Careers in Sociology
(Much of this information is quoted or adapted from the American Sociological Association (ASA) website, which provides much more detailed information on careers in sociology.)
What is sociology?
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies, and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious cults; from the divisions of race, gender and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture; and from the sociology of work to the sociology of sports. In fact, few fields have such broad scope and relevance for research, theory, and application of knowledge.
What can you do with a BA in sociology?
The undergraduate degree provides a strong liberal arts preparation for entry level positions throughout the business, social service, and government worlds. Employers look for people with the skills that an undergraduate education in sociology provides.
Since its subject matter is intrinsically fascinating, sociology offers valuable preparation for careers in journalism, politics, public relations, business, or public administration--fields that involve investigative skills and working with diverse groups.
Many students choose sociology because they see it as a broad liberal arts base for professions such as law, education, medicine, social work, and counseling. Sociology provides a rich fund of knowledge that directly pertains to each of these fields.
The following list of possibilities is only illustrative--many other paths may be open to you. Employment sectors include:
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, human resources, 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.
Is graduate school always necessary for a career in sociology?
No. Some advantages accrue to entering the work force with a BA. Employers are often willing to train BA graduates in the specific skills and knowledge required for their workplace, so you could begin a good career by rising through the ranks. Many organizations might also invest in additional education or training for promising employees.
If you are interested in graduate school in sociology, obtaining work experience before applying to graduate school might improve your chances of acceptance and make further education more meaningful. An entry level job might also help you sharpen your interests and decide future directions--continuing to climb the career ladder, changing fields, or furthering your education.
What specific skills do sociology majors learn?
When the ASA surveyed sociology majors who are employed outside academic settings to reflect on their education, they value most highly their undergraduate courses in social research methods, statistics, and computer skills. These courses help make BA undergraduates marketable, especially in today's highly technical and data-oriented work environment. In addition, sociology majors develop analytical skills and the ability to understand issues within a "macro" or social structural perspective. Learning the process of critical thinking and how to bring evidence to bear in support of an argument is extremely important in a fast-changing job market.
Consequently, as a sociology BA, you have a competitive advantage in today's information society. The solid base you receive in understanding social change--as well as in research design, data analysis, statistics, theory, and sociological concepts--enables you to compete for support positions (such as program, administrative, or research assistant) in research, policy analysis, program evaluation, and countless other social science endeavors.
The well-educated sociology BA graduate acquires a sense of history, other cultures and times; the interconnectedness of social life; and different frameworks of thought. He or she is proficient at gathering information and putting it into perspective. Sociological training helps students bring breadth and depth of understanding to the workplace. A sociology graduate learns to think abstractly, formulate problems, ask appropriate questions, search for answers, analyze situations and data, organize material, write well, and make oral presentations that help others develop insight and make decisions.
Sociology BA graduates have an advantage in understanding human behavior on three levels:
- how individuals behave in organizations, families, and communities
- the ways in which these social units function as groups
- the wider social, political, and economic contexts in which decisions are made and in which groups function.
What is the future of sociology?
The future is bright for sociology. The next century may be the most exciting and critical period in the field's history. People increasingly realize that we must renew attempts to understand, ameliorate, or solve problems in the United States and around the world--problems that affect individuals, like alcoholism or unemployment, and problems that affect societies, like ethnic conflict or environmental pollution. Some of the best employment prospects may be in policy research and administration, in clinical and applied sociological practice, as well as in the traditional areas of teaching and basic research.
During the last part of this century, the demand for college professors should increase because of high rates of retirement among "baby boom" faculty and the predicted growth in college student populations in the late 1990s. Internationalization of both higher education and the profession of sociology will also lead to new opportunities inside academia and in applied settings.
There are increasing opportunities in what Jeremy Rifkin calls "the third sector," the careers serving a post-industrial economy. Sociology is ideal preparation, both in its general liberal arts underpinning, as well as in the skills sociology hones particularly well: the ability to take in the big picture, the ability to bring multiple sources of information and data to bear on a problem, the ability to take the role of the other, and the ability to communicate to different audiences.
All this makes for an optimistic employment picture for sociology graduates. Because of its appeal as a career that is intrinsically fascinating and allows one to contribute to the common good, many talented people are drawn to sociology. The field remains exciting and competitive.
(back to top)
Graduate School in Sociology
(Much of this information is quoted or adapted from the American Sociological Association (ASA) website,which has many resources for prospective graduate students. Additional information is quoted or adapted from the Rutgers University Department of Psychology website with their kind permission.)
Why go to graduate school?
A master's degree or doctorate will be essential for higher education teaching and advanced research or applied careers. The Doctorate in Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree awarded in sociology. The Master's degree may be either an MA (Master of Arts) or an MS (Master of Science). The master's degree, which takes from one to three years, can either be a step toward the PhD or an end in itself. It generally signifies sophisticated knowledge of the field's perspectives and methods, but does not usually indicate that any original research has been conducted. In some cases a master’s thesis is not required or may be replaced by a practicum or other applied experience. For those seeking to enter the applied world of research and program management, a master's degree in sociology may be excellent preparation. The PhD requires at least six years of study beyond the BA and signifies competence for original research and scholarship as evidenced by the completion of a significant research study called a "dissertation." This degree prepares individuals for careers in academic and applied settings.
For many positions within public agencies and the private sector, a master's degree suffices. For community college teaching, a master's degree may be acceptable, but a doctorate opens more doors. Teaching and research at the university level and high-level employment with good promotion prospects in non-academic research institutes, think tanks, private industry, and government agencies usually require a PhD. Most graduate schools that offer the PhD also offer a master's degree as part of the program. However, some universities offer the master's only, and a few are exclusively devoted to the PhD.
What are the requirements in graduate school?
Graduate courses typically focus on basic theoretical issues, a wide range of research methods, and statistics. Many entering PhD students who did not major in sociology as undergraduates will find this work new to them. A year or so of courses usually culminates in an examination or major paper, and perhaps the awarding of an MA or MS.
Training then shifts to doing sociology and more interactive learning. Lecture courses give way to seminars as advanced students begin to conduct individual research in developing areas of specialization. At this point, the student is typically ready for some type of qualifying examination for the doctorate.
The final PhD requirement, the dissertation, must be an original piece of scholarship. It can take many forms and be relatively brief or very long. The dissertation should make a substantial contribution to existing scientific knowledge. Most departments require a formal proposal that must be approved by a faculty committee. This same committee often presides over the student's oral defense of the dissertation once it is completed, a ritual that marks the end of the student's training and the beginning of a career as an autonomous scholar.
How do you choose a graduate school?
Over 250 universities in the U.S. offer PhDs and/or master's degrees. Universities differ greatly in their strengths and weaknesses, the nature and structure of their curriculum, costs, faculty specializations, and special programs and opportunities for students.
Some graduate programs specialize in preparing students for applied careers in business, government, or social service. They may feature student internships in agency offices rather than traditional teaching or research assistantships. Others emphasize preparation for the professorial life. Departments differ on requirements regarding language proficiency and statistical skills; whether they require a Master's degree en route to the PhD; and, if so, whether a Master's thesis is required or course work alone is sufficient. Most departments will be strongest in a small number of areas of interest.
The ASA publishes the Guide to Graduate Departments of Sociology, which contains critical information on degrees awarded, rosters of individual faculty and their interests, special programs, tuition and fees, the availability of fellowships and assistantships, deadlines for applications, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers to contact for further information and application forms. College libraries should have a copy of the Guide. One can also be ordered directly from the ASA.
Consult with others as you develop a list of schools to which you want to apply. Undergraduate sociology teachers who know your strengths, weaknesses, and special interests may be able to guide you through this complex process toward a realistic choice. Most sociology teachers have friends and colleagues in various departments around the country (or otherwise know the strengths of different departments). Even if they do not know anyone personally in a particular department, they should be able to help you make an informed decision. Also, make sure that you are exploring several options. Many departments have webpages which allow you to get a snapshot of departments, their faculty, their curriculum, and their specialty areas.
How do you apply to graduate school?
The four most important components of your application are:
Transcript. Grades are important, with nearly all programs requiring at least a 3.0 gpa, and some of the more competitive programs rarely taking students with less than a 3.75 gpa. In addition to your gpa, the admissions committee is also interested in the types of courses that you have taken. The more sociology courses the better, although almost any liberal arts background is good training for graduate school in sociology.
Test Scores. Most graduate programs require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), a standardized test that is similar in many ways to the familiar SAT. Should you study for this exam? Some students show improved scores after taking a preparation course for the GRE. It may be worth the time and money to take one of these courses, and at the very least, you should go through the practice booklets that can be found in many easily-available preparation guides.
Letters of Recommendation. Most graduate programs require three letters of recommendation. This is why research courses, field work, seminars and other small, advanced courses are important—it puts you in an environment where you can become known. If you have done exceptionally well in a course, it may be worth stopping by to have a chat with the faculty member to see if a letter of recommendation might be arranged. In addition, research, fieldwork, or practical internships insure that at least one or two faculty members are familiar with your ideas, your reliability, and your ability to work in the field.
When you ask a faculty member for a recommendation, bring along a copy of your transcript, a list of programs to which you may be applying and a draft of your personal statement. Ideally you might obtain two letters from sociology professors and one letter from a faculty member in another department. Some students solicit a letter of recommendation from outside the university (e.g., from a long-term employer) in addition to the basic three letters of recommendation. Finally, bring a stamped, addressed envelope for each school to which you are applying.
Personal Statement. Going to graduate school is a major decision, and the admissions committees want to be sure that you have a genuine interest in their program and a commitment to see it through to completion. Your personal statement should reflect your enthusiasm, your capabilities, and your interest in the field. Ask a faculty member or two to read a draft of your personal statement. You may also get some valuable guidance from Career Services.
First, the personal statement explains why the applicant is interested in graduate school. What got you interested in sociology, what are your career goals, and how motivated and passionate are you about the field. Second, it is used to evaluate how well the applicant's interests correspond to the interests of the program to which the applicant is applying. Are your interests and goals consistent with what that graduate program can provide for you? Third, it is used to assess the applicant's writing ability. Do you write in a coherent, organized, and succinct fashion? Fourth, the personal statement is used to differentiate applicants who have similar academic records.
- Do not makes mistakes in grammar, spelling or punctuation.
- Conform to the requested format. If no specifications are given, no more than 1 single-spaced page or 2 double-spaced pages is a good rule.
- Do not use cute fonts or colored paper.
- Show individuality without being "odd."
- Avoid discussing personal problems, such as a recent nervous breakdown.
- Avoid clichés such as "I want to help people" or "I want to make the world a better place." Try to be down-to-earth.
- Be straightforward and honest. If you have done your homework, then you honestly are applying to the schools that would serve you best.
- Write with confidence but not arrogance. Let the faculty know that you are enthusiastic, determined, and ready for graduate school. Avoid writing the statement like you know everything and the school would be lucky to have you.
- Use active verbs to describe your experiences.
- Demonstrate that you actively researched the school to which you are applying (e.g., type of program, emphasis on qualitative vs. quantitative research, research interests of faculty members, etc.) and that it would best suit your goals.
- Proofread it, have a trusted friend or family member proofread it, take it to a writing lab on campus, and then have a faculty member read it. Then proofread it again.
When you consider the time required to fill out an application and the $50 (or more) application fee, you will want to limit your applications to some reasonable number. Most students apply to at least 6 schools. Obtain application materials from school websites. A good rule of thumb is to apply to a few schools that are a bit too competitive for you (stretch schools), to a fair number of schools that offer good programs that you have a reasonable expectation of getting into, and to a few schools that you may have to settle for (safety schools).
Can you afford to go to graduate school?
Yes. Many Ph.D. programs offer tuition remission to full-time students and provide teaching assistantships, research assistantships, or fellowships to most students they admit. These sources usually allow you to devote full time to your studies and pay for your room and board. Obviously, you should investigate the specific financial support packages available at each of the departments you are considering.
How long does graduate school last?
You should plan on six years or more to obtain the Ph.D., although some students may finish in as few as four years. In addition, students who have a research or academic career in mind often obtain a post-doctoral fellowship and spend a year or two beyond the Ph.D. conducting research in collaboration with a senior specialist in their field. Once you get beyond your bachelor’s degree, you are already in the professional world of sociology and doing the work that you have chosen as a career. The time spent in graduate school is not much different than starting at the bottom and working your way up in the corporate world.
Do you really want to go through with this?
This is the most important question you must answer for yourself. For many, there is no choice—it is something that their interest compels them to do! You may not have quite that clear a calling, but you should definitely have enthusiasm and commitment. Without it, you will find graduate school to be tedious and unrewarding. If you need some additional input, talk to your teaching assistants, faculty members, and others to help you reach a decision.
What is the schedule for applying to graduate school?
Spring of junior year
- Collect application materials
- Study for GREs
- Arrange for research, fieldwork, small seminars, etc. for senior year
Summer before senior year
- Take GRE (or schedule for early fall)
- Start to narrow your list of programs
- Work on your personal statement
Fall semester of senior year
- Arrange for letters of recommendation
- Polish your personal statement
- Re-take GRE if you were not happy with results
- Fill out applications
- Deliver list of addresses for letters of recommendation to your professors
- Submit applications (typically due in December or early January)
- Be sure that your application has been submitted before your GRE scores or letters of recommendation arrive—otherwise, they may get lost.
Spring semester of senior year
- Wait for the good news
- Decide which of the several offers to accept
(back to top) |
