What can I do with a major in… Careers using Sociology Career Development Center September 2010

Sociology Majors Have Skills…  Understand and apply theory and social science research methods  Analyze and interpret information  Collect and organize data into logical formats  Written and oral communication  Knowledge of computer software and Internet research  Instruction

Where Do Bachelor’s Prepared Sociology Majors Work?  Private for profit37%  Government/Military25%  Education18%  Nonprofit10%  Self-employed10%

Occupational Categories of Sociology Baccalaurates  Social Services, Counselors Psychologists26.5%  Clerical/Administrative Support15.8%  Management-related 14.4%  Teachers/Librarians 8.1%  Services (including Criminal Justice) 8.3%  Marketing, Sales10.1%  Social Science Researchers 5.7%  Other Professionals (IT, PR) 6.8%  Others 4.4% American Sociological Association, 2007

Applied Sociology Settings  Individuals working in applied settings are research specialists focused on using experimental design and practice skills to find information to improve problems in government, industry, and other practice environments.  Settings include: Higher education Public agencies (federal, state, community) Business/industry Research institutes in non-profit/advocacy sector (i.e., NORC)

Policy Making and Administration  As research consumers, individuals can use their sociological background to determine policy and make informed policy decisions, manage private and government programs, commission further research to determine/support their objectives.  Settings include: Housing Transportation Public Health Law Enforcement Education Community Relations

Consulting and Business  Individuals with sociology training use demography and forecasting for strategic planning, implement organizational change through training techniques and competitive analysis, generate/use market research to understand customers’ psyche, increase productivity and efficiency to contain/lower the cost of doing business.  Settings: Human Resources Consulting Sales Management Marketing

Other Jobs to Consider  Archivist  Architect  Curator & other museum-related work  Federal Agent  Foreign Service Officer  Market Researcher  Public and international affairs  Urban or Regional Planner  Work in the travel & leisure industry

Sociology Majors and Graduate Education  More than one-third of sociology majors earn graduate or professional degrees.  At the doctoral level 40% in sociology; 25% in education and psychology  At the master’s level 7% continue in sociology 25% earn a master’s in education Many earn a master’s in psychology or business 75% of those who earn professional degrees study law 1 in 6 of those in professional school earn a M.D.

For more information… American Sociological Association Also check out:  libguides.luc.edu/career  Wetfeet.com

Helpful Resources at luc.edu/career/resources_reference.shtml #periodicals  Bureau of Labor Statistics Bureau of Labor Statistics  Dictionary of Occupational Titles Dictionary of Occupational Titles  Occupational Outlook Handbook Occupational Outlook Handbook  O*Net O*Net  The Margaret Riley Guide The Margaret Riley Guide  National Association of Colleges and Employers National Association of Colleges and Employers

Bibliography  Fogg & Harrington (2004). College majors handbook. JIST Publishing  Spalter-Roth & Van Vooren (January 2008). What are they Doing with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology? American Sociological Association – Department of Research and Development  U.S. Department of Labor ( ). Occupational Outlook Handbook  html#research