In an increasingly diverse culture, employers are looking for college graduates who can navigate complex social issues and dynamics. That’s a good sign for sociology students who are preparing to tackle complex social challenges – in the community and in the workplace – with their sociology degree. In this article, we will examine the possible career paths for sociology degree graduates and how they can make a meaningful impact in a number of roles.
What Is a Bachelor’s in Sociology?
A Bachelor of Arts in Sociology immerses you in the systematic study of society, social behavior, and social institutions so you may understand how social structures, relationships, and cultural norms shape societal development. The program is designed to strengthen your analytical and research skills, allowing you to examine social phenomena, conduct empirical research, and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world issues.
What Skills Do You Learn in a Sociology Degree Program?
A bachelor’s degree in sociology will give you a foundational understanding of critical societal issues and challenges, as well as the skills to address them from diverse research perspectives. You will gain insights into social theory, structures, research methods, and the creation and application of social policies. The program also covers societal diversity, the roots of social problems, solutions, and the role of advocacy in promoting positive change.
Upon completing your degree in sociology, you will be able to:
- Defend core values: Advocate for diversity, social responsibility, human rights, and respect for others
- Apply sociological theory: Translate sociological theories into practical actions
- Utilize sociological perspectives: Address social, cultural, legal, and political issues using a sociological lens
- Evaluate human behavior: Assess human behavior within the framework of social justice
- Analyze methods and data: Apply social scientific methods and data to support social justice initiatives and interpret the impact of law and policy on lived experiences
I Have a BA in Sociology. Now What?
Sociology graduates enter the workforce with the opportunity to address societal challenges, inform policy, and enhance organizational effectiveness across multiple sectors. As a graduate, here are some career paths you may pursue, and what you can contribute:
- Federal, state, and local government: Create policies that tackle social issues and improve public services
- Colleges and universities: Conduct research and contribute to academic programs that explore societal trends
- Corporations: Analyze consumer behavior, workplace dynamics, and diversity initiatives to improve organizational culture
- Non-profit and public organizations: Design programs that address social inequalities, advocate for marginalized communities, and promote social justice
What Career Can I Pursue with a Sociology Degree?
In addition to the aforementioned areas to enter, two specific roles you can consider with your bachelor’s degree in sociology include a community health worker and social and human services assistant. We break down these roles below.
Community Health Worker
A community health worker helps people adopt healthier behaviors and effectively work with healthcare providers or social services. According to O*Net, these workers advocate for community health needs, implement health programs, and may be involved in preventive services, such as health screenings, to gather data to identify health concerns.
What Does a Community Health Worker Do?
Day-to-day responsibilities of a community health worker include:
Client interaction and support: Community health workers engage directly with clients to provide health advice, ensure follow-up on recommended actions, and conduct home visits for high-risk individuals.
Community engagement and education: Community health workers distribute health-related materials, teach community classes, and participate in local events to build relationships and raise awareness.
Health services coordination: Community health workers facilitate access to health services by referring community members, assisting with social service applications, and accompanying clients to appointments.
Health monitoring and advocacy: Community health workers conduct basic health screenings, administer preventive treatments, and advocate for community health needs with relevant agencies.
Record keeping and administration: Community health workers maintain client records, collect health data, and provide feedback to improve health service delivery.
Through its analysis, O*Net found that a majority of community health workers needed a four-year degree to do the job successfully.
Social and Human Service Assistant
According to O*Net, these professionals help clients access benefits and community services and may also assist in developing and implementing programs that address substance abuse, relationship, and dependent care issues.
What Does a Social and Human Service Assistant Do?
Day-to-day responsibilities of a social and human service assistant include:
- Client assessment and care planning: Social and human service assistants must be able to assess clients' cognitive, physical, and emotional needs to develop appropriate care and behavioral management plans.
- Client support and referrals: Social and human service assistants refer people to public or private agencies for assistance with housing, food, childcare, and other services.
- Record keeping and reporting: Social and human service assistants maintain records of client visits, prepare reports, and review them with supervisors to ensure effective service delivery.
- Community and group engagement: Social and human service assistants visit people or attend meetings to provide information on agency services, requirements, and procedures.
- Daily living assistance: Social and human service assistants assist clients with tasks such as filling out forms, planning food budgets, and accompanying them to appointments.
O*Net's analysis reveals that most social and human service assistants require a four-year degree to perform their job effectively.
Social Science Research Assistant
According to O*Net, a social science research assistant supports social scientists by aiding in laboratory work, surveys, and other research activities. They may also assist in data management, quality control, and preparing research findings for publication.
What Does a Social Science Research Assistant Do?
Day-to-day responsibilities of a social science research assistant include:
- Data management and analysis: Social science research assistants perform data entry and statistical analyses, and ensure the accuracy and validity of data in databases.
- Research support and documentation: Social science research assistants assist in preparing project-related reports, manuscripts, presentations, and other research documentation.
- Participant coordination: Social science research assistants recruit, screen, and schedule research participants, and conduct interviews or administer tests to collect data.
- Quality control and compliance: Social science research assistants develop and enforce research quality control procedures.
- Resource management and reporting: Social science research assistants manage laboratory space, track supplies and expenses, and prepare tables, graphs, and written summaries of research results.
According to O*Net's, most social science research assistants need a four-year degree to perform their job effectively. For more detailed information, you can research these job titles on O*Net and the Bureau of Labor Statistics website.
Summary: What Career Can You Pursue with a Sociology Degree?
A sociology degree opens doors to a range of careers by equipping you with the skills to understand and address complex social issues. You’ll be prepared to work in fields such as community health, social services, and research, where you can use your knowledge to improve public well-being, advocate for social justice, and contribute to policy development. Whether you’re analyzing social trends, supporting marginalized communities, or conducting crucial research, a sociology degree provides the tools you need to excel in diverse professional roles.