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Sociology
The sociology major studies social life, social change, social causes and consequences of human behavior in various cultural contexts. Sociologists examine social behavior in families, groups, organizations, communities, and whole societies. They also study the increasing complexities of connections among cultures and societies today.
Sociological knowledge and methods of study can be applied toward understanding many issues and in many work and civic environments. Whether as a paid employee, a volunteer or a citizen activist, the sociological perspective is valued in business, health, social service, criminal justice, law, media and government sectors of society.
The sociology major prepares graduates for entry-level positions in social service agencies, law enforcement agencies, government, business and industry. Graduates may also enter master's degree programs in social work, counseling, business administration, health care, or other disciplines. They may also choose to enter law school.
OCCUPATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
Advocate
Banking or retail management trainee
College student personnel specialist
Community organizer
Community planner
Customer relations representative
Development officer/fundraiser
Employment counselor
Human services worker
Law enforcement officer
Legislative aide
Personnel/human resources assistant
Research aide
Sales representative
Sociologist
Youth services worker
*Positions may require additional education and/or training.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
Information on employment outlook for the occupations listed above may be found at America’s Career InfoNet, http://www.acinet.org, the Occupational Information Network, http://online.onetcenter.org, or the Occupational Outlook Handbook, http://www.bls.gov/oco.
POTENTIAL EMPLOYERS
Banks
Centers for physically and mentally handicapped
Colleges and universities
Community organizing agencies
Correctional facilities
Court systems
Children's protective services
Employee assistance plans
Government (local, state & federal)
Insurance companies
Law enforcement agencies
Market research firms
Retailers
Youth services bureaus
SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Books (* denotes books available in the Career Center Library)
- *Eberts, Marjorie & Gisler, Margaret. Careers for Good Samaritans and Other Humanitarian Types, Lincolnwood,
IL: VGM Career Horizons, 1998.
- *Encyclopedia of Careers and Vocational Guidance, Vol. 4, Chicago, IL: Ferguson Publishing Co., 2000.
- Garner, Geraldine O. Careers in Social & Rehabilitation Services, New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2008.
- *Lambert, Stephen. Great Jobs for Criminal Justice Majors, Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Books, 2001.
- *Lambert, Stephen. Great Jobs for Sociology Majors, Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Horizons, 1997.
- Marek, Roseanne. Opportunities in Social Science Careers, Lincolnwood, IL: VGM Career Books, 2004.
- Stephens, W.R. Careers in Sociology, Boston, MA: Allyn and Bacon, 2004.
Professional Associations
- American Psychological Association, 750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC. 20002, http://www.apa.org.
- American Sociological Association, 1307 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20005-4701, http://asanet.org.
Web sites
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