Sociology Career Guide
What can I do with a degree in Sociology?
Not sure what to do with your BA/BS in Sociology? The following information will get you on the right path to life after your undergraduate studies.
The American Sociological Association's Careers in Sociology (1995) suggests the following areas for seeking employment:
- social services--in rehabilitation, case management, group work with youth or the elderly, recreation, or administration
- community work--in fund-raising for social service organizations, nonprofits, child-care or community development agencies, or environmental groups
- corrections--in probation, parole, or other criminal justice work
- business--in advertising, marketing and consumer research, insurance, real estate, personnel work, training, or sales
- college settings--in admissions, alumni relations, or placement offices
- health services--in family planning, substance abuse, rehabilitation counseling, health planning, hospital admissions, and insurance companies
- publishing, journalism, and public relations--in writing, research, and editing
- government services--in federal, state, and local government jobs in such areas as transportation, housing, agriculture, and labor
- teaching--in elementary and secondary schools, in conjunction with appropriate teacher certification.
Sociology is a valuable major for students planning careers in a wide variety of fields including social research , criminology , demography , social psychology , public administration , gerontology , education , rehabilitation , social work , and research . It provides a useful background for those planning to enter law , business , medicine , community planning , architecture , and politics .
Examples of Jobs Obtained by Recent University of Utah Sociology Graduates:
Advanta Bank Corp: Fraud Investigator
Bennett and Delaney Law Offices: Legal Assistant
Boys and Girls Club: Counselor
City of Las Vegas : Police Officer
Copper Hills Youth Center : Mental Health Associate
Department of Labor: EEO Assistant
Department of Workforce Services: Eligibility Specialist; Employment Counselor
Housing Authority of Salt Lake : Youth Programs Coordinator
IHC: Patient Services Rep; Writer/Editor
LDS Church : Supervisor
Lighthouse Research: Research Assistant
Murray City Police Department: Detective (Metro Gang Enforcement)
Neiman Marcus: Loss Prevention
Salt Lake County : Case Worker
Sandia National Labs: JTS Team Member
U.S. Department of Justice/DEA: Special Agent
United States Army: Platoon Leader; Aerial Supply Officer
Utah DCFS: Child Welfare Caseworker; Youth Corrections
Valley Mental Health: Adolescent Counselor
Washington Redskins: NFL Player
YMCA: Social Worker
View employment and salary information for Sociology majors in the "Who Hires our Graduates" report maintained by the University of Utah Career Services .
More Information:
Career Services at the University of Utah is the best campus resource for exploring career opportunities. The Career Counselors are there to help you with resume and cover letter writing, interview techniques, and much more.
The American Sociological Association has information on career, volunteer, and funding opportunities.
Utah State University and the University of Texas offer lists of job descriptions for Sociology majors.
Utah Mentor has a career center that enables you to explore your areas of interest. The website also contains scholarship search engines and transfer information.
Jobs with the State of Utah . Use this website to search for careers with state and federal agencies.
Utah's Career Connection allows you to investigate careers, explore education and training, and look for a job.