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Do you secretly enjoy people watching?
If your answer is yes, then sociology may be the perfect degree for you!
When I was studying sociology in college, I discovered my love for observing, specifically people's behavior. I would constantly make up stories or reasons why people act a certain way and provide evidence to my theory from college class discussions.
A degree in sociology will not only help you gain different skills, but also knowledge about the world we live in.
Did you know?
You probably practice sociology every day without realizing it. Every time you wonder, "Why do people act like that?" you're thinking like a sociologist!
Why study sociology?
Sociology is the study of social life, which includes everything from how people interact with each other to how our society functions.
Think of sociology like wearing a pair of unique glasses. Without them, you just see people doing normal day to day things like going to work or posting on social media.
Yet, with them on, you start to see the influences that impact lifestyle choices, like family and gender norms, culture, etc.
You can pursue an associates degree, bachelor's degree, master degree, doctorate degree (PhD), and even a minor.
Did you know?
Sociology is sometimes referred to as the "study of the obvious." Sociologists, who are professionals who study social behaviors and society, study many things that seem normal or common. Yet, after research is done, there are always surprising patterns and reasons behind everyday life.
What skills will you gain as a sociology major?
As you learn sociology, you'll build skills that give you a deep understanding of how people express themselves in public spaces and privately. Other fundamental skills you will gain by studying sociology are:
Critical Thinking Skills
Learn how to break down complex information and make reasonable decisions. It's less about what you know and more about how you think.
Research Skills
Learn how to ask the right questions and find trustworthy information to get the answers to your questions. Think of yourself as a detective.
Problem Solving Skills
Learn about identifying issues or challenges and coming up with solutions. This is the fun part, as you get to put your creativity and innovation skills to the test.
Communication Skills
Learn about sharing ideas clearly, whether through writing or speaking. This includes being able to listen to others and understand their point of view.
Interpersonal Skills
Learn how to effectively build relationships and trust with others. This is important for teamwork or any role that requires collaboration.
Empathy
Learn to understand and voice the feelings and perspectives of others. This allows you to share the experiences of others, even when it differs from yours.
Did you know?
Social identities are shaped by how we see ourselves and how others see us. Some examples of major identities include: age, gender, race, ethnicity, ability, etc.
What career paths will be available to you?
Sociology is a very flexible degree, so if you have multiple passions, you can consider working in different industries.
Non-profit Sector
Make an impact in your community by creating and managing human services as a program coordinator or a youth development specialist at non-profits and community organizations.
Social Researcher/Public Policy
You can work for research & data organizations as a social researcher, where you get to study people and share your findings that influence policies, programs, and organizational decisions.
Marketing
Marketing is all about understanding people and how they think. So you can become a market research analyst or social media manager and provide insights on consumer behavior.
Human Resources (HR)
HR positions like HR specialists primarily focus on people, organizations, and workplace culture. You can develop training for employees on conflict resolution or create healthy workplace policies. You can help people learn professional skills as a talent development professional.
Quiz
Sam is thinking about going to college. They're a good communicator and help people in need through their church, but they're not interested in learning about human behavior. Should Sam pursue a sociology degree?
Even though Sam is a good communicator, and it seems like they like helping people, they're probably not a good fit to study sociology. People can help others without needing to study sociology.
How can you prepare for a sociology program?
Photo by Vitaly Gariev on UnsplashDo your research. Search online for schools that offer a sociology degree. Look at each program description and see if it's a good fit for you.
Figure out how to pay for the degree. College can be expensive, so finding ways to pay for it early on will benefit you.
Start reading. Find books about sociology at your local bookstore or library.
Did you know?
Colleges offer specific scholarships and grants to students who complete their college application early. You still need to meet the requirements of the scholarships and grants.
How can you succeed in a sociology program?
Stay curious. Always ask "why" to everything. Seek the truth to all the questions you have.
Meet new people. Introduce yourself in classes, join social groups, and go to school events. Learning how to interact with people is going to help you later in your career.
Be open-minded. Always be open to new possibilities. Even when you think you know everything, there is always someone who can show you a different way.
Take Action
If you think earning a sociology degree is right for you:
This Byte has been authored by
Eric Thomas Jr.
Learning Experience Designer | Holistic Wellness
CSM