While everyone thinks that sociology is non-vocational, sociology prepares you for most vocations. A degree in sociology helps you gain transferable analytical skills that allow you to work in different sectors. However, the problem with vocational training courses is that economic sectors come and go. For example, a degree in tourism and hospitality is acceptable until the currency fluctuates or the summer is destroyed or the regional development agency closes its doors. But having transferable analytical skills allows you to move between sectors, make connections between the different situations you have studied, and spot patterns. So, sociology is extremely good for a business career, probably better than business studies indeed. Let’s show you how to acquire a degree sooner or later. Many sociology graduates are drawn to careers that focus on the challenges and demands faced by members of society. This leads to jobs in social services, education, criminal justice, social services, government, counseling, charities, and the voluntary sector. But if you’re still wondering, “Why should I get a degree in sociology?” and “How do I get a Sociology Degree?” This article gives a full review of a sociology degree. At the end of this article, you will understand the huge benefits of studying sociology and how to acquire a degree as soon as possible.
What is a Sociology Degree?
Sociology is the study of human societies, including social changes over time, common beliefs and behaviours within a particular society, social structures, and rules. Sociology is part of the social sciences group of subjects that intersects with other social sciences such as politics, economics, law, and statistics. Studying sociology can also mean conducting empirical research based on observation, using statistical analysis to identify trends and casual relationships.
Is Sociology a Good Career?
If you’ve ever wondered how the dynamics of societies and communities work, sociology is the best way for you. A career in sociology involves career avenues where the study of different social demographics, the effects of various policies is important. The skills and knowledge acquired in sociology are also applied to address many administrative challenges that shape a society. So, if you want to have a positive impact on the improvement of the world, your company, studying sociology is ideal for you. The main reason to consider getting a degree in sociology is the ability it gives students to make a real difference in the community. Sociology aims to equip students with a broad understanding of issues that affect people locally, nationally, and internationally. By studying sociology and starting a career in government, local community programs, or charities, you can really help bring about positive change where you live. You can also seek to impact people on a personal level in roles such as a youth leader or family support worker. Does this sound like something you would like to achieve with your college degree? Let’s take a look at how a sociology degree can be of great help to your career.
How Can Sociology Degree Help in my Career?
Sociology degrees open doors to a wide range of career options. This is due to a wide variety of subjects surrounding the course, all of which equip you with different key skills that can be applied to a wide range of careers. Most sociology course offers modules that cover topics as diverse as crime, culture, media, politics, and identity. Such experience means that you can apply for positions in multiple industries. Sociology also helps students develop critical thinking skills and the ability to measure and collect quantitative and qualitative evidence. Furthermore, sociology as a professional platform is developing at a rapid pace in India. So, what other ways can sociology help me in my career? Here are some of the key learning outcomes that help prepare sociology graduates for the increasingly global job market:
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Critical thinking and problem-solving are the top skills all employers look for in potential hires, from small non-profit organizations to large corporations. Hence, in the sociology curriculum, students learn to research and collect data, as well as to analyze that information to obtain valuable information. They are able to think critically and ask important questions to find solutions and, in the process, a better understanding of how someone or something works. In sociology, you learn to ask different questions. Are you wondering what that means? It means, you’ll learn to find out the cause of a problem and that’s critical thinking. Whether by observing groups in daily life or conducting large-scale surveys, critical thinking and data collection is taught into the bone marrow of sociology students.
Research Skills
Research skill is especially essential today when the whole world is bombarded with information; some of which are not really rooted. These research skills go hand in hand with critical thinking and data analysis skills. By presenting an argument, sociology students quickly learn the importance of seeking the correct information from reliable sources to support a claim. This combination gives sociology graduates an advantage for many jobs involving any type of research and communication.
Data Collection and Analysis
Most sociological theories have their roots in social science research, and as a result, sociology students are more exposed to research methods than most liberal arts students. “,” says Grubb. “ In real life, you can’t just generalize without data. Data is really useful in daily life. Especially nowadays we hear a lot about data and metrics in the workplace, how to increase sales, how to increase production, website visits, etc. You need to have their facts and numbers to support a claim or statement Sociology students become experts in this area by learning to collect and analyze data efficiently and ethically. This helps them develop important skills for managing and understanding large amounts of information and have the ability to distill this data.
Interpersonal and Intercultural Skills
Understanding how to effectively interact with other people, regardless of their background, is a skill that can’t be taken for granted. By studying people and cultures, sociology students learn that interactions must be adapted in order to interact with others. Sociology students also learn why understanding context and tailoring messages are important when working in various fields.
Communication Skills
Strong oral and written communication skills are essential in almost any career, whether it’s working with the public or simply interacting with other colleagues. Learning to communicate complex data and theories clearly and concisely is an important skill sociology students learn through their courses. Because students study society and people, they gain a better understanding of the circumstances in which people live and what is important to them. This allows them to tailor their communication to a variety of audiences.
Leadership
The study of people and society teaches students that leadership does not come in one form. A leader that is silent and behind the scenes can lead by example or can take initiative and guide others on a project. Sociology graduates gain valuable insight into what makes an effective leader and gain practical leadership experience through active engagement with their peers.
What Can You Do With a Sociology Degree?
You can pursue many careers with a degree in sociology. Graduates with degrees in sociology are qualified for positions in most industries. In fact, more than 40% of sociology professionals work in research and development for organizations related to the social and human sciences. Organizations in virtually any industry can benefit from professionals with excellent communication, analysis, and problem-solving skills. Other common professional settings include educational service organizations and state public institutions. If you’re interested in the field, read on to learn more about what you can do with a sociology degree can offer and the types of professional careers you could pursue after graduation.
What are the Career Options in Sociology?
When students tell their parents that they are majoring in sociology, their first reaction is, “what are you going to do with this?” At first glance, sociology may not seem practical, but with proper planning and execution, the degree can be used in all kinds of industries. It can also serve as a solid foundation for higher education. The following list below highlights popular industries and careers for graduates with a degree in sociology.
How Do I Get a Degree in Sociology?
One of the ways to become a Sociologist is to get a degree. Getting a sociology degree will enlighten and broaden a student’s view on who a sociologist is meant to be. So, if you seek to know the right step to get a degree in Sociology, this article is a full guide for you. As a high school graduate, the first degree to get is an undergraduate degree. An undergraduate degree course in sociology makes students undertake numerous research projects to study social problems, test theories, and conduct analysis to develop better models of social development. However, most companies, often prefer to employ a sociologist that has a master’s or doctorate degree in sociology. They believe that those with master’s degrees often have a broader view of their role and responsibility. So, going for a master’s degree will also be a good choice since it opens a broader way for better job opportunities. Some graduates with bachelor’s degrees find work as research assistants in sociology, while most find positions in other fields, such as social services, administration, management, or sales and marketing. If you have no college degree at all, you can kick start a career in sociology by getting an undergraduate degree in sociology. Let’s show you how to do this with ease.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Degree in Sociology?
A bachelor’s degree in sociology generally requires four years of full-time study. Most programs require 120 credits or approximately 40 courses. However, several factors influence the time it takes to earn a bachelor’s degree. Firstly, a student should consider whether they can take courses full or part-time. Some students may maintain continuous enrollment for eight semesters, while others may have periods of no attendance or opt for one or more semesters of part-time classes. Full-time status generally requires eight-semester if they are to graduate in four years. While, master’s degree students studying sociology will have to take up to four semesters in a roll to complete the degree, which is equivalent to two years. However, the length of a master’s in sociology program depends n the program requirements, delivery format, and the number of courses they take each term. Students with work and family obligations may prefer the flexibility of an online degree. Some online programs offer accelerated degrees that students can complete in 18 months to two years. Students can shorten the time it takes to earn a degree by bringing in transfer credits from other colleges or AP high school courses that exempt them from required or introductory courses.
10 Best Sociology Schools in 2022 | Schools, Programs, Cost
The Best Colleges for Sociology degree ranking analyzes 356 colleges and universities that offer a bachelor’s degree in sociology. We look at over 5 factors to determine the top 10% of schools for Sociology students. It includes:
Number of ProgramsAcceptance Rate
In addition to the above, you should consider some of the following factors: Major Focus: How much a school focuses on Sociology students vs. other majors.Major Popularity: How many other sociology students choose this school.Accreditation: Whether a school is regionally accredited and/or a recognized sociology-related accrediting body. List of 10 Best Sociology Schools in 2021:
#1. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA Any student wishing to pursue a degree in sociology should consult Harvard University. Harvard is a very large private non-profit school located in the city of Cambridge. A top 3 colleges ranking of 1,715 colleges nationwide means Harvard is an excellent college overall. For those interested in something more advanced, Harvard also offers 2 different levels of graduate degrees in Sociology, the most popular of which is a Master’s. Students in the Harvard University sociology degree program receive $16,460 more than the typical college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.
#1. Find Out the Necessary Requirements
Degree requirements are necessary if you desire to get admission. However, admission requirements may vary based on the school you choose. These requirements determine if you will get accepted or not to the degree you are applying to. It’s also necessary to find out the sociology program requirements. These requirements are set by an institution for the completion of a program of study. Requirements may include a minimum number of hours, required GPA, prerequisite, and elective courses within the specified major and/or minor areas of study. Meanwhile, many schools have a residency requirement for the bachelor’s degree which specifies that 30 units (more or less) may need to be earned in residence at the campus granting the degree.
#2. Get Your Documents Ready
After you’ve known the requirements, the respective schools you chose will state clearly the necessary documents you must submit. Then you’ve to follow the instructions for preparing and uploading these documents. The instructions can be as follows:
Your full name must appear on all uploaded documents.Ensure that all information on the document is readable.If a document is in a language other than English, a certified English translation must also be included.Scan your document in black and white.Scanning at a resolution of 300 DPI is recommended.Ensure that the scanned document orientation matches the original. For example, transcripts that are printed vertically (portrait) should be scanned so that they appear in portrait format. Transcripts printed horizontally (landscape) should appear in landscape format.Do not upload all your supporting documents as one file. Create one PDF for each type of document you are required to upload.Multipage documents should be saved as a single PDF document. Please ensure that all pages of the document are in the correct order.All documents must be saved in an unsecured PDF format before they can be uploaded. Your PDF document must not be password protected.
Below is a checklist of important documentation for a sociology degree either as an undergraduate or masters students:
Birth certificateMedical certificatePassport-sized photosConfirmation of offerLetter of RecommendationCV/ ResumeUndergraduate degree or Master’s degree certificateGMAT Preliminary or GRE PreliminaryPost-secondary TranscriptsPreliminary Statement of MarksProgram of StudyProof of English ProficiencyPublicationRanking DocumentReference LettersResearch StatementStatement/Letter of IntentStatement of Financial SupportSupplemental Application Form
Remember, your application will not be complete until all required items are submitted. If you have applied to more than one program, admission documents will be required for each application.
#3. Participate in Service Learning
The goal of service-learning is to address a social problem through volunteering while engaging in educational discussions about the underlying causes of that social problem. Service-learning can consist of ongoing volunteer programs in your community, short-term immersions at home and abroad, and one-time volunteer activities. Not only is this a boost to your resume, but it’s also a great way for admission officers to consider you more reliable as a prospective student. It’s also a great way to learn more about community engagement, develop cross-cultural skills, and better understand social challenges if you’re an international student.
#4. Choose a School
When deciding where to study sociology, students will probably have several features in mind to help them decide which university is right for them. One of the most important features students who want to study sociology to consider is the strength of the sociology department at the university of their choice. College students should look for a comprehensive program in which they can find out what area of sociology they are genuinely interested in to prepare them for their future careers. Graduate students should consider the research strengths of the departments they are applying to and choose a school where they can work with faculty on topics of interest to them.
#5. Start Applying
When you’re done choosing the best school to study in, the next step is to start your application process. Most schools that offer sociology degree looks for students who they believe have the highest academic ability and potential. Also, those who are best suited to the requested course, and who will benefit from the learning environment they’ve to offer. This means a student must:
have exceptional academic abilities and potentialbenefit and prosper in the schools learning environmentadapt well to the HSPS course and know why it suits them
Also, some schools conduct admissions interviews, which:
contribute to their assessment of applicants’ academic potential and suitability for their chosen course.give applicants the opportunity to develop the written elements of their application and show tell it in a story.
#2. University of California, Berkeley
Berkeley, California UC Berkeley is a fairly large public school located in the medium-sized city of Berkeley. This university is ranked 69 out of 1,715 universities in overall quality in the state of California. It’s hard to beat the University of California – Berkeley if you want a sociology degree as a major. With 338 undergraduate students, the University of California – Berkeley is one of the most popular universities to study sociology in the United States. Graduates of the sociology program earn an average of $38,700 in the first two years of their careers.
#3. Columbia University in New York
New York, NY Columbia University in New York City is among your best options if you want to study sociology. Located in New York City, Columbia is a private, non-profit university with a very large student body. It got a ranking of 32 out of 1,715 universities across the country by Top Universities, which means that Colombia is a great university overall. With 78 undergraduate students, Columbia University in New York City is one of the most popular schools to study sociology in the United States. Sociology students at Columbia University in New York City earn $6,460 more than a typical sociology student.
#4. University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California University of California – Los Angeles is one of the best sociology schools in the United States. UCLA is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. This school is ranked 65th out of 1,715 colleges in overall quality in the state of California. There are approximately 685 undergraduate sociology students enrolled in this program at UCLA. Students who complete this program report receiving an average starting salary of $33,000.
#5. Boston College
Chestnut Hill, MA Boston College is a large, private, non-profit school located in the city of Chestnut Hill. This university is located in position 61 among 1,715 universities in general quality in the state of Massachusetts. There are approximately 55 undergraduate sociology students enrolled in this degree at Boston College. Boston College sociology students receive $5,660 more than the typical sociology graduate shortly after graduation.
#6. Cornell University
Ithaca, New York Located in the city of Ithaca, Cornell is a private, non-profit school with a very large student body. As a top college, they got a ranking of 17 out of 1,715 colleges nationwide, which means Cornell is an excellent school overall. With 74 undergraduate students, Cornell University is one of the most popular schools for studying sociology in the United States. Shortly after graduating with their bachelor’s degree, sociology students generally earn an average of $38,100 at the beginning of their careers.
#7. New York University
New York, NY NYU is a very large private non-profit school located in the greater city of New York. This school is ranked 130th out of 1,715 colleges in overall quality in New York State. With 88 undergraduate students, New York University is one of the most popular schools for studying sociology in the United States. New York University sociology students receive $3,660 more than the standard sociology student.
#8. Duke University
Durham, North Carolina Duke is a large non-profit private school located in the city of Durham. For those interested in something more advanced, Duke also offers 2 levels of graduate degrees in sociology, the most popular of which is a Ph.D. (research/fellowship). Graduates of the sociology program earn approximately $37,300 early in their careers.
Conclusion
A sociology degree particularly benefits students who are committed to being active and informed citizens who initiate positive changes in society. It is a captivating topic that covers all aspects of modern life on the planet. See the easiest way to get a sociology degree in 2022.
