Key takeaways
- A sociology degree in Alabama helps students understand why humans behave in a certain way by analyzing factors like race, ethnicity, culture, gender, etc.
- Sociology students learn about the rationale and impacts of human thinking on aspects like family conflicts, love, global warming, discrimination, and more.
- A sociology degree in college offers interesting and diverse courses, holistic thinking, and several job opportunities.
- Sociology majors can explore jobs in business, social work, research, and education.
- To shortlist a college, students must research the pros and cons, and the location of colleges, and visit them.
- Reputable colleges with a sociology degree in Alabama are Auburn University, University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of North Alabama, Troy University, University of South Alabama, Jacksonville State University, and Athens State University.
- The most affordable college for sociology in Alabama is Athens State University and the most expensive is Auburn University.
- Sociology courses include gender and society, intro to cultural anthropology, death and dying, quantitative research methods, and ethnographic methods.
- Online degrees help students work and travel; the University of North Alabama offers sociology classes online.
- People with a sociology degree can utilize their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in their professional lives.
Did you know Martin Luther King and Michelle Obama studied sociology in college? There are several factors for choosing a sociology undergraduate program, one of the most significant being understanding the people around you better. If you want to learn about societal norms and issues, you must opt for a sociology degree in Alabama!
With the help of sociologists, people can understand human relationships (biological and social), systems, etc., and how they impact people and the world. Students learn to solve conflicts by analyzing and thinking critically after studying sociology in college.
In this blog post, we will discuss sociology as a subject, its relevance, the job opportunities with a sociology degree, ways to shortlist a college, and the names of colleges for sociology in Alabama. So, let’s begin!
What is sociology?
Sociology is a vast and diverse subject concerning institutions, systems, human beings, etc. It deals with religion, gender, race, ethnicity, relationships, culture, etc. not just separately but how each aspect impacts or influences another. The main goal of sociology is to understand why and how humans think and behave the way they do. Have I evoked your curiosity? If so, keep reading because we will also look into the colleges with a sociology degree in Alabama!
Sociologists analyze and understand micro and macro aspects; the former concerning family conflicts, romantic love, etc., and the latter about poverty, inequality, and more. There are several qualitative and quantitative methods to utilize for research, which students learn during a bachelor’s degree in sociology.
Most importantly, students grow personally and professionally by opting for sociology in college because they start analyzing aspects from multiple perspectives. Thinking holistically helps resolve conflict, which most companies seek within potential employees.
What is the significance of a sociology degree?
Most people would choose sociology as their major without blinking twice. You must wonder why that is the case. Well, it is because the advantages of sociology majors are endless! They possess several job opportunities wherever they go in multiple fields, like education, healthcare, government, etc. On top of it, you get to help the world through research and spreading awareness.
The following list provides a better idea of why you must study sociology in college:
Interesting and diverse courses
Students learn about various aspects concerning gender, culture, crime, media, inequality, etc. Through such informative texts, people begin thinking out of the box. Because of this, students develop an interest in reading and learning through books and imparting the information to others.
Holistic thinking
Undergraduate sociology colleges introduce students to several ideas and perspectives concerning aspects of our lifeworld. Due to such exposure, students start thinking critically from multiple lenses, which is what professors want. In college, students are assigned several essays for critical analysis that promote holistic thinking. For instance, professors look into the history of inequality and link it to power dynamics, industrialization, colonialism, etc.
Job opportunities
People with a sociology degree can utilize their critical thinking and problem-solving skills in their professional lives. Employers seek individuals with expertise in solving social issues and enhancing the work environment for greater productivity and profitability. Moreover, students can combine other fields with sociology, like psychology, which delves deeper into the psyche of humans. Sociology graduates can find work in fields like marketing, education, business, etc.
What can I do with a sociology degree?
After earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology, students get many job opportunities to pursue. For example, social science research, clerical support, teaching, etc. The list below provides an elaborate description of jobs for sociology majors:
Business
Organizations seek sociology students for various reasons, but mainly to enhance profitability. The potential candidate must possess organizational, effective communication, and problem-solving skills, ingrained within sociology majors.
Moreover, sociology graduates can explore human resources and marketing, since firms want to understand human thinking patterns better. They can critically analyze human behavior and think to propose suitable solutions.
Social work
There are multiple opportunities for sociology students in the government and non-profit sectors. Graduates can explore options like counseling, criminal justice, law enforcement, etc. Companies look for individuals with excellent communication and analytical thinking skills to solve issues concerning discrimination and other social matters.
Research
Sociology professionals learn qualitative and quantitative research methods like surveys, interviews, etc. Examples of job opportunities within the social science research field include database management, research assistant, etc. Students can work for organizations like medical research centers and universities to investigate the latest trends.
Education
The education sector has multiple opportunities for sociology students like teaching, research assistants, etc. In some cases, they require certificates for teaching like TESOL certification. However, students can obtain certificates through programs, usually taking a year or less. Also, sociology majors possess the ability to teach courses concerning social studies and even English as a language!
How to shortlist a college?
It is integral for students in high school to research undergraduate colleges they want to enroll in. People may think it is a fast procedure but the process can take a while since there are multiple factors to consider. The following points are beneficial for students to shortlist a college:
List the pros and cons
Before finalizing a college, students must create a pros and cons list of their preferred sociology colleges. For this, it is crucial to research and visit college websites for a better idea about the courses offered. That makes it convenient for the individual to understand their likes and dislikes better. Although most sociology program courses are similar, some colleges may offer slightly different electives. After making the list, count whichever college has the most pros and choose that option!
Location of the college
The location is important because students should evaluate their financial situation, people, language barrier, etc. Students must investigate the cultures, weather, visa requirements, and safety levels. Choosing a city makes it easier for students to select a college because of fewer options.
Visit the college
There are several benefits of visiting colleges like witnessing the classrooms and environment of the campus. Also, communication with current students helps them learn about various aspects like clubs and inside information not available on websites. Sometimes students fall in love with the campus, while other times talking to professors and students does the deed.
Which colleges offer a sociology degree in Alabama?
Even though several people assume that sociology majors have difficulty finding jobs, unlike doctors and engineers, that is incorrect. Several profit and non-profit companies seek sociologists to improve employee productivity through critical analysis and problem-solving skills learned in college.
Below is a list of colleges that offer sociology in Alabama:
Auburn University
Students earning a bachelor’s degree in sociology at Auburn University learn the research methods and critical thinking skills to solve conflicts. They can use their knowledge for societal issues like inequality, racial discrimination, and crime. Auburn University’s sociology program is focused on mental health, family studies, criminology, and psychology. Hence, if your interest lies in these areas, you must consider pursuing a sociology degree here!
Furthermore, their renowned faculty members teach courses like ethnographic methods, American lit before 1865, and appreciation of music, depicting a range of topics. Other courses are medical sociology, culture, alcohol use, and terrorism. Moreover, the university offers two areas of concentration: sociology and criminology, which further enhance students’ skills and knowledge for a successful career. They give scholarships to underprivileged students too!
University of Alabama at Birmingham
The sociology program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham enlightens students about human relationships and explanations for various behavioral patterns. Graduates from the university have successful careers in marketing, social services, law, medicine, etc. Professors assist students in understanding the complexities of human thinking styles through courses like death and dying, mind, self and society, and quantitative research methods.
Furthermore, the university has a library application for student convenience. They also have a clinic for students on campus for medical assistance. Plus, UAB gives scholarships, loans, grants, and work-study options to avoid financial issues.
University of North Alabama
Classes for bachelor’s in sociology at the University of North Alabama are online. The program helps students tackle societal problems through scientific research of structures. Courses like the sociology of gender and sexual behavior, human growth and development, and marriage and the family investigate human attitudes and behaviors.
Additionally, sociology students at the University of North Alabama become aware of inequality and diverse groups, making them empathetic and understanding towards other ethnicities. Critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills are deeply ingrained within students for conflict resolution.
Even though the program is taught online, the professors at the University of North Alabama possess expertise in sociology. Read about the differences between online and traditional sociology colleges for more information.
Graduates have found jobs in human resources, NGOs, social services, etc. To work alongside studies, you must consider an online sociology degree because of its convenience. Most students avail scholarships, loans, or student employment opportunities, so you could too!
Troy University
Troy University’s sociology graduates learn a great deal about human relationships. If your curiosity is piqued, you must pursue a sociology degree at Troy University. Students learn to critically analyze matters concerning social inequality, crime, justice, law, and much more.
Moreover, the university has an internship program for students to grow professionally and personally by working in organizations like mental health institutions. Internships polish students’ skills and knowledge because they utilize knowledge in real-life settings. During their bachelor’s at Troy University, students learn about societal issues, analysis of data, and research methods through courses like social problems in contemporary society, sociology of popular music, and sociology of popular culture and mass media. Students can avail of scholarships and financial aid opportunities at Troy University.
University of South Alabama
Studying sociology at the University of South Alabama benefits students because the faculty members assist students with critical thinking and research skills. Courses like sociological theory, intro to cultural anthropology, and social problems are taught at the University of South Alabama. For more information about their courses, you can visit the website!
Furthermore, sociology students get individual attention from professors since the classes are small. Because of their renowned faculty, graduates have found work in admin, law, marketing, communication, etc. They offer scholarships and financial aid to students to relieve financial stress.
Jacksonville State University
At Jacksonville State University, sociology majors understand human behavior and the various research techniques to solve societal conflicts. Through critical analysis and research, they learn to make predictions about organizations. Students must take courses like gender and society, social stratification, and race, ethnicity, and society, to understand how humans think and function.
Graduates from Jacksonville State University have become market research analysts, diversity training and development managers, and academic counselors. The college also provides financial aid and scholarships based on their academic records and other reasons.
Athens State University
The bachelor’s degree at Athens State University guides students towards holistic and critical thinking. They become aware of how societies function and the various sociological ideologies. Courses that help attain knowledge about human thinking and behavior include deviant social behavior, adult corrections, and moral values in today’s society.
At Athens State University, the reputable faculty members indulge in discussions about diversity, inequality, gender, race, ethnicity, etc. The university provides quality education alongside financial aid, grants, loans, student employment opportunities, and scholarships. For more information, visit their website!
Fees of colleges with a sociology degree in Alabama
Is the college within my budget? Do they provide financial aid and scholarships? These are some of the undergraduate data and trends students must research for college planning and choosing a college with a sociology degree in Alabama. The following list mentions fees of colleges for sociology in Alabama:
| Colleges | Average cost after aid | Average cost before aid |
| Auburn University | $23,258 | $34,402 |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | $16,585
|
$28,909 |
| University of North Alabama | $12,631 | $23,250 |
| Troy University | $14,019 | $22,977 |
| University of South Alabama | $16,223 | $23,705 |
| Jacksonville State University | $18,336 | $23,990 |
| Athens State University | $10,504 | $15,810 |
Join a college with a sociology degree in Alabama!
With a degree in sociology, students can avail job opportunities in fields like healthcare, education, law, government, etc. There is demand for students with sociology degrees in Alabama because companies want higher profitability. And, well, who else can understand human behavior better than sociology majors?
There are several college options in Alabama for sociology like Auburn University, Jacksonville State University, Athens State University, etc. that focus on professional and personal growth. As a working student, you must consider pursuing an online bachelor’s degree at the University of North Alabama. So, what are you waiting for? Apply to colleges for sociology in Alabama, universities in Illinois, and other US states to create a difference!