perfect career, this student guide for majoring in sociology is a great way to get started.

The Education Process

Mastering sociology involves measurable skills, such as mathematics, statistical analysis, and scientific / academic writing, as well as personality traits that enhance the science, such as being a compassionate listener, a creative thinker, and a public speaker. These simple steps will help the potential sociology student decide if sociology is the right career choice.

  • Strong math and writing skills; they’re required for all college entrance exams and they’re valuable assets on the job, too.
  • Talk to your school’s guidance counselor or social studies teacher; ask if they think sociology is an appropriate match for you.
  • Compare college and university options for sociology degree programs, overall curriculum options, class and student body size, cost, location, and any other details important in choosing the most appropriate school.
  • Apply to schools of choice, being very mindful of application deadlines. Most colleges accept online applications but deadlines are still vitally important.
  • Enroll in a basic sociology course in high school or at a local community college to confirm interest in the field. Focus studies on gender, class, race, or anything fundamental but universal, something that affects everyone. Community colleges usually offer credits for coursework that transfer into a bachelor degree program elsewhere.
  • Consider a double major, combining sociology with a second, compatible field to expand job opportunities. Business, education, and criminology are excellent choices but sociology is used in every field in one way or another.
  • As a freshman, schedule a visit to the sociology department to learn your school’s best strategy for obtaining a sociology degree. Do this early so all courses taken will contribute to the degree.

Job Opportunities

Every product sold, every service provided, is successful because it satisfies a human need or desire. Identifying and analyzing human needs and desires is the backbone of sociology, which means it’s a highly marketable field, adaptable to almost every industry.

Most sociologists work under different job titles or descriptions but they all put the science of society to work. Majoring in sociology can bring invaluable assets to a career in many industries. Consider how the study of human nature influences the industries of education, banking, counseling, community planning, health services, public and social services, commercial development, nonprofit organizations, advertising, food, fashion, automobiles and transportation, entertainment, and sports and recreation. There’s a place for a sociologist in every industry.

Some sociologists work in strictly analytical positions while others are totally immersed in research. Others are organizers, writers, public speakers, and directors. The number of jobs that can be enhanced with a sociology major is vast, with new opportunities created every day. The US government has forecast stronger than average job growth for the field of sociology; this forecast extends many years into the future.

Reference Sources Before and After School

Respected, reliable reference sources will prove their value in school but they’ll retain value even after graduation. A working reference library is an important investment from the first day of school until retirement. No student guide for majoring in sociology would be complete without these suggestions. Each one is available through the American Sociological Association (ASA) Academic and Professional Affairs Program.

 

  • ASA Footnotes – Published nine times a year, this newsletter reports on ASA activities and executive members, updated career information, news in the industry, and official reports involving government proceedings.
  • ASA Style Guide – This must-have guide provides the definitive way to write about all things sociology. This style guide keeps term papers in compliance during school, during academic and professional publication, and for every written word devoted to sociology throughout one’s career.
  • Careers in Sociology – Describes ways to use a sociology major in various industries, its specialized fields of study, and provides an understanding of the full scope of the science.
  • Embarking upon a Career with an Undergraduate Degree in Sociology – Helps the student assess personal skills and interests, discusses different job interview styles, and provides a how-to guide for effective resume writing.
  • The Sociology Major as Preparation for Careers in Business – Discusses job options a sociology major might pursue in business and industry rather than in government, nonprofit agencies, or the scientific and academic communities.
  • The Student Sociologist – Published online twice a year, this newsletter announces competitions and awards programs, updates scholarship information, provides career updates, and sources for financial funding.

 

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