Careers in Sociology

A degree in sociology can help you prepare for specific careers by, for example, studying specific aspects of society or by sharpening a specific set of analytical or communication skills.

Sociology also provides students with the tools they will need to be effective in the private sector or public life more generally, such as strong analytical, verbal and written communication skills, and literacy with research and statistics. Flexibility and breadth of scope are a few of the major’s strengths, as these provide students with the opportunity to learn valuable skills while exploring topics and themes that matter to you.

Many of our graduates are admitted into the top tier of graduate programs in the social sciences, and into related fields such as social work, counseling, public policy, law, and education. In general, sociology is an excellent option for anyone interested in working with and understanding people.                                                                                     

Choosing a major is not the same as picking a career.

Your major will give you a skill set that you will continue developing as you build your career. It is important for each student to learn about what kinds of work environments they might enjoy through internships, volunteer experiences, and on-the-job training.

Sociology majors leverage their unique expertise to excel in many kinds of careers. For example:

  • Are you thinking about counseling or social work? Understanding how social contexts shape the way people experience and navigate the world based on their gender, race, sexuality, and class identities are important to understand clients’ realities.
  • Want to be a medical doctor? Understand the social side of medicine is vital. For instance, how socio-economic status impacts health outcomes, gender and health, and how workplace stress can create health problems are just a few things you can lean in sociology courses at IC.
  • Going into law? Learning about changes in family structure, marriage, and divorce are important in the practice of family law. Civil rights attorneys, immigration lawyers, and those focusing on the workplace will benefit from related sociology courses.
  • Considering marketing or advertising? Sociologists are in a privileged position to understand how different groups respond to trends, as well as how the line between “wants” and “needs” are negotiated within groups.

These are just a few examples of how a degree in sociology can work for you. This website from the American Sociological Association offers a comprehensive overview of career paths for sociology majors across the country as well as valuable resources for job seekers more generally.