Why Should I Major In Sociology?
Sociology is not a practice, but a disciplined and systematic method of understanding. One of the newer academic disciplines in modern universities and colleges, it has its origins in the work of the philosophers and scientists of the “Great Enlightenment.” The major questions of sociology have been pondered by the world’s greatest thinkers since the earliest periods of recorded history. Sociology, as a science, emerged first as a “science of humanity,” longing to predict, understand and correct the ills of society as the modern world rushed to industrial and technological strength. The work of the modern sociologist is shaped by those early thinkers whose writings attempted to correct the misery, poverty, prejudice and human suffering that accompanied society’s rise to greatness. The demand for sociologists is expected to grow as societies are increasingly committed to humane and rational planning and governance. Modern society is complex, changing rapidly and producing so much disagreement and protest that the continuing need for sociology to help to understand is assured.
Traditionally, students with degrees in sociology have combined their study with work in journalism, social welfare, education, religion, business, and other disciplines, to pursue occupations in management and administration, public relations, communication, criminal justice and the law, teaching, and other “people-related” and “helping” professions. Many exciting career possibilities are emerging in applied sociology in such areas as social research, impact assessment in the formulation and evaluation of pubic policy and programming, conflict intervention in such diverse settings as racial struggles, community justice and law enforcement programs, and many others. Mass communication provides a broad spectrum of career opportunities dealing with connections between the media and society.
- Anthropologist
- College Professor
- Corrections Professional
- Criminologist
- Human Rights Officer
- Human Services Professional
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Organizational/Agency Manager
- Parole Officer
- Public Relations Specialist
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Statistician
- Substance Abuse Counselor
- Teacher
- Warden
*Some of these careers require additional education or experience.
Gainful Employment Disclosure
This discipline serves students interested in the liberal arts who seek to develop a better cross-cultural understanding of the social order and the social processes essential to personality development. The discipline seeks:
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To prepare students for productive careers. While some coursework in this discipline is appropriate in any vocation, student planing their life work primarily around interaction with other persons will find this major a wise choice. Career possibilities are found in a wide variety of public and private enterprises, social services and business, or public administration settings from criminal justice to family and child service agencies to religious ministry to social action. Some career choices may require additional graduate education or other specialized training.
- To provide training in theoretical analysis and the development of research skills, or other information on the means of social action, civic or religious leadership, or for those whose conscience calls them to engage our society in the pursuit of social justice or the peaceful resolution of social conflicts.
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To equip students to pursue an academic career in teaching, administration, or research as a professional sociologist.
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Michael P. Phelan
Eric S. Primm
Valerie R. Stackman