Sociology is one of the broadest subjects in the field of social sciences. Basically, sociology is the study and analysis of human behavior in society. Learning sociology is all about understanding the features of human behavior while living as a group. Every society has a different culture and community and in sociology, human behavior and their interaction with their community are studied on a broader level.
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About a Sociology Degree
A sociology degree course involves the study of all aspects of society and human social interaction. Sociology degree courses provide students with an opportunity to learn social subjects, including community groups and their behavior, work responsibilities, gender roles, social attitudes, social policies, family, marriage, deviance, and criminology. The course gives a deep understanding of social issues arising due to inequalities and their effects on the community. Based on the data collected, students learn to find practical solutions to such social problems in a more effective way.
Why Choose this Study
Students who are keen to research and analyze social attitudes can opt to study a major in Sociology. This course provides deep insights into the characteristics of human behavior in the social world. One can study the organization and development of different societies through research.
Choosing sociology as a major enables you to explore prime issues arising in societies due to diverse factors. Students pursuing sociology can identify and discover new strategies and solutions to tackle these social issues. Such practices may lead them to become good problem solvers and critical thinkers. They also develop precise communication and presentation skills while studying this course.
Expected Outcomes
Getting a major in Sociology opens doors to some exceptional work opportunities in the field of education, business management, marketing, media and journalism, counseling, and public services. Sociology graduates can work as social workers, where they can share their knowledge and utilize problem-solving skills to improve social conditions. Graduates can also take up a job as a social researcher or analyst, where they can present their opinions and solutions on social inequality through their research. One can also join politics to push for social reforms.
Job opportunities in the field of human resources and market analysis are also available for sociology graduates. There is a huge demand for sociology graduates to work as policy analysts, management consultants, public relation specialist, and counselors. The average annual pay for these positions varies from $50,000 to $120,000.
Degree Requirements
To study Sociology Major undergraduate course, one has to fulfill the following criteria:
- A minimum GPA (Grade Point Average) of 2.0 should be maintained throughout higher secondary education.
- Clear the SAT and ACT exams.
For Graduate course in Sociology Major:
- Bachelor’s degree in sociology or other social science subjects.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0 in Bachelor degree course. Students with valuable work experience having low GPAs could be considered for the course by some institutions.
- Some institutions require getting a GRE (Graduate Record Examinations) scorecard for admission to this course.
For Doctoral degree in Sociology:
- Masters degree in Sociology with great academic performance
- Require great GRE test score
- Previous coursework in Sociology or equivalent to it.
Related Statistics
The statistics below are based on the number of graduates enrolling for sociology major courses, cost of attendance, and average salary of graduates.
- In 2017, a total of 36,703 Sociology major degrees were awarded in the USA.
- As of today, 3.95 million sociology graduates are working in different sectors in the USA.
- 221,710 students were studying social science courses, including Sociology majors, in 2016/17 in the UK.
- Around 3.8% of the total workforce in the US is sociology graduates.
- The average age of sociologists in the US, UK, and Australia is 40 years.
- The average annual pay of sociology graduates is $50000 to $80000.
Target Audience
Sociology is a good major to study anywhere in the world. Individuals who are willing to study the common problems arising in society due to human interaction can definitely take up this course. Students who are keen to pursue their careers as volunteers or social workers could also opt for a sociology major course. Youngsters who are involved in community work on a local or wider level and those who love doing it should go for the sociology major as well. People who have an interest in politics and activism can develop their interests while studying the sociology major.
Subjects Covered
There is a wide range of subjects covered in the Sociology major course at undergraduate, postgraduate, and Doctoral levels.
A Bachelor in Sociology is a three to four years undergraduate course. It has the following subjects:
- Understanding society
- Social life research
- City, community, culture
- The social construction of crime and deviance
- State and society
- Sociological imagination
- Applied sociological research
- Contemporary social theory
- Public sociology
- Exploring popular culture
- Youth, socialization, and identity (Optional)
- Race, racism, and ethnicity (Optional)
- Globalization, people, and society
- Self, identity, and society
- Integrated research project
- Power and inequalities (Optional)
- Activism, social movements and social change (Optional)
- Visual sociology (Optional)
In the two-year postgraduate course in sociology, there are generally three specialization subjects, namely social inequality, criminology, and urban sociology. The subjects are as follows:
- Sociology theory
- Theory of diversity
- Understanding race and ethnicity
- Social demography
- Marriage and family relationships
- The politics of algorithms
- Race, gender, and class
- Women, welfare, and policy
A doctoral degree in sociology is a three to five-year course. The research subjects covered in this course are as such:
- Criminology
- Inequality in race and ethnicity
- Deviance
Future Demand
Recently, youths have been getting more involved in various social activities due to which they are developing an interest in studying sociology. Sociology is a vast field, having numerous subjects to study. One can choose their favorite subject in sociology and pursue a degree course in that. Social issues are never-ending and so is their study and research. Every other day, a new social problem arises and one has to find solutions to tackle them. Only a sociology graduate can find a solution to such problems. In the future, individuals can take up a sociology major course for their graduation or post-graduation. In the upcoming years, sociology graduates will be able to work in a multitude of sectors across the globe, with a huge demand for sociologists being expected in the near future.
Top Universities
The University of Oxford is one of the oldest universities in the world. It was founded in 1096 in Oxford, United Kingdom. This popular university has more than 22000 students studying various courses. This university offers three courses in sociology, namely a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, a Master of Science in Sociology (1 Year), and a Ph.D. in Sociology. The average cost of attendance for an MSc in Sociology course is £19,200 for UK and Ireland students and £29,160 for international students. Oxford University is accredited by Privy Council in the UK.
Harvard University was founded in 1636 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA. This prestigious and old university in the USA has around 23,000 students studying each year. Bachelors in Sociology and Ph.D. in sociology courses are available in this university. The university accepts admissions based on the performance of students during their past academics. The course fee for BA in Sociology course is $49,000. Harvard University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher education.
London School of Economics and Political Science
This renowned university was founded in 1895 in London, UK. This university is known especially for courses in sociology, economics, and political science. Around 12,000 students are studying at this university. This university offers Bachelor in Sociology, Masters in Sociology, and Ph.D. in Sociology courses for students. The average tuition fee for this course £9,250 for UK and Ireland students and £22,430 for international students. This university is accredited by the Privy Council, UK.
The Australian National University
This University was founded in 1946 in Canberra, Australia. Currently, this university is home to 20,892 local and international students. This university offers undergraduate courses in criminology and social science. The fees for studying this course are $39,090 for international students. This university is accredited by the Institution of Chartered Accountants, Australia.
Stanford University is another popular institute for studying Sociology. It was founded in 1885 in Stanford, California, USA. Around 16,250 students are studying at this university currently. This university offers sociology major courses, namely Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Master of Arts in Sociology, and Ph.D. in Sociology. The average graduation fee for students is $70,000 and for post-graduation courses, it is $69,000. Stanford University is accredited by Accrediting Commission for senior colleges and universities of the western association of schools and colleges.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get enrolled in a sociology major course?
If you are looking to enroll in an undergraduate course in sociology, then you should have completed a higher secondary certificate with good grades. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is recommended to get enrolled in this course. For a postgraduate sociology major, you should have completed a bachelor’s degree in sociology or equivalent subject with a 3.0 GPA.
Which skills are required to study a sociology major course?
In order to study a sociology major course, a student should have an interest in learning about different societies and their cultures. They should also have good communication and presentation skills. Problem-solving ability is also considered a valuable skill while taking up sociology.
What career opportunities are available for sociology graduates?
Sociology graduates have a bunch of work opportunities in various sectors, including education, social work, politics, management, social organizations, and journalism.
Final Words
In conclusion, Sociology is a good major to study for every student who is willing to explore their skill set and interests. This course also brings good career opportunities for students in all sectors. Besides this, sociology graduates can bring a positive change to society through their research and solutions.
Christina Lyon is the author of this educational blog and she is involved with student’s life and education. She has a passion for writing articles related to education including Degrees, Diplomas, exams, students’ experience, and her prime objective is to support worldwide students by answering all their FAQs through this blog.
