Sociology Degree Jobs: What Can You Do with a Sociology Degree?

Sociology is a popular undergraduate major, with over 35,000 students earning a sociology degree in 2022 [1]. These graduates then pursue jobs in various fields, including government, law, business, health care, and marketing.

As a sociology major, you can explore how people behave in groups and how their behavior shapes the communities they live and work in. In your courses, you work with empirical data, practice asking and answering complex questions, and hone your writing skills. You can apply what you learn to various sociology degree careers that require interactions with others, cultural understanding, and more.

What is a sociology degree?

A sociology major explores the study of social systems and the interaction of people within those systems from a global perspective. Sociologists seek to understand social systems, groups, societies, and organizations and how social inequality, behavior patterns, resistance, and other aspects of social life affect different communities.

Read more: Social Epidemiology Explained: Meaning, Impact, and Jobs

7 types of sociology degree jobs

You can pursue one of several career paths after earning a sociology degree, from education and research to business and marketing. Explore the following highlighted sociology degree jobs, what you might do in the role, and how much you can expect to earn. All salary (median annual income) and job outlook data come from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2024.

1. Social work

As a social worker, your responsibility is to help people understand and work through personal issues in their everyday lives. In many cases, you will help vulnerable communities or individuals work through challenges and advocate for social improvements and programs within their community. In addition to advocating for resources, you will likely sometimes help with mental health emergencies. 

Depending on your concentration, you may work with a wide range of clients, promoting their social welfare, helping them overcome their individual challenges, and, in some disadvantaged communities, advocating for social and economic justice. The BLS reports that the employment rate for social workers will increase by seven percent—faster than average—between 2022 and 2032 [2]. 

• Social worker salary: $50,800 [2]

2. School counseling

School counselors work in schools to assist students in developing their academic and social skills. You help set up opportunities that ensure success among all students and establish equitable and culturally responsive practices for students’ well-being. 

At the elementary level, school counselors work with children to develop foundational skills such as time management and address habitual and behavioral issues. As a middle school counselor, you will address social development issues and assist students in transitioning to high school. School counselors at the high school level focus on preparing students for college or future careers and help with mental health issues.

As a school counselor, you will help students work on succeeding both personally and academically. The BLS reports the employment rate for school counselors will increase by five percent—faster than average—between 2022 and 2032 [3]. 

• School counselor: $61,710 [3]

3. Market research

As a market research analyst, you will research and evaluate marketing data to assess potential sales of your company’s products or services. You will be responsible for monitoring marketing trends and developing data collection methods. Your data will examine potential consumers as well as competitors to your company. Conducting market research will allow you to understand what products or services your potential clients want and help you measure the effectiveness of past and future marketing campaigns. 

As a market research analyst, you will understand the impact of consumer trends on your company and remain updated on current events that may influence marketing and consumer statistics. The BLS reports that the employment rate for market research analysts will increase by 13 percent, much faster than average, between 2022 and 2032 [4].

• Market research analyst: $74,680 [4]

4. Journalism

The role of a journalist is to gather firsthand accounts of current events through interviews and research and write informative articles. Often, you will report on current events objectively and focus on stories relevant to the community. You will sometimes travel as a journalist to track down stories and collect information. 

Many journalists work for television stations, radio stations, websites, newspapers, and magazines. You will update information as it becomes available and develop relationships with experts and other contacts. The US Bureau of Labor Services expects close to 6,000 jobs for journalists to open from 2022 to 2032 [5].

• Journalist: $57,500 [5]

5. Human resources

As a professional in human resources, your job will consist of planning, coordinating, and directing an organization’s administrative functions. Human resources managers connect employees with management, coordinate the workforce to best use a company’s employees and their talents, oversee recruitment and hiring, and respond to staffing issues. They consult on human resources issues such as discriminatory hiring practices and sexual harassment.

The BLS reports the employment rate for human resources managers will increase by five percent—faster than average—between 2022 and 2032 [6].

• Human resources manager: $136,350 [6]

6. Policy analysts

Policy analysts study, research, and analyze political systems, ideas, trends, and more. You may work in the public or private sector, and your job may be influencing public policy and government actions. Many policy analysts work for the government, labor unions, or political groups. 

Policy analysts can also specialize as political scientists. As a political scientist, you will research and evaluate data to understand government structures and policies. You will often focus on national politics, comparative politics, political theory, or international relations. As a policy analyst, you will attempt to predict future public policy outcomes and influence political decisions. You may collect research on past policies and generate or compile data to find patterns in social and political issues. 

The BLS reports that the employment rate for political scientists (including policy analysts) will increase by seven percent— faster than average—between 2022 and 2032 [7].

• Political scientist: $132,350 [7]

7. Public relations

As a public relations specialist, you create and maintain a positive image of your client. In this role, you often write press releases for the media and update content on social media to ensure that all available information about your client is positive, relevant, and factual. You serve as a liaison between a client and the media. You'll prepare interviews and speeches and evaluate which advertising or marketing brands should establish relationships with your client or organization. You will be in charge of crisis management in the event of negative media attention and balance addressing the public with maintaining your client's or organization's image. 

The BLS reports that the employment rate for public relations specialists will increase by six percent—faster than average—between 2022 and 2032 [8].

• Public relations specialist: $66,750 [8]

Requirements for getting a sociology degree

Getting a bachelor's degree in sociology requires a combination of coursework and experience. If you pursue a master's in sociology, you may need to pass a graduate school admission exam.

Education

To earn a bachelor’s degree in sociology, you must complete coursework in a sociology major through an undergraduate program, typically at a university or college. You will study history, theory, and sociological research methods, which will be a factor in your education. You may also need a minimum 2.0 GPA for undergraduate courses and a minimum 3.0 for graduate courses. 

Read more: How to Get a Bachelor's Degree

Experience

Some schools may require you to complete an internship as a part of the sociology program, which will enhance the experience and practical side of your degree. An internship can set you apart in a competitive job market, resulting in professional relationships with your internship coordinators and mentors. 

Exams

To be a part of a sociology master’s program, you may need to pass the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) tests. Some schools do not require graduate students to take the GRE, and others accept additional standardized tests (GMAT) instead of the GRE. 

Getting started with Coursera

A sociology degree can equip you with skills needed in several careers, including analytical, communication, interpersonal, and research skills. It promotes critical thinking skills that explain social and structural data. 

To determine the sociology degree career path you’re most interested in, consider whether you prefer researching, teaching, or managing, and learn about the responsibilities and requirements of each career. Improve the skills you’ll need for careers post-sociology degree with courses on Coursera such as Social Norms, Social Change II from the University of Pennsylvania and Developing Interpersonal Skills, part of the People and Soft Skills for Professional and Personal Success Specialization from IBM.