Sociology vs. Psychology: Which Degree Is Right for You?

If you have a keen interest in human behavior and social sciences, then the related fields of sociology and psychology likely interest you. Understanding how these fields differ, where they overlap, and the kinds of career opportunities to which they can lead will help you determine which is the best fit for your bachelor’s degree.

What Is Psychology?

Often classified as one of the social sciences, psychology is the scientific study of human behavior and the mind. The study aims to understand and explain how people think, act, and feel by examining cognition, developmental processes, and social interactions. The field of psychology aims to use this body of knowledge to solve problems, improve mental health and emotional well-being, strengthen relationships, and help individuals succeed in their personal and professional lives.

What Is Sociology?

Another social science, sociology, also studies human behavior. Particularly, sociology is the study of human social behavior, interactions, relationships, groups, and societies. Sociology examines the formation of groups and the impact that social groups and societies have on human behavior and the human experience. Sociology studies social change, social inequality, and social institutions to understand better and address social problems and their underlying causes.

Sociology vs. Psychology: Similarities and Differences

While sociology and psychology both deal with human behavior, they take different approaches and have different perspectives within their individual fields.

Focus of Study

Sociology and psychology focus on different aspects of human behavior.

• Psychology primarily focuses on the individual or small, family-sized groups, as well as the individual mind and individual behaviors.
• Sociology studies human behavior on a larger scale. It studies larger groups, institutions, cultures, and societies, considering social inequality, social change, and crime.

Research Methods

Professionals in both fields conduct research, but they tend to rely on different methods.

• Professionals in psychology collect information using case studies, experiments, and clinical observations.
• Professionals in sociology collect information using surveys and interviews, qualitative research, and statistical analysis.

Topics Covered

Psychology considers subjects like cognition, development, emotions, memory, experience, and mental processing. Sociology considers topics like culture, inequality, and policy.

Skills Developed

While studying either field, students will develop their communication, interpersonal, critical thinking, research, problem-solving, and analytical skills. Both fields also require the acquisition of unique skills and expertise, such as:

• In psychology, students study and work to understand human behavior, learning behavioral and personality analysis in addition to skills in diagnosing disorders. Psychology students learn scientific research methods suitable for a clinical setting and also benefit from skills in empathy and active listening.
• In sociology, students study larger-scale human social structures while gaining cultural competence and sensitivity. Additionally, they become experts in data analysis and interpretation. They also study how policy impacts social systems and group outcomes, becoming more vigorous advocates for social issues and awareness.

Graduate Study and Licensure

At advanced levels, sociology and psychology offer a variety of different possible educational pathways.

In psychology, students can pursue licensure with master's and/or doctoral-level degrees specializing in a variety of different fields, ranging from research to clinical practice.

In sociology, students can also pursue advanced degrees with a focus on advanced theories and methods, research, or specialized areas like political sociology, medical sociology, or urban sociology. Some sociology majors also pursue law degrees.

Degree Program Differences

Undergraduate degree programs in psychology and sociology differ significantly in terms of curriculum. Psychology majors complete coursework focused on psychology, with classes like:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Cognitive Psyc
• Psych Disorders
• Psychology of Personality
• Mind, Body, and Health Psychology

Sociology majors complete coursework focused on sociology, with classes such as:

• Introduction to Sociology
• Social Problems
• Sociology of Dynamic Community
• Technologies, Society, and Culture
• Sociology of the Changing Family
• Sociology of Deviance
• Medical Sociology

While all of these classes study human behavior, they do so from different perspectives.

Career Paths and Job Outlook in Sociology

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates the demand for sociologists to grow 7 percent (faster than average) between 2023 and 2033. Understanding human behavior can be quite useful and valuable in a variety of industries and positions, giving sociology majors several career paths to follow.

Social Services Case Manager

Case managers coordinate and oversee public services and their delivery to clients, helping ensure needs are met with the appropriate services.

Human Resources Specialist

HR specialists work in businesses and organizations to ensure positive outcomes for personnel, keeping employees happy, motivated, trained, productive, and fairly compensated.

Community Outreach Coordinator

Community outreach coordinators are liaisons between organizations and their communities. They help community members communicate with organizations and vice versa, creating relationships and strong, mutually beneficial partnerships.

Policy or Legislative Assistant

A legislative assistant provides research and other support to teams developing government or organizational policies.

Nonprofit Program Coordinator

Nonprofit program coordinators manage specific programs within nonprofit organizations, ensuring the efficient use of resources while maximizing an organization's impact.

Career Paths and Job Outlook in Psychology

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also predicts 7 percent industry growth for psychologists between 2023 and 2033, and psychology majors can go on to pursue a variety of diverse career pathways.

Behavioral Health Technician (BHT)

A BHT works under the supervision of a doctor to provide support and care to individuals with disabilities or mental health conditions.

Rehabilitation Specialist

Rehabilitation specialists work with individuals limited by illnesses or disabilities, helping them maximize their independence while improving their quality of life.

Youth or Residential Counselor

Youth counselors specifically provide guidance and support to young people. Residential counselors offer counseling services in group-home settings such as rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, and halfway houses.

Psychology Research Assistant

Psychology research assistants support psychology research projects by conducting studies, analyzing results, and performing administrative tasks.

Social Services Assistant

Social services assistants work under the direction of psychologists and licensed clinical social workers to offer support and services to families and individuals in need.

Can You Study Both?

Since the two fields are so closely related, it can be beneficial to study both. Students sometimes choose to pursue a double or simultaneous major in both psychology and sociology, and some students choose to specialize in social psychology, a field of study where the two majors have considerable overlap.

Quick Comparison: Sociology vs. Psychology

At a glance, how do these two fields of study compare?

Sociology vs. Psychology: Which Major Is Right for You?

To determine which major is the right choice for you, look inward to consider which topics and potential future careers most interest you.

Are you more interested in the dynamics of large groups and cultures and the impacts they have on outcomes in societies, or do you find the individual human mind, behaviors, emotions, and choices more fascinating?

Additionally, consider the type of work you wish to do. Remember that sociologists often work with large datasets or in advocacy and public policy. On the other hand, psychologists typically work directly with individuals, couples, or small groups in clinical, public health, school, and private practice settings.

Sociology vs. Psychology: Two Rich Educational Experiences and Bright Futures With Champlain College Online

Suppose you're interested in studying human behavior but haven't decided whether you want to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology or a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. In that case, we encourage you to contact our Admissions Office. Our admissions counselors can talk with you more about your interests and goals and answer your questions about the online programs available with Champlain College Online to help you learn which path is the right one for you.