Key takeaways
- If you are interested in learning about the societal norms of humans, you must opt for a sociology degree in Illinois.
- Sociologists study aspects of social life, like the sociology of the body and people, belief systems and religion, discrimination and bias, relationships and gender, etc.
- There are several job opportunities for sociology majors research, justice, social services, marketing and media, etc.
- Seven renowned colleges for sociology in Illinois are The University of Chicago, Northwestern University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Illinois at Chicago, Loyola University Chicago, Illinois State University, and Northern Illinois University.
- Sociology courses include race and society, introduction to sociological theory, sociology of childhood and youth, and racial and ethnic groups.
- The University of Illinois at Chicago is among the most affordable colleges after financial assistance, whereas the Northwestern University is one of the most expensive.
- It is crucial for students to be aware of research methods and possess effective communication skills for a successful professional life.
- The University of Chicago offers grants of about $1000 to 5 students conducting research concerning their bachelor’s project.
- According to research, a sociology degree is among the top 25 famous programs.
- Employees need sociology majors to observe, research, and promote a healthy lifestyle at work for higher productivity and profitability.
Have you ever wondered why humans think and behave differently? Sociologists investigate and study the rationale for human behaviors through research methods. If you have had such thoughts, you must consider pursuing a sociology degree in Illinois!
People intrigued by the issues and ongoings of the world and the people within tend to opt for a sociology degree. The information helps them become aware of society as a whole. If you are a high-school student considering an undergraduate sociology program, this blog is for you!
After reading this blog post, you will understand sociology better because we will delve into the responsibilities of sociologists and the list of colleges for sociology in Illinois. So, let’s begin!
What is sociology?
Did you know that the term “sociology” is a combination of the words “socius” meaning companion and “logos” meaning reason? Well, if you didn’t, now you do! Sociology is the study of the ways people think and behave within a society.
However, it is not as straightforward. Sociologists utilize several techniques to research innumerable topics and their relevance to the world. To learn about the methods, students should choose a sociology degree in Illinois!
Furthermore, the role of sociologists is to study the social life of people in the world. The social life does not happen by chance but is organized and created by surrounding individuals. Such processes include talking to people at workplaces, etc. Sociology seeks to comprehend why individuals behave a certain way and not another.
For instance, why do some people eat with a spoon and fork while others don’t? How are such “rules” invented? Who creates them? These are some of the questions students are likely to question and study during a bachelor’s degree in sociology.
What does a sociologist study?
As a sociology student, you will study a variety of human activities, making this a broad field to explore. Hence, sociologists have several job opportunities and industries they can enter because most companies require critical thinkers and problem solvers.
Following is a list of aspects a sociologist studies and investigates:
Sociology of the body and people
On Instagram, you can witness obsession with the “ideal” body type. Female models have chiseled jawlines, thin waists, blow-dried or straightened hair, etc. in pictures, propagating a specific notion of “beauty”. Young girls look at such photos and starve themselves to attain the perfect body or face structure. Doesn’t that sound unhealthy?
Today, healthcare is a major concern for people. Sociologists critically study behaviors regarding health by investigating the impacts of technology and science. Although technology benefits the masses, it has also given rise to artificiality. The reason behind that is that people have begun to seek plastic surgery for beauty reasons and to alter their sex.
Belief systems and religion
Generally, individuals derive hope and a sense of belonging through belief systems. A sociologist’s responsibility is to study why people believe in religions and commit deeds, which may seem bizarre to some, like walking on burning coals in India.
Moreover, with the help of a sociology degree, students become aware of the influence of technology on beliefs. For example, after reading scientific theories some people may move towards rationality and logic rather than mystical/spiritual beliefs. However, the demand for world religions like Christianity and Islam is quite high. Also, sociologists have figured that one of the reasons for the creation of religions was to establish the difference between right and wrong for the masses.
Discrimination and bias
Industrialization has given rise to inequality among individuals around the world. Sociologists study the different groups of people in the working sector, like primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors. The distribution of people into groups, or categorization, is one of the reasons for inequality because of the different kinds of work they do.
Inequality exists everywhere in society and to get rid of it is unattainable. Sociologists research and investigate reasons behind discrimination, resulting in increased awareness among people. They also become acquainted with the relevance of wealth to inequality.
Relationships and gender
Relationships are not just restricted to familial bonds but include social relationships too. As a sociology major, students investigate the influences of technology and industrialization on biological and social relationships. For example, with the rise in mobile phones and tablets, people have limited in-person interactions. Also, the pandemic impacted peoples’ social interaction and communication skills a few years ago.
Additionally, some people willingly interact with people based on their class, race, etc. It is the task of a sociologist to research and study the reasons for people’s preferences to indulge in conversations with some while excluding others. Only recently people realized the significance of closer examination into relationships and a degree in sociology helps you achieve that!
Where does a professional with a sociology degree in Illinois work?
If you are intrigued by sociology and curious about jobs for sociology majors, read the list below:
Research
Students studying sociology can conduct statistical research on human populations for government firms, maintain an ethical and diverse environment in companies, and create customer profiles for marketing purposes.
With the help of a sociology degree, students can impose cultural and social rules for a healthier work environment. Companies have realized the disadvantages of a toxic workplace; hence, they require sociology professionals to observe, research, and promote a healthy lifestyle at work for higher productivity and profitability.
Justice
Sociology majors learn the ways to deal with people in prisons and courts. For instance, they help offenders redirect their unhealthy thoughts and behaviors to healthier ones. According to research, correctional treatment specialists can earn approximately $61,800 on average.
Therefore, by obtaining a sociology degree, students can learn the techniques to assist people in prisons and other facilities by evoking relevant emotions.
Social Services
After earning a sociology degree, students can become a caseworker. The tasks of a caseworker entail helping domestic abuse victims, conducting sessions in youth centers, mental health institutes, etc., and offering services in NGOs.
Moreover, a master’s degree further enhances a sociology major because of more job opportunities. For example, people with masters can become rehabilitation counselors and assist those addicted to drugs. However, one must earn a bachelor’s degree first. Also, the social services field is in demand. As per research, there will be about 281,600 positions open through 2032!
Marketing and media
Students who earn a sociology degree in Illinois can assist marketing departments of firms by giving relevant bits of advice to enhance their delivery of products and services to the masses.
Branding determines organizations’ profit levels because customers can be attracted to the product or not. That’s where market research analysts help companies by providing target audience analysis and predictions regarding profitable products and services. Furthermore, since cultural marketing specialists know why consumers react to social media posts, they can help firms create successful posts.
List of colleges for sociology in Illinois
By earning a sociology degree in Illinois, students can learn about observation and research methods, critical thinking skills, and become aware of several issues and solutions concerning people and the world.
According to research, an undergraduate sociology degree is among the top 25 famous programs. There must be a reason for that. If interested, read about some of the colleges for sociology in Illinois:
The University of Chicago
Sociology students at the University of Chicago gain knowledge of human relations and research methods to look into urban planning, law, social work, etc. Through courses like cities, space, and power, how to think sociologically, and statistical methods of research, professors help students for graduate school and professional jobs.
Furthermore, the faculty members have carefully curated the syllabus, so that students get exposure to practical applications, research methods, and theory. They let students study abroad during their bachelor’s at UChicago to grow professionally and personally. Also, the university offers grants of approximately $1000 to 5 students conducting research concerning their bachelor’s project!
Northwestern University
At Northwestern University, students learn about various social groups, how they have come into existence, reasons for their thinking and behavioral patterns, ways they affect politics, economy, etc. Their sociology department is renowned because they deeply embed concepts within the students about sexuality, race, ethnography, technology, etc.
Faculty members teach courses like gender, race, class, reality television, race and society, and sociology of reputation. Don’t they sound intriguing? They offer interesting courses for students to remain curious and involved. Graduates from Northwestern University have a high success rate in career growth because of their exceptional faculty and environment.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
By earning a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, students learn how to tackle problems and make a difference in the world. They research and critically study societal beliefs about religions, class, gender, etc. through courses like social research methods, introduction to sociological theory, and intro to social statistics.
Furthermore, students learn about diversity and cultures, instilling responsibility, empathy, and awareness within them. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s graduates have acquired positions in law, human resources, NGOs, medicine, etc.
University of Illinois at Chicago
The sociology program at the University of Illinois at Chicago imparts knowledge to students about organizations, sexuality, ethnicity, politics, etc. Intriguing courses like the sociology of childhood and youth, gender and society, and racial and ethnic groups are taught at the university by faculty members.
Additionally, students acquire critical thinking and problem-solving skills to deal with issues concerning societal notions in the real world. They learn to utilize relevant skills and knowledge, like research methods, technology, and comprehension of social theories.
Loyola University Chicago
Students studying sociology at Loyola University Chicago learn the required theoretical and methodological information for practical implementation. The university offers courses like society in a global age, race and ethnic relations, and sociology of sex and gender to instill notions within students.
Moreover, Loyola University Chicago encourages students to intern for professional and personal growth. Students can explore careers in government, NGOs, and businesses through a degree in sociology.
Illinois State University
Studying sociology at Illinois State University will help students make a difference in the world by dealing with problems regarding the economy, law, government, etc. That is because faculty members teach students how structures impact people in society.
Through courses like human sexuality, marriage and the family, and personal relationships, professors help students acquire knowledge and skills concerning research, critical analysis, and problem-solving. As a sociology major at Illinois State University, students get individual attention and learn various techniques to implement at workplaces for higher success.
Northern Illinois University
At Northern Illinois University, sociology majors learn about how technology influences social groups, apart from other influences. If your curiosity is piqued by human thinking and behavioral patterns, you must consider careers with a sociology degree.
Professors teach courses like contemporary sociological theory, foundations of sociology, and classical sociological theory to develop skills in management, leadership, research, etc. Also, students can find work in several fields like government, NGOs, and education.
Fees of colleges with a sociology degree in Illinois
Students must research data and trends, like the tuition fees of colleges with a sociology degree. It is also crucial to research which colleges offer financial aid and scholarships for undergraduate college planning. The below list mentions the tuition fees of colleges for sociology in Illinois:
| Colleges | Average cost after aid | Average cost before aid |
| The University of Chicago | $22,690
|
$86,856 |
| Northwestern University | $28,230
|
$89,394
|
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | $15,483
|
$32,134
|
| University of Illinois at Chicago
|
$11,329 | $35,872 |
| Loyola University Chicago
|
$27,330
|
$67,818
|
| Illinois State University | $20,579 | $32,458 |
| Northern Illinois University | $14,266 | $27,822 |
Enhance your critical thinking skills by earning a sociology degree in Illinois!
Students who opt for a sociology degree in Illinois get job opportunities in more fields than you can imagine! That is because an undergraduate sociology program covers several concepts concerning social groups and the world. Through a degree in sociology, people can utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills to resolve societal conflicts.
Colleges in Illinois, like The University of Chicago, focus on students’ knowledge and extracurriculars to help students with professional and personal growth. Check online options too after researching the differences between traditional and online colleges. Hence, you must consider sociology colleges in Illinois, universities in Alabama, and other US states, if you question why things are a certain way in society and want to raise awareness!