Careers for Sociology Majors
Our undergraduates go on to careers in business (sales, marketing, market research, management), human services (child welfare, social welfare, human services, education), the non-profit sector (advocacy, community outreach), the government sector (legislation, research, planning, evaluation), and many other careers. Check out some of the options for sociology majors.
Keep in mind that some careers require industry-specific training or credentials. For example, social workers must complete M.A. or M.S.W. degrees and complete certificate training, College and University Professors require Ph.D.s at most schools to be on faculty, and in Minnesota, police officers must complete some additional coursework in a Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) program. The University (and the Department of Sociology) is not a POST program - those are often two-year programs at community or technical colleges.
Still, many Sociology and Sociology of LCJ students are naturally interested in careers in or related to the criminal justice field – FBI, forensics, investigations, probation, prison work to name just a few. Simultaneously you may also be interested in things like studying crime, criminal justice reform, and social & environmental (in)justice. While we are not a criminal justice program, we do have a number of courses and opportunities that can help open doors for you. As it relates to this area of interest, our major is excellent preparation for a graduate program in Criminal Justice, Security Studies, Law, Social Work, Sociology, and many others which will open up advancement within your future career. Pay special attention to the opportunities that we advertise in the Newsletter and keep in mind that we have funding for unpaid internships via the Barbara Newsome Internship Award. This journal article from ASA is full of excellent data and conclusions related to Sociology and criminal justice careers – well worth the read.
Education
- Academic Advisor
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- Researcher
- Social Sciences Teacher (K-12)
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Business
- Administrator
- Buyer
- Communications Professional
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- Corporate Trainer
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- Employee Assistant
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- Human Resources Professional
- Manager
- Marketing Strategist
- Negotiator/Mediator
- Personnel Director
- Personnel Trainer
- Project Manager
- 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
- City Planner
- Community Researcher
- Lawyer
- Lobbyist
- Paralegal
- Parole Officer
- Rehabilitation Counselor
- Social Activist
- FBI Agent
- Crime Statistician
- Victims Rights Advocate
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Violence Prevention Specialist
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Community Liaison
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
Graduate School Programs
- Masters in Business Administration
- Masters in Public Policy
- Masters in Public Health
- Masters in Non-Profit Management
- Masters in Social Work
- Masters in Human Resources
- Masters in Criminal Justice
- Masters/PhD in Counseling
- Law School
- PhD in Sociology