Sociology is a fascinating field. It’s the study or social behavior. There are several aspects to this, from the behavior of an individual in social situations, to the behavior of groups, small and large – from a family unit to entire societies. The application of this science is almost universal. Almost everything we do as human beings is done in groups.
There are a wide variety of ways in which you can apply a sociology degree:
- Teaching – Many sociology majors also minor in education and become teachers or professors. If you plan to become a professor, this will likely require a graduate degree in sociology.
- Research – Some who major in this discipline do so in order to conduct academic research to advance the field of sociology.
- Working in the business world – Since sociology is the study of how groups behave, they can often assist in marketing – helping advertisers communicate to consumers in a way they are likely to respond. Also, a business or a corporation is, in itself, a small society. It has its own culture and behavior. A sociologist can engage in research and planning that can help a business create or preserve a culture, or help navigate organizational change.
- Working in non-profit or government – Many non-profit and governmental agencies are involved in educating or providing assistance to certain sectors of society. A sociologist can help research and execution of these programs.
Classes you might take as a sociology major
- Math – Sociology, since it is the study of group behavior, relies heavily on trends and statistics. You will need to have a firm grasp of mathematics, especially algebra and statistics, in order to research, track and understand these trends.
- General education courses – Most sociology majors are going to at least obtain a bachelor degree in the field, which will include several general education courses.
- Sociology courses – You’ll take classes that will give you a general overview of sociology; social statistics, social psychology, and classes that address social issues and problems. There will be more specific sociology classes as well that deal with the field as it relates to industry, work, race relations, diversity, organizations and gender. If you choose to specialize your degree, you’ll take classes relating to your degree focus.
How to find a good sociology program:
Luckily, many colleges and universities have very good sociology programs. Like any other degree program, you’ll want to research the schools that interest you to determine the quality and reputation of their degree program. Likely, once you have done that, you’ll still be left with many schools to choose from.
It’s important to consider the overall cost of attending each school. You want a great education, but you also want as little student debt as possible when you graduate. In addition to cost, location is often another factor in your decision.
