A Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology provides an excellent liberal arts foundation for embarking upon a wide range of career paths including those in business, government, research, teaching and community affairs.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, the employment of sociologists is expected to grow 18 percent from 2010 to 2020.
- The median pay for those employed as sociologists was $72,360 in 2010.
- Input from sociological research assists lawmakers, educators, public policy makers and business leaders in addressing social problems, formulating public policy and managing economic issues in a number of areas including health, crime, education, poverty, aging, gender, and racial and ethnic relations.
- If the prospect of engaging in research in any of these areas interests you, then the sociology major may be the perfect fit!
According to a recent ASA study, the most popular occupational categories in which 2007 Sociology Bachelor’s Degree recipients found employment were social service, counseling and psychology; administrative support; management; and marketing. The job titles of Sociology BA Recipients ranged from research analyst and marketing strategist to crime scene technician and web site designer.
In conjunction with the Career Connection Center, the Department sponsors various career-related activities throughout the fall and spring semesters. We encourage all those interested in Sociology as a major and those wanting to learn more about career opportunities to attend these informative events. Look for fliers and listserv announcements for specific dates. Information about graduate studies in Sociology, both at the University of Florida and at other universities, is also available. You may speak to our Graduate Coordinator or to other faculty advisors directly. Or, you may visit the website of the American Sociological Association.
Alpha Kappa Delta, the Sociology Honor Society, also provides students with a wealth of information about Sociology as a profession through seminars and presentations and provides social situations in which majors can interact with those who share their interest in Sociology. Contact names and general information about membership are available on the bulletin board outside of the main office (3219 Turlington).
Marketable Skills
Sociology majors receive extensive training in research design and data analysis, as well as many opportunities to hone their written and oral communication skills. These tools, as well as their sensitivity to and appreciation for diversity in many aspects of social relationships, give sociology BA’s a competitive edge in today’s global marketplace and information society. As they progress through the curriculum, our Academic Learning Compact ensures that UF Sociology majors have many opportunities to develop these important skills and abilities, including:
- Analytical skills. Sociology majors learn how to analyze data and other information, including using statistical programs to evaluate and test theories.
- Communication skills. Sociology majors develop strong communication skills as they learn how to conduct interviews, collaborate in group projects, and present research findings in the classroom.
- Critical-thinking skills. Sociology majors are taught how to think critically when doing or evaluating research. They learn how to draw logical conclusions based on empirical data about social groups and individuals. Sociology majors are involved in designing and implementing research projects, and some are actively engaged in collecting, processing, and analyzing data from on-going projects led by sociology faculty and graduate students.
- Problem-solving skills. Sociology majors become familiar with current research pertaining to various social contexts and settings including the workplace, community, education, family and healthcare. Knowledge of this research enables majors to springboard into professions that focus on identifying, studying, and solving sociological problems.
- Writing skills. Sociology majors frequently write papers and reports summarizing and evaluating existing sociological research, reflecting on various social problems, and detailing their own research investigations and findings.
Preparation for Advanced Degrees
Sociology is an excellent springboard to graduate study in law, business, education, counseling, medicine, politics, public administration, social work, criminology, and of course, sociology.
- Our sociology majors have had considerable success in gaining acceptance to some of the most competitive graduate and professional schools in the state and country, including Columbia University, The George Washington University, American University, the University of Florida, Florida State University, Emory University, Cornell University, the University of Maryland, Georgetown University and Berkeley.
- Besides sociology, recent graduates have pursued a variety of disciplines including law, medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, mental health counseling, counseling education, public affairs and business.