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Major Related Resources Department of Resources Career Resource | Description of MajorSociology is the study of human behavior and social forces which influence people's beliefs and actions. The Sociologist looks beyond individual psychology and unique events to the broad patterns of interaction that shape individual and social life.Skills & Knowledge Developed in this Field of StudyA degree in sociology is an excellent springboard for entering the world of business, organizations and social service. The sociological perspective is crucial for working in today's multi-ethnic and multinational business/government/ social service environment. An undergraduate sociology major provides valuable insights into social factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, education and social class that affect work and how organizations operate.Students will be given the opportunity to develop qualitative skills through the use of interviews, focus groups, and conflict, policy and social impact analysis. Additionally, students will be given the opportunity to develop quantitative skills including survey design, statistical analysis, and management of large-scale data. Upon graduation students can participate in strategic planning, trend analysis, market analysis, survey design and research, systems analysis, and interviewing projects. Two minors in Work and Business and in Social Science and Medicine allow students seeking careers in business or health-related fields, respectively, to acquire a sociological background specific to these fields. Internships are strongly encouraged. Minors and Second Majors that Expand Career Options with this MajorAfrican-American and African Disaspora Studies, criminal justice, economics, English, international studies, journalism, Latino studies, math, and psychology are excellent additions. A Business Minor or Humanics Certificate through SPEA are encouraged.Career OptionsCareers Specific to the Bachelor's DegreeSociology graduates are well prepared for working in social agencies and social services. Some are caseworkers with programs in food stamps, child welfare, child abuse, juvenile services and adoption. Others are probation officers, employed as administrators in community development programs, family counseling agencies, outpatient clinics for mental hospitals, and neighborhood centers. Still others work in drug treatment centers and vocational rehabilitation facilities, or in education as teachers and school social workers. Internships in private or public sector are strongly encouraged.Other Career Possibilities with a Bachelor's DegreeSociology majors are well prepared for working in social service agencies. Some are caseworkers with programs in food stamps, child welfare, child abuse, juvenile services, adoption and spouse abuse. Others are probation officers, employed as administrators in community development programs, family counseling agencies, outpatient clinics for mental hospitals, parks and recreation programs,and neighborhood centers. Still others work in drug treatment centers and vocational rehabilitation facilities, or in education as teachers.Careers that Normally Require a Graduate DegreeMost professional work requires graduate education. Undergraduate majors in sociology frequently go on to graduate study in sociology. Many IU sociology graduates also undertake advanced studies in areas such as social work, education, public health, business administration, urban planning, law, medicine, and in divinity school. Many careers in these fields require a graduate degree, and opportunities are certainly enhanced in all cases with an advanced degree.Employment OpportunitiesJob OutlookAccording to the Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, sociologists interested in practice (applied and clinical) settings, will find that positions outside academia are rapidly expanding. Demand is expected to be stronger for sociologists with training in practical rather than theoretical sociology. Internships are strongly encouraged. According to Arts and Sciences Career Services undergraduate sociology majors are quickly placed.Salary InformationStarting salaries of the most recent IU graduates range from $20,500 to $42,000.Potential Career GrowthThe average annual salary for all sociologists in the federal government is about $53,000. Sociologists working in private industry or at colleges and universities may have higher potential, especially those with a Ph.D.Placement Statistics for IU Graduates with this MajorSome examples of places where recent graduates are employed are: ATC Health Care-staffing coordinator, Planned Parenthood-counselor, CDW Computer Centers-account rep., Mervyns's California-Asst. Buyer, Banc of America-Business Analyst, Bank One-Business Analyst, Elkhart Welfare-caseworker, Indiana Methodists-childcare worker, Attebury Job Corps-career advisor, Aerotek-technical recruiter, Bases Worldwide-market analyst, Kohl's Department Stores-market analyst, American Gen Finance-mngmt trainee, Andersen Consulting-market analyst and human resources. About 90% of the undergraduates seek employment after graduation. 10% of our graduating seniors seek a graduate program in law, medicine, social work, public health, or sociology.High School PreparationStudents should meet the general admission requirements to IU.Special OpportunitiesThe sociology department at IU is nationally and internationally known for its research, and also takes great pride in offering high-quality instruction, with several faculty members having won university-wide teaching awards. Our undergraduate program in sociology recently ranked in the top 3 percent of undergraduate sociology programs in this country, according to a national report. Our department offers a minor in the Sociology of Work and Business. This allows students in any liberal arts major to certify that they have completed an integrated course of study on the organization of business and its place in contemporary American society. Our honors program enables seniors to carry out research on a topic of their own choosing under the guidance of a faculty member. Many students are able to present their work at national conferences. Students may gain practical experience in a number of ways through our department: limited opportunities exist to join a research team as a research assistant; our department offers internship opportunities so students can both gain practical experience and receive credit for their work; because statistics and methods are taught in computer classrooms, students become familiar with commonly used statistical software, thereby gaining a skill in high demand among employers; a number of undergraduates also acquire valuable experience by working as interviewers in IU’s Survey Research Center.Noted AlumniThe sociology department is proud of its alumni. Many alums have gone on to careers in Teach for America, Peace Corps, government and other social action positions. Many alumni have productive employment in private sector. Famous sociology majors include Rev. Martin Luther King, Rev.Jesse Jackson, Saul Bellow, Joe Theisman, Ronald Reagan, Dan Aykroyd, and Robin Williams. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
