[hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A sociology degree equips students to analyze individual interactions with social systems, preparing them for research, business, education, and community service careers.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students can study sociology at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral levels, with specialties in global development, law, or social movements.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Accredited programs can lead to jobs such as rehabilitation counselor, sociologist, professor, or management analyst, with median salaries ranging from $35,950 to $85,260.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-flex] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”heading-4″]Students earning a sociology degree study the systems and structures that govern the way humans interact with society, within communities, and with one another.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Prospective learners who are interested in the complex forces that keep civilization in balance and the various religious, political, cultural, and ecological factors that can throw that balance into disarray should consider earning a sociology degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sociology is the systematic study of society, culture, and group relationships. This page covers sociology degree requirements at multiple levels, plus jobs for sociology majors and potential salaries for graduates. It also examines answers to frequently asked questions, the importance of accreditation, and professional organizations for sociology students and graduates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kinds of Sociology Degrees Are There?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sociology offers diverse employment opportunities that require varying levels of education. The sections below provide information about coursework, program lengths, and professional opportunities associated with each sociology degree level.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-700″]Associate Degree in Sociology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate degree in sociology examines foundational concepts in the field, including social stratification, culture, inequality, and globalization. These programs typically comprise 60 credits and take two years of full-time study to complete. Courses may cover topics like social research, law and society, race and ethnic relations, and social psychology. Graduates may work in correctional facilities, human service organizations, and paraprofessional roles.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-700″]Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A bachelor’s in sociology program includes general education, elective, and major requirements. Learners may take classes on topics like interpersonal relationships and families, individual investigation in sociology, and researching society. These programs may also offer concentrations like economic sociology and global development, social data research, sociology of law, and urban sociology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This degree typically comprises 120 credits and takes four years of full-time study to complete, though some programs offer accelerated timelines. This highly interdisciplinary degree qualifies graduates for multiple roles in diverse fields.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]What’s the Difference Between a BA and a BS in Sociology?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Universities may offer two types of sociology degrees: a bachelor of arts (BA) and a bachelor of science (BS). BS in sociology programs focus more on research theories and methodologies than BA programs, concentrating on data collection and analysis. They also typically include more courses focused on the major. In contrast, BA in sociology programs take a more interdisciplinary approach, focusing more on the liberal arts than BS programs.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-700″]Master’s Degree in Sociology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Master’s in sociology programs provide advanced knowledge and skills, emphasizing quantitative approaches, ethnographic studies, and international research. Courses may include understanding race and ethnicity in American society, the politics of algorithms, the changing American city, and social demography.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students can often customize their degrees through specializations in areas like gender and sexuality, class and stratifications, or social movements and social change. In addition to coursework, learners often must complete field experiences or a thesis. These programs typically comprise 60 credits and take two years of full-time study to complete.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ class=”text-primary-700″]Doctoral Degree in Sociology[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The terminal degree in the field, a doctorate in sociology prepares graduates for leadership roles as well as research and teaching positions. Learners typically focus their studies on a niche area, such as criminology and deviance or inequalities in gender, race, and ethnicity. These programs usually take 3-5 years to complete and require students to research, write, and defend a dissertation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Can You Do With a Sociology Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can pursue many careers with a sociology degree. Organizations in virtually every industry can benefit from professionals with excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Graduates with a sociology degree are qualified for positions in most industries.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/OOH/life-physical-and-social-science/sociologists.htm/”]Over 40%[/hen-ui-link] of sociology professionals work in research and development for social science- and humanities-related organizations. Other common professional environments include educational services organizations and state government facilities.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The following list highlights popular industries and careers for graduates with a sociology degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Business Over 40% of sociology professionals work in research and development for social science- and humanities-related organizations. Other common professional environments include educational services organizations and state government facilities. The following list highlights popular industries and careers for graduates with a sociology degree. A sociology degree gives students analytical, organizational, and research skills that prepare them for roles in business. For example, management analysts work to improve businesses by collecting and organizing information about organizational issues, assessing financial data, and recommending organizational changes. These professionals typically need at least a bachelor’s degree.Over 40% of sociology professionals work in research and development for social science- and humanities-related organizations. Other common professional environments include educational services organizations and state government facilities. The following list highlights popular industries and careers for graduates with a sociology degree. Social and Community Services”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates with a bachelor’s in sociology degree may find sociology jobs as social and community service managers. These professionals engage with community stakeholders to identify and build programs and services that benefit the community. They may oversee administrative tasks, analyze data, and recommend program and service improvements. Social and community service managers benefit from strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Justice System”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates with a degree in sociology can pursue roles in the justice system. many graduates become rehabilitation counselors, professionals who assist people within the justice system who are struggling with emotional, mental, developmental, and physical disabilities. They may offer individual and group counseling, develop treatment plans, connect clients with community resources, and maintain client records. This role typically requires a master’s degree and a license.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Research”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates with a doctoral degree in sociology can pursue research positions as sociologists. Sociologists study community, organizational, and societal structures and how individuals engage with them. They may develop and conduct research projects, collect and analyze data, present research findings at conferences and in publications, and collaborate with relevant stakeholders.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Education”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates with an advanced degree in sociology can pursue positions as postsecondary educators. These professionals plan lessons, collaborate with department members to develop curricula, and assess student learning. They may also conduct their own research. While students with a master’s degree can sometimes find teaching positions at community colleges, most four-year universities require professors to hold a doctoral degree in their field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]What Kind of Salary Can I Earn With a Sociology Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates with a sociology degree can pursue a variety of careers across industries. The table below provides median salaries for potential sociology careers, but students should note that salaries can vary significantly depending on the location of the position, your employer, and your experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Position[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Median Salary[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Job Growth (2018-2028)[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”]Management Analyst[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary”]$85,260[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth (2018-2028)”]14%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”]Social and Community Service Managers[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary”]$67,150[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth (2018-2028)”]13%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”]Rehabilitation Counselor[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary”]$35,950[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth (2018-2028)”]10%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”]Sociologist[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary”]$83,420[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth (2018-2028)”]9%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Position”]College Professor[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Median Salary”]$79,540[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Job Growth (2018-2028)”]11%[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/”]Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics[/hen-ui-link] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Sociology Professional Organizations[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.asanet.org/”]American Sociological Association[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=” text-base”=””] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=” text-base”=””] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=” text-base”=””] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Accreditation for Sociology Programs[/hen-ui-heading]