Careers in Sociology

This page features career and fieldwork opportunities in Sociology.

The Job Guide 2002 lists the following as a description of what a sociologist does:

Sociologist
Sociologists study the development, structure, social patterns and interrelationships of social groups and human societies.

A sociologist may perform the following tasks:
• observe and investigate social groups and subjects, such as the family, the community, education, industrial relations, crime, politics, minority and ethnic relations, poverty and mass communications
• research, collect and analyse data, often using computers
• record and interpret facts and figures, and write reports
• undertake systematic interviews of selected individuals
• live in the community being studied to assist their understanding
• carry out survey design and interviews, and analyse and interpret the information collected; for example, to assist urban planners in assessing people's views on the building of high-rise flats or a new freeway.

Sociologists may be required to travel to conduct research and to consult with other social scientists.

Personal Requirements:
• objectivity
• sensitivity to and interest in social issues
• good communication skills
• aptitude for research

Related Jobs:
• Anthropologist
• Criminologist
• Historian
• Market Researcher
• Marketing Officer
• Political Scientist
• Psychologist
• Social Worker
• Welfare Worker

• The Allyn & Bacon website lists chapters from their text Careers in Sociology. The careers which you can read about include International Relations, Health Care, Business Consultation, Federal Government, Urban Social Work, Military, State Government, Criminal Justice, Seminar and Workshop Consultations, Education – Administration, State Agencies, Consulting – Education, City Management, Evaluation Research, Law, Child Welfare, Gerontology and Business. Click Here.

• The American Sociological Association has a very detailed website that covers all aspects of careers in sociology. Click Here.

• In an article titled “Careers in Sociology” E. Christiansen offers a brief discussion of what one can do with a sociology major as well as salary information. Click Here.

• Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology has a brief consideration of sociological careers. Their page includes a discussion of field placement within sociology. Click Here.

• NIU Occupations Weblinks for Sociology. Click Here.