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in the College of Arts & Science
What Can I Do With a Major in Sociology?
Sociology is the study of culture, social structures, and processes. A major in this area provides a framework in sociological theory and research methodology supplemented with other sociology courses in deviance and crime, ecology, gerontology, organizations, social demography, and social structures, and social welfare. Specific interest areas are accommodated by offering a criminology emphasis within the major, and in offering minors in applied sociological research, business, gerontology, law, medical, social science, social work, and sociology for students in sociology as well as in other majors.
Interests
Curiosity about how people interact with each other and form relationships, interest in the scientific study of the structure of society and activities of its members; concern with social problems and their solutions
Competencies
- Communication
- Observing people
Informing/explaining
Interviewing
Writing - Developing/Organizing/Managing
- Planning/designing projects
Organizing ideas/materials/objects
Decision-making
Developing/generating ideas
Adapting ideas - Human Relations
- Sensitivity to people and problems
Understanding of many human relationships & social processes
Ability to represent others
Assessing people's needs - Research
- Gathering information
Analyzing
Problem solving
Comparing
Clarifying
Organizing ideas and materials
Reviewing/evaluating projects/ideas
Knowledge of survey research methods
Computer/statistical skills
Sampling for surveys and marketing
Interpreting findings
Reporting findings
Opportunities - Careers
- Business
- Market researcher/analyst
Sales campaign planner
Customer relations
Manufacturing representative
Banking/branch manager
Salesperson/sales representative
Management trainee
Consumer relations staffer
Public relations staffer
Human resources - Research
- Population analyst
Surveyor
Market researcher
Economic analyst
Public opinion pollster
Interviewer
Consultant
Policy researcher
Data analyst
Demographer assistant - Education
- Teacher
Academic researcher
Recreation specialist
Leisure consultant
Affirmative action assistant
Admissions counselor
Alumni relations worker - Human Services
- Criminology and criminal justice
Gerontology and aging services
Hospital administrator
Charities administrator
Community organizer
Hospital volunteer
Employee assistant program coordinator
Hospital volunteer program coordinator
Youth outreach worker
Recreation worker - Government
- Policy administrator
Labor relations representative
Legislator
Census worker
International agencies representative
Prison administrator
Law enforcement administrator
Urban planner
Human rights worker
Personnel coordinator - Public Relations/Communications
- Publisher
Mass communications analyst
Advertiser
Writer/commentator
Note: Some of the listed career options may require additional education and/or training beyond the bachelor's degree.
Opportunities - Graduate/Professional School
Many students go on to graduate programs in criminal justice, gerontology, hospital administration, law, social work, the political economy, public administration, social justice, social welfare, social work, and sociology.
Opportunities - Experiential
Summer, volunteer, or part time work in human services (e.g. senior citizen centers, hospitals, juvenile delinquent group homes, summer camps) governmental agencies, or businesses, independent study with a faculty member, and involvement in student organizations such as the Student Social Work Association and the Student Gerontological Association.
Sources of Additional Information
- Department of Sociology & Gerontology (375 Upham Hall, 529-2628)
- * Curriculum Requirements
* Career Opportunities - Career Services (200 Hoyt Hall, 529-3831)
- * Career Resource Center
* Career Counseling
* Career Assistance Center
* Computerized Career Development Program
* Dictionary of Occupational Titles
* Occupational Outlook Handbook - Arts and Science Academic Advising (146 Upham Hall, 529-3031)
- * Miami Plan & College of Arts and Science Requirements
- * Course Selection
* Career Decision Making
Developed by the College of Arts and Science Advising Office and the academic departmental offices with adaptations from Liberal Arts and Sciences - Skills - Career Opportunities, Career Planning and Placement Office, University of Michigan.