Sociology is the systematic study of human behavior and society and of the social frameworks within which we live our lives. It’s the study of life at every level, from two-person relationships to the rise and fall of nations and civilizations.
More than any other discipline it is the meeting place of the social sciences, combining its own ideas and methods with insights from history, anthropology, economics, political science, and psychology in an extended examination of ways societies work – or fail to work.
An undergraduate sociology major provides valuable insights into social factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, age, education, and social class and that affect work and how organizations operate. Recent studies have shown that students who majored in sociology were satisfied with their choice of major.
Typical major courses include Intro to Sociology, Sociology of Culture, Sociology of Education, Quantitative Research Methods, etcetera.
A degree in sociology can lead to a world of endless possibilities. Those who graduate with a B.S. or B.A. in sociology and enter the job market directly will find themselves competing with other liberal arts students, but with an advantage. They will have knowledge of key social factors and a firm grasp on research design and methods.
Those who study the sociology of work and occupations may pursue careers in human resources management and other career fields such as politics, education, law, social work, medicine, business, science, research, etcetera. The skills developed during a Sociology degree are applicable to many areas of work.
Although few occupations include ”sociologist” in their title at the bachelor’s level, the sociological perspective is excellent preparation for a wide variety of occupations and opportunities. Finding internships as a sociology major is almost guaranteed as well.
In conclusion, sociology is a valuable part of a university education. It provides a foundation for better understanding and engaging with the globalizing world we will need to navigate and lead. It provides students with the intellectual tools needed to make sense of the shifting and the conflictual social world we live in.