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Department of Sociology
soc@umn.edu
612-624-4300
soc@umn.edu
612-624-4300
Careers and Graduate School
What can you do with a major in Sociology?
A degree in Sociology can take you in many different directions. Consider the best way to market your Sociology major for the career direction you are most interested in pursuing. Through Sociology you learn how to understand, evaluate and embrace racial, cultural, and economic differences. You also study interactions within and between groups and individuals. There is really not a job out there where this will not be an asset. Coupling this degree with experiences will help you to send your degree in any direction you would like.
What type of work appeals to me?
It is important to consider the tasks and duties of the role in which you plan to occupy. The best way to know what type of work appeals to you is to try on many hats. This can be done through jobs, internships, service learning or volunteer opportunities. Take advantage of the University of Minnesota's services to get these experiences, both for personal investigation and to expand your professional resume.
What type of environment do I prefer to work in?
Consider all of your options! Do you want to work in a large organization or a small one? For a non-profit, for-profit, educational institution, or governent agency?
What skills and unique knowledge areas do ou have and which ones do I want to use?
Be aware of your strengths/weaknesses. Ask yourself if there is a particular area of interest you want to blend with your degree, such as working with a particular age group, cultural group, business knowledge, etc. There may be a great opportunity to add a minor, certificate, second major or additianl education/training to make you a perfect candidate for the job!
Do I want to go to grduate/professional school?
Some career areas related to sociology will require graduate work or extra training. If you do not plan to complete further schooling, this may eliminate some career areas from consideration. Keep in mind that, while you may not decide to pursue graduate school immediately, this does not exclude you from applying a few years down the road. See this Soc Grad School PDF for more information and resources for pursuing graduate school.
Am I aware of the levels of burnout possible in some sociology related careers?
Working in correctional facilities, social service agencies, or other similar organizations can, depending on the work you are doing, be very emotionally and physically exhausting. This can lead to early burnout in the job. It is important to consider your personality style and how it fits with this type of work.
American Sociological Association Resources
Career Directions for Sociology Majors
Exciting Pre-Law Option
Considering a career in law? Visit Pre-Law Advising for great information and resources.
CLA Career Services
Visit CLA Career Services for vaulable assistance with career exploration, searching, applying, and interviewing for jobs, and much more!
Some Career Directions Open to Sociology Majors
Education |
| Academic advising |
| Admissions Counselor |
| Alumni Relations |
| Career counseling |
| Diversity Educator |
| Guidance counseling |
| Office Administration |
| Orientation Coordination |
| Research Assistant |
| Researcher |
| Teaching social sciences (k-12) |
| Teaching social sciences at a university |
Business |
| Administrator |
| Buyer |
| Communications |
| Consumer Researcher |
| Corporate training |
| Customer Service Representative |
| Employee assistance |
| Employee Development Specialist |
| Human resources |
| Manager |
| Marketing Strategist |
| Negotiator/Mediator |
| Personnel Director |
| Personnel Trainer |
| Project management |
| Public Relations Officer |
| Realtor |
| Recruiter |
| Sales Representative |
| Statistician |
Non-Profit & Social Services |
| Victim Advocate |
| Child Advocate |
| Community Development Worker |
| Child Care worker |
| HIV Counselor |
| Grant Writer |
| Social Welfare Examiner |
| Volunteer Coordinator |
| Welfare Counselor |
| Youth Services Worker |
| Residential Care Worker |
| Policy Analyst |
| Program Developer |
| Urban Developer |
| Environmental Advocate |
| Disability Advocate |
| Social Worker |
| Family Violence Prevention specialist |
| Program Director |
| Diversity Coordinator |
| Social Activist |
Criminal Justice |
| Corrections Officer |
| City Planner |
| Community researcher |
| Lawyer |
| Lobbyist |
| Paralegal |
| Parole Officer |
| Police Officer |
| Rehabilitation Counselor |
| FBI Agent |
Health & Wellness |
| Nurse |
| Doctor |
| Dentist |
| Personal Trainer |
| Sports Coach |
| Health Coach |
| Health Educator |
| Health Service Manager |
| Rehabilitation Specialist |
| Reproductive Clinician |
| Physical Therapist |
| Occupational Therapist |
| Patient Advocate |
UGrad Claire Goebel presents her research at 2012 SRI
UGrads Rob Stewart and Alex Casey at 2012 SRI
UGrad presents her project at 2012 SRI
