Key takeaways
- Sociology refers to the study of human behaviors in organizations, societies, cultures, or groups of people sharing similar or different characteristics.
- Core concepts of sociology include social structure, social Institutions, and social change.
- A sociology degree opens an array of career paths and opportunities that you can explore.
- Sociology career opportunities include professions like social workers, research consultants, journalists, and organization development specialists.
- The degree requires you to maintain discipline and habits like reading and writing.
- A BA in sociology – abbreviated for Bachelor of Arts in sociology – is more flexible and lets students choose subjects as per their liking.
- A BS in sociology – abbreviated for bachelor of science in sociology – is a more analytical, theoretical, and numerical form of studying sociology.
- Bachelors’ degree in sociology takes up to 4 years for a full-time student
- The top skills you can get from an undergraduate degree in sociology include research skills, analytical skills, critical thinking, people management, and data management.
Sociology is a field of social science studies, focused on exploring human behaviors in groups – also referred to as societies and cultures.
Do you find yourself amid the big question: is a sociology major for me? Then you have come to the right place. Here is everything you need to know about a sociology degree, what it has to offer to you, and whether it is something you would want to pursue.
A sociology degree is the perfect fit for individuals and young minds who want to explore the depths of the human world, considering the rapidly increasing interconnectivity of the world, thanks to digital technology and globalization.
What is an undergraduate sociology degree?
In the simplest words, sociology refers to the study of human behaviors in organizations, societies, cultures, or groups of people sharing similar or different characteristics. It analyzes human actions and reactions, human relationships, and the ever-changing dynamics of human societies.
Furthermore, a sociologist uses several methods and strategies to study human behaviors. They may use tests and surveys, focus groups, non-participant observations, and interviews to delve deeper into the mechanisms of human behaviors.
The most important part about sociology as a field of study is that it covers an exhaustive range of areas and aspects. A sociologist’s observations of human behaviors are not limited to any one space or capacity. Sociology ponders over human behaviors on all fronts including religion, culture, geopolitics, business, education, and much more.
Additionally, sociology helps us understand the intricacies and complexities that exist wherever humans exist. From breaking down and understanding human behaviors to getting an insightful understanding of how an individual behaves, sociology has helped us understand human societies better.
What are the core concepts and theories in an undergraduate sociology program?
Like any field of study, there are some most prominent core concepts and theories you might be able to explore while pursuing a sociology degree. Here are the three core concepts and theories you don’t want to miss out on:
Social Structure
Social structure is the idea that individuals or groups of people bring together shared values and norms, to form an arranged and formal society. Within this society or social organization, human beings socialize, interact, and live together sharing similar outlooks and beliefs in life. These social structures also drive individual behaviors and are often a force behind individual and group decision-making processes.
Social Institutions
Social institutions are extremely important parts of any society, and also the most focused areas of study for most sociologists. These institutions are responsible for introducing and teaching a society’s norms and values to individuals and groups. Social institutions examples are schools, government, law enforcement, and even families.
Social Change
Lastly, at the core of all sociological studies and research, social change is consistently visible. Social change is meant to occur in larger and smaller groups alike. As a result, it allows humans to evolve their behaviors, change patterns, bring about changes in social structures, and modify their norms and values. Consequently, these changes typically lead to changes in human interactions and even a change in the role of social institutions.
Things like technology, education, and rapid globalization typically drive social change. Sociologists study and analyze this change to not only understand human adaptability and agility but also predict what future societies may look like and their challenges.
What are the most common courses in an undergraduate sociology program?
When you enroll in a sociology program from any of the excellent and reputable colleges for sociology, there are some common courses you must take. Here is what you need to know:
Introduction to sociology
This introductory course walks you through the basic concepts and theories of sociology. It focuses on understanding the science of sociology, and what it entails, and reflects on some of the most important analytical tools and methods.
Sociological research methods
This course is a lot more in-depth, focused on detailing the various research methods used by sociologists to gather essential data.
Sociological theory
This course helps students to explore the various theories and themes already present in the field of sociology, by past and present sociologists. Moreover, it helps lay out a framework regarding the methods followed by sociologists to come up with these theories and explanations of human behaviors.
Specializations and electives
Specializations and electives in a sociology degree help the students narrow down the process and study precisely what seems interesting to them. Additionally, It is a great starting point for deciding what career path you want to pick. While these specialized courses vary from one college to another, you will find the following specializations in sociology degrees offered by many colleges:
- Criminology
- Gender Studies
- Environment sociology
- Social Services and Advocacy
- Economic sociology
- Culture Studies
While specializations are more thorough and happen over several courses per semester, electives can be small trophies you can add to your academic journey and leverage from in your professional days. These elective courses are great for expanding your knowledge. Some common electives in sociology degree include:
- Social Movements
- Medical sociology
- Population Studies
- sociology of Religion
- Women in Societies
- sociology of Sport
More about an undergraduate sociology degree
There is a lot of information about a sociology degree that you should not skip. Ask all the important questions about sociology to make an informed decision.
So, let’s start here!
Schools and colleges may offer a BA or BS in sociology. This varies from school to school. You must understand what each of these two-degree types offers and how you can make up your mind about them.
- A BA in sociology – abbreviated for Bachelor of Arts in sociology – is more general. It is more flexible and allows students to pick and select subjects. Moreover, this degree type is more flexible and generic. Therefore, students can explore a countless number of job opportunities that may or may not be relevant to pure sociology.
- A BS in sociology – abbreviated for Bachelor of Science in sociology – is a more analytical, theoretical, and numerical form of studying sociology. It uses research methodologies, analytical techniques, and mathematics to understand sociology.
How long does it take to get an undergraduate sociology degree?
A bachelor’s degree in sociology takes up to 4 years for a full-time student.
What skills do you get with a sociology degree?
After all, a degree is not the only thing you attain after giving 4 years to your bachelor’s degree in sociology. So, what other skills and benefits do you gain from a sociology degree? Let’s explore.
These are the skills you can develop with a sociology degree.
- Research skills
- Analytical skills
- Critical thinking
- People management
- Data management
- Teamwork
- Persuasive arguments and presentations
- Understand social issues
- Empathy and compassion
Is sociology a useful undergraduate degree?
Let’s explore the various benefits and usefulness of an undergraduate sociology degree.
After years of observations and analysis, sociologists develop an irreplaceable skill set that adds great value to their personal and professional lives. A sociology graduate is most likely to have the following skills and benefits:
- Excellent critical thinking skills
- Sharp analytical skills
- Thorough research capabilities
- Ability to apply classroom learnings to real-life situations
Once you have graduated and attained a sociology degree, here are the top 5 sociology career pathways you can pick:
Public and social services
With their vast knowledge of societal welfare, sociologists can work with non-profit, private, and government organizations to bring noticeable changes to issues like workplace equality, equal education opportunities, racism, and family welfare.
Social activism
Sociologists use research, theories, and observations to drive social change that aims to tackle societal issues and needs.
Business and organizational development
With their deep understanding of human behavior, sociologists can contribute to organizations by tackling organizational development issues through training, seminars, sessions, and interventions.
Human services
Sociologists can actively create inclusive and healthy workspaces by using empathy, and an in-depth understanding of human emotions and social needs.
Counseling, teaching, and coaching
By applying social theories and concepts to real-life situations, sociologists can help individuals and groups problem-solve, make decisions, and enhance communication in groups and on individual levels.
What are the most common sociology degree jobs?
Thanks to the diverse skills that a sociology graduate acquires, they have a diverse variety of job descriptions and titles they may be fit for. Some of the most common sociology degree jobs and descriptions include:
Social Worker
Social workers work with private and government organizations to help families, individuals, and communities. Usually, these people are struggling with issues most commonly including poverty, drug abuse, racial discrimination, and mental health
Research Consultant
Work with sociologists and fellow researchers to develop and design research plans, surveys, and interviews, and utilize other methodologies to find thorough and accurate social findings
Journalist
A sociology degree allows you to develop an understanding of social dynamics, and politics, understand human interactions, and give access to expert opinions and foolproof research methodologies. Many sociology graduates become journalists and leverage these skills to research and report accurate and authentic incidents
Organization Development Specialist
Thanks to sociology’s focus on understanding human behaviors in groups, sociologists can provide great value to corporate and public sector organizations. They can do this by offering solutions to issues faced by employees organization-wide.
Sociology degree job outlook and salary potential
While there is no field of study less important than the other, let’s not overlook the bright future of a sociology degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there will be a 5% growth in employment opportunities for sociology from 2022 to 2032.
BLS also reports the average salary of a sociologist to be somewhere around $92,000 – keep in mind the salary bracket can change and vary across various states and industry standards.
BLS projects there to be an average of 300 job openings for sociologists every year while requiring little to no work experience for a particular job.
What are the most suitable colleges for pursuing an undergraduate sociology degree?
There is an endless list of colleges that offer various programs and degrees. There are colleges for pursuing human resources degrees, as well as colleges for criminology. These are both subjects that can allow you to choose a sociology degree job as well. So, don’t forget to check these out.
Meanwhile, here are the top colleges for sociology degrees:
Top-of-the-line school with high GPA requirement
Here are some top-of-the-line colleges with low acceptance rates and high costs:
- Yale
- Northwestern University
- Stanford University
- University of Chicago
- University of Pennsylvania
- Columbia University
An accessible range of colleges for a sociology degree
Here is a more accessible variety of schools and colleges for pursuing a sociology degree:
- University of Kentucky
- American University, Washington D.C
- Syracuse University
- Miami University
Colleges with high acceptance rates
The following colleges have the highest acceptance rates:
- University of Alabama
- Arizona State University
- Colorado State University
- Florida Atlantic University
- Iowa State University of Science and Technology
Find sociology colleges by state
Find below some of the most esteemed colleges for sociology by state:
- Colleges in Alabama
- Colleges in Arkansas
- Colleges in New York
- Colleges in Maryland
- Colleges in Texas
- Colleges in Illinois
- Colleges in California
Alternatively, you can also explore colleges for human resources in New York and colleges for human resources in Maryland.
Is a sociology degree online beneficial?
Online learning today is as prevalent as conventional on-campus programs. In many ways, online education is better than on-campus. The biggest reason is the use of advanced technological means, that not only make learning efficient but also prepare students for the professional world.
Moreover, online degrees use self-paced learning methods, allowing students to absorb the teaching much better than they do in a conventional setting.
The only thing you need to be wary of when choosing an online sociology degree is the accreditation and coursework. Make sure the college offering the degree is accredited by reputed agencies. In addition, the coursework should be detailed, and relevant, and ensure a lot of learning for you.
Luckily, an online sociology degree is just as great as an on-campus degree. You learn the same courses and get the same skills and knowledge.
Furthermore, you can also explore human resources colleges online, which is also a great option. If you are more inclined towards a criminology degree online, explore the various colleges offering a BAS or BS in criminal studies.
Here are the best colleges offering online sociology bachelor’s degrees:
- University of Florida — Online
- Ohio University — Online
- Southern New Hampshire University — Online
- UNC Charlotte
- California State University, Fullerton
- Georgia State University Online
Is a bachelor’s degree in sociology right for me?
Selecting an undergraduate bachelor program for yourself to enroll in is not an easy task. It’s an important decision that requires a lot of consideration.
Some signs tell you you should study sociology. these may be your personality traits or personal goals.
Therefore, to get you started we have listed down some of the most important considerations you must make.
Make sure to look into the following considerations:
Research and compare schools
First, you must compare different colleges and schools offering sociology programs. Make sure to consider factors such as the fee structure and flexibility, elective courses offered, specialization options, campus life, and culture. A school’s website tells you a lot about it, so hop on the internet and look up various schools that offer sociology.
Consider personal career goals
As mentioned before, as well, career directions and job opportunities in sociology can be diverse. However, at the center of all opportunities, you will find 2 skills to be the most common; research and people dealing (human interactions). If you want that in your day-to-day career journey, then sociology is good for you.
Analyze patience and dedication levels
Sociology majors require patience and dedication. You will have to remain patient throughout lengthy lectures and deal with lots of volumes of texts and theories. Not only that but you must be dedicated to understanding humans and societies around you, which can be all kinds of surprises.
Consider your personality type
If you are a good communicator, like interacting with people in professional capacities, enjoy outdoorsy activities, and have a curious mind, then sociology might be the right pick for you! Explore other such traits and see if your characteristics are relevant to past and present sociologists.
Take a free personality test here and choose what’s best for you!
Practical considerations for undergraduates
Once you are a sociology graduate, you will find yourself in the middle of some research projects and other passion projects that may require some mindful handling.
Here are 5 things you need to consider after you have graduated and are working on your projects or a full-time job:
- Research takes time. Make sure to bring your A-game in terms of time management, deadline setting, and workflow streamlining
- Funding is crucial and difficult. Whatever Project or job you are working on, most tasks in sociology require a source of funding. Master the art of first winning an investor, and then focus on managing and efficiently utilizing the funds.
- Your research is incomplete without focus or target groups and audiences. These can also be the respondents to your surveys and research techniques. Identify them and make sure you have access to them.
- Connect with old peers. It’s important to maintain healthy interpersonal relationships during your sociology degree, so you can utilize these relationships and bring in the best set of skills around your circle.
- Even though you have graduated and stepped out of the learning phase, sociology is a field that will always be expanding. New research and theories will always be emerging. Stay ahead of everything by participating in sociology forums online, and attending sessions, and don’t stop your learning process.
Is a sociology major hard?
Like anything new you are planning to do, the biggest question that everything depends on is this: is this going to be hard? Here is an answer to your question about how hard will the sociology degree be.
Challenges and considerations
A sociology degree will do wonders for you in terms of career and personal growth. Having such a degree next to your name on the job application reflects a positive image of you in front of the employer.
It reflects your understanding of human interactions, and people management, and indicates your ability to conduct thorough research with reliable techniques and tools.
However, the degree itself can require you to invest a good amount of hard work and time into it. Like everything else, you must invest ample time and attention to your sociology degree. Expect a good volume of texts and readings to do, since everything comes from written theories and experiments in sociology.
If your concepts are straight, you might not find essay-length write-ups inconvenient or “hard”. However, discipline, time management, and healthy habits like reading should be maintained to keep up with the degree requirements.
At the core of it all, if sociology interests you, all hardships will become easy as you will enjoy yourself fully engrossed in the degree.
Tips for success in a bachelors sociology program
There is no formula to mastering the sociology degree that could also guarantee success in the field. However, here are some proven tips that you can implement and minimize the chances of failure:
- Make study buddies and be part of study groups
- Maintain a consistent habit of reading
- Leverage the internet to explore deeper depths of theories and experiments
- Explore and use research tools on the internet
- Attend seminars, webinars, and guest speaking sessions to expand the knowledge base
- Apply classroom learnings to real-life situations for better lesson retention
- Stay patient and focused
Why study sociology?
A sociology degree is good for many things. Most of the career directions and personal development benefits of sociology we have discussed earlier in the article. However, here are some important uses of a sociology degree that we want to reiterate.
Sometimes, parents and students alike question the importance and usefulness of a sociology degree. Therefore, here we address your confusion regarding the relevance and importance of a sociology degree:
Addressing social issues and inequality
Perhaps the most important part of studying sociology is the insight it offers into social issues and inequalities. It helps individuals lead a more mindful life where they are concerned with social injustices and inequality happening all around them.
It gives sociologists the maturity to deal with social issues based on facts, statistics, and proven techniques.
In today’s day and age, sociology gives its students the power to converse about important topics that otherwise are often left untouched due to lack of knowledge. Moreover, sociologists can discuss and debate on several social issues, and even help drive change via their conversations. These intangible skills to communicate, research, converse, and drive change are exclusive to a field of study like sociology.
Such individuals are a necessity in every society in all parts of the world.
Impact on policy and social change
Societies and human behaviors are ever-changing. The change doesn’t stop, and sociologists help speed up this process of change. More importantly, sociologists can help ensure that the change is occurring in the right place at the right time.
Sociology graduates bring about compassion and critical abilities when they go for administrative roles in government, non-profit, or private organizations.
Versatility in career opportunities
If you refer back to the list of job opportunities earlier in the article, you will see how diverse the pool of opportunities is. From research to administrative roles to teaching to human resources, a sociology graduate is a highly qualified individual for all.
The credit for this diversity goes to sociology for being such a realistic, crucial, and in-depth field of study that aligns with all walks of life.
Impact on various sectors and industries
Wherever a sociologist may go, it is bound for them to make an impact. If a sociologist chooses to be a life coach for high school students, the impact would be in the shape of disciplined teenagers who know what they want from their careers and lives.
If a sociologist chooses to be a journalist, they bring compassion, ethics, human rights, and phenomenal research skills into the workplace. This allows them to make the journalism industry more authentic and reliable.
Similarly, if a sociologist chooses to be part of organizational development in a corporate setting, they ensure equal rights for all employees. Additionally, they can nurture a culture of compassion, growth, and diversity. Therefore, a sociology degree is also useful for a career in human resources.
What does a sociologist say about sociology?
We can, at this point, agree that a sociology degree can do wonders for the student as well as for society.
It is an important field of study that contributes to improving human life all together. Here is a popular quote that beautifully explains the importance of sociology and how it helps understand the human world better.
‘Neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both.’
- C. Wright Mills, The Sociological Imagination.
Top sociologists who have made a name for themselves
Some of the biggest names in the sociology field of study have been able to understand and define social problems and challenges. Max Weber, Auguste Comte, Karl Marx, Emile Durkheim, and Micheal Foucault are sociologists who have made an impact throughout history.
Meanwhile, more recent well-known names include Suzanne Malveaux (CNN Whitehouse Correspondent), Michelle Obama (wife of President Barack Obama), and Francis Perkins (former Secretary of Labor).
These names are among the large pool of sociologists who have pondered over and explained core theories. For example, they have worked on concepts like social orders, race-based social issues, social hierarchies of power, wealth, poverty, gender, and so on.
Are there any graduate school options?
So, we have discussed the colleges for undergraduate degrees in sociology earlier. Now, let’s not overlook the importance of a graduate degree for a sociologist. Masters and Ph.D. are very common post-graduate programs a lot of sociologists enroll in.
How long does it take to get a graduate degree in sociology?
Master’s degree in sociology takes up to 2 years. Meanwhile, a Ph.D. in sociology can take anywhere between 5 and 7 years.
You can pick and explore the graduate school programs for sociologists in the following schools:
- Columbia University
- University of Texas Arlington – MA in sociology
- Atlantic International University – MA and MS in sociology
- DePaul College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences – MA in sociology
- Duke University – Ph.D. in sociology
What are the financial aid options for students enrolling in a bachelor’s sociology degree?
Financial aid can be a supplemental form of payment that helps students cover the cost of college. You can either get 100% financial aid or a partial one, depending on your case.
Certainly, there are numerous types of financial aid, varying in terms of what costs are covered, who is offering the aid, and on what grounds you get it.
Here are some financial aid options you can explore for your sociology degree:
Government/state-funded aid
Federal or government-funded aid covers all costs related to a secondary higher education required by the student. The aid is funded by the state or the government and is granted on the basis of need and eligibility. Make sure your college is accredited to qualify for financial aid from the state.
Employer financial aid
For Full-time workers, some employers often introduce initiatives like education funds and aid. This allows their employees to be able to pay their college costs without taking any major loans. However, this kind of aid often has limited amount and coverage, and may be available to employees meeting specific criteria such as years worked.
Government grants
Grants are different from financial aid offered by the state. Grants are sums of money given to the student to pay off their college costs. Moreover, grants may be given on the basis of students’ financial needs, or based on their academic performance and excellence.
Scholarships
You may apply for scholarships. These may be based on your financial needs or on your academic performance. Scholarships typically do not cover the entire college cost and are usually partial.
Scholarship offers vary based on the college you choose to go to. Government agencies, non-profit organizations, private agencies, and colleges may offer these scholarships.
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
FAFSA or Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a government-funded financial aid program for students. You must fill out a FAFSA form to apply for the aid. This aid can cover all college costs including housing, tuition, sports, and more.
Enroll in the best colleges for an undergraduate sociology degree!
A degree in sociology offers a diverse range of job opportunities in multiple industries and niches. It does not confine the graduates to one industry or job type. Not only that, but it also offers some avenues for personal growth.
By the end of your sociology degree, expect yourself to have better insights into social issues, lead a more mindful life, and apply all of that to your professional life as well.
There are a huge number of reputable schools and colleges you must explore that offer BS and BA degrees in sociology. Good luck!