Why Study Sociology?

Why study sociology? Sociology is one of the liberal arts (and I would argue the most inherently interesting). Sociology prepares one for a lifetime of change, developing one's appreciation of diversity, love of learning, writing and study skills, as well as a knowledge base about human behavior, social organization, and culture. If you are the type who doesn't necessarily follow the crowd (but are fascinated by their behavior), the type who is truly interested in what is going on in the world, then sociology should interest you.

Second, the field helps us look more objectively at the society in which we live. It directs attention to how the parts of society fit together as well as the causes and consequences of social change. In modern industrial-bureaucratic societies we are faced with an increasingly complex and rapidly changing social milieu. A study of sociology provides the conceptual tools and methodologys for understanding the contemporary scene. By focusing on the external constraints to social action it helps us better understand ourselves and the motivations of others around us. While we are all creatures of our society, we are also the creators--sociology provides the tools so that we can take a more active role in that creation, a role that is essential if we hope to achieve a more just society.

In today's world of specialization and career oriented majors in college, a degree in sociology seems on the surface to have little relevance. But leaders of industry, government, and education have increasingly been advocating a strong liberal arts education as the most effective path to career attainment. The United States Department of Labor forecasts that people entering the job market today will change careers several times over the course of their work life. Rather than prepare the student for a narrow specialty, the liberal arts prepare the individual to meet the challenges and opportunities of our increasingly diverse and complex society. For those that pursue advanced degrees in sociology, there are also opportunities. Following is a list of positions held by persons with Masters degrees in Sociology, who are working outside of academic settings; however, it is not an exhaustive list of occupations in which sociologists are engaged.

Sociologist with State Mineral Management Service
Security Shift Captain, Nuclear Security, Public Service Co.
Researcher & Lobbyist, State Department of Public Safety.
Resource Coordinator for Juvenile Services, State Dept. of Corrections
Director, Comprehensive Manpower Center, Urban League
Assistant Director, county Jewish Community Centers
Systems Manager and Research Analyst for county Department of Mental Health.
Scientist with Bechtel Group Inc. (socio-economic studies; nuclear waste isolation project)
Account Executive, financial planning group.
Project Director, state Department of Justice.
Clinical biofeedback therapist.
Executive Director, Center for Vocational Training of the Developmentally Disabled.
Consultant to Parole Agency.
Research Analyst, URSA Institute.
Transportation Planner, regional Association of Governments.
Regional Planner, regional Association of Governments.
Personnel Research, U.S. Wavy Research and Development Center.
Community Liaison Representative, state Department of Developmental Services.
Research Coordinator & Assistant Patient Care Coordinator, Hospice
Research Analyst with private management consulting flow.
Owner/Manager, materials expediting firm.
President, Non-profit social and organizational studies group, publishing consumer newsletters.
Program Assistant, county Mental Health Department.
Director, Criminal Justice Evaluation Unit, regional Association of Governments.
Owner, Financial consulting firm.
Sociologist, US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management.
Director, Nurse Training Projects, regional Association of Health Facilities.
Research Scientist, American Institute for Research.
Data Analyst, regional Professional Studies Review Organization.
Manager, Information Systems, with county Health Care Services.
Administrator, State Home for the Aged Deaf.
Public Health Advisor, US Public Health Service.
Executive Director, Social Resources Management firm.
Environmental Specialist, Private firm generating evaluation studies and environmental impact statements.
Account Executive, Broadcasting fern dealing with radio advertising.
Regional Sociologist, Forest Service
Director of Research and Statistics, Native Hawaiian Project.
Telecommunications Service Request Manager, U.S.A.
Research Statistician, Office of Hawaiian Affairs.
Executive Director. state council of Rational Council on Crime and Delinquency.
Program Director, Veteran's Center.
Research Analyst, state Crime Commission.
Sociologist, USDA Forest Service, Supervisors Office.
Executive Director, Girls' Center Inc.
Social Factors Analyst, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
Investigator/Study Director, county Youth Study.
Family Therapist, private Children's Home (social service agency).
Senior Lead Research Analyst, regional Power and Light Company.
Social Scientist, USDA, Forest Service.
Public Utilities Specialist and Statistician, US Department of Energy, regional agency.
Research Associate, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Research Analyst/Health Planner, Department of Health, state Bureau of Planning and Facilities.
Research and Evaluation Specialist, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints. .
Field Coordinator, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Senior Statistician, state Health Department.
Research Investigator, state office of Financial Management.
Director, Community Development (city government)
Senior Personnel Representative/Supervisor of Training Program, private industry.
Developmental Disabilities Consultant, state Department of Health and Social Services.
Administrator, state Division of Community Programs.
Research & Planning Associate, United Way.
Industrial Relations Analyst/Senior Negotiator & Manager, city department of occupational Health and Safety.
Regional Recreation Consultant, Recreation and Parks Department.
Research and Development Analyst, regional Police Service.
Community Corrections Administrator, regional government agency.
Research Analyst, regional Police Service.
Research Officer, regional Solicitor General's Office.
Program Director and Branch Manager, National Mental Health Association.
Co-director, Bi-cultural Program, Community College.
First Lieutenant, Air Training Command, Air Force.
Vice President, Management Consulting fins (private).
Counselor, writer, and Chair of the Social Action Committee of the National Association of Social Workers Board of Directors (state office).
Deputy County Attorney.
President, American Executive Services.
Statistician, U.S. Bureau of the Census.
Counselor, county Mental Health Association.
Member, City Council.
Aide to Vice President of private firm, Employee Training Program

--Compilation prepared by Mary Liege Loner

Still not convinced? Check out career prospects in the following guides: