What Can You Do With a Sociology Degree?

Choosing a field of study is a big decision that requires evaluating your personal interests, academic strengths, and career goals. For many prospective students, a sociology degree is a compelling choice — one that offers profound insight into human behavior and existing social structures, while also opening the door to a diverse range of career paths.

What Is Sociology?

Sociology is defined by the American Sociological Association (ASA) as a scientific field that studies human behavior. Sociology students explore the role that socialization plays in communities and how these communities respond to change. Given its broad scope, many students choose to specialize in a specific area of sociology, such as social work, criminal justice, public relations, or human behavior.

Skills Gained From a Sociology Degree

As an interdisciplinary field of study, sociology provides students with an expansive range of skills, including:

• Critical thinking — Sociology students develop critical thinking skills by analyzing common social issues and identifying the root causes behind them.
• Research and data analysis — Sociology studies rely heavily on data analysis, collection, and interpretation, particularly when conducting research.
• Communication — Through discussions and presentations, students refine their ability to express ideas and advocate for social change.
• Cultural awareness — Studying diverse social systems helps students develop a deeper understanding of cultural dynamics, preparing them to thrive in a globalized workforce.
• Problem-solving — By relying on data-based research methods and analysis, sociology students learn to create evidence-based solutions and sharpen their problem-solving skills.

20 Careers You Can Pursue With a Sociology Degree

Considering it’s the study of human behavior and social structures, sociology is foundational to nearly every industry. As a result, graduates can pursue a diverse range of career paths, including:

Social Worker

According to the National Association of Social Workers, these professionals help individuals, families, and communities access essential resources and improve their overall quality of life. They also work to reform social structures and advocate for the most vulnerable populations. 

Community Service Manager

Community service managers develop, coordinate, and implement programs that support social well-being. These programs may be designed for a single demographic or aimed at addressing specific community challenges.

Probation or Parole Officer

Probation and parole officers are criminal justice professionals who work closely with individuals who have been convicted of a crime to rehabilitate them. Their responsibilities may include monitoring the progress of parolees, assisting them in accessing essential resources, and maintaining accurate case files. 

Correctional Treatment Specialist

Correctional treatment specialists develop rehabilitation plans for those who have been convicted of a crime and are being rehabilitated into communities. Using their knowledge of criminal justice, they assess clients and develop a strategic plan to support their success.

Legal Assistant

Legal assistants give lawyers clerical support. This involves organizing and maintaining case files, as well as drafting documentation and practicing legal research methods.

Research Assistant

Sociology students who are particularly passionate about research may be drawn to research assistant roles. According to Indeed, these professionals collect data, evaluate results, and provide clerical support to lead researchers. 

Academic Advisor

Working primarily in colleges and universities, academic advisors assist students in navigating their educational journeys. Sociology graduates are often great candidates for this position due to their deep understanding of human behavior and student needs.

Adult or Community Educator

Adult and community educators develop and implement programs for adults or underserved populations. For example, they may develop arts, literacy, or health programs to engage and uplift marginalized populations. 

Human Resources Specialist

Human resources specialists manage employment practices at companies and organizations. Their role involves everything from retaining talent and developing policies to creating compensation and benefits packages for employees.

Market Research Analyst

Market research analysts combine their knowledge of sociology with business acumen to understand the various factors that influence product sales. By studying consumer preferences and economic factors, they can predict the success of a particular product or service.

Public Relations Specialist

Public relations specialists develop strategic plans that enhance their clients' public image. Their responsibilities include handling media requests, writing press releases, and using research methods to assess opinions about their clients.

Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research social challenges to determine how specific policies may impact communities. Their work helps influence decision-making on key issues, including education, housing, and healthcare reform. 

Urban or Regional Planner

Urban and regional planners work closely with communities to develop comprehensive land use and development plans. While they work in office settings, their role often requires them to visit community sites. 

Census or Survey Researcher

Census researchers design surveys to measure population trends and demographics. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, these surveys provide researchers with the data needed to inform policy decisions, infrastructure planning, and resource allocation. 

Healthcare Social Worker

Commonly employed by hospitals, healthcare social workers advocate for the needs of patients. They also provide guidance for families and caregivers during critical medical transitions. 

Health Educator

Health educators partner with healthcare providers and public health officials to promote wellness. In addition to providing access to vital information, they help create community education programs.

Patient Advocate

These professionals work closely with patients to help them navigate the healthcare system. They assume several responsibilities, including communicating with the patient's healthcare provider, managing appointments and scheduling, and assisting patients in securing financial support.

Fundraising Coordinator

Using a combination of public relations techniques and sociological knowledge, fundraising coordinators develop strategies to secure financial backing for nonprofits or community organizations. 

Compliance Assistant

Compliance assistants help ensure that businesses follow legal and regulatory guidelines. This helps minimize compliance-related risk while also shaping key company policies.

Youth Program Coordinator

Youth program coordinators develop educational programs tailored to the needs of young people within a specific population. Their work often focuses on expanding access to sports, the arts, and extracurricular activities, especially within vulnerable communities.

Is a Sociology Degree Right for You?

If you want to help address the complex issues that society faces, a sociology degree may be the right choice for you. With a degree in sociology, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge necessary for a wide range of flexible and rewarding career paths.

What Can You Do With a Sociology Degree? Learn More at Champlain College Online

Sociology opens the door to diverse opportunities across many sectors. At Champlain College Online, our Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is designed with flexibility in mind. Through a selection of electives, students can specialize in areas that interest them, whether that’s psychology, criminal justice, public relations, social work, healthcare, or education. All curricula are grounded in the study of human behavior and enriched by hands-on learning opportunities, preparing students to drive meaningful change in the real world.

Request more information about our online degree programs today.