This guide contains only a partial list of occupational titles and career fields that may be of interest to students considering a sociology major. In addition to the skills and knowledge gained through your college course work in this major, you may also need to acquire career related work experience, additional work related skills and/or additional education.  Some of the occupations require an advanced degree to enter the field.

After you have identified possible occupations of interest to you, it is important to investigate the nature of work; education and training requirements; skills and special talents needed; types of employers; future trends and employment outlook related to each of these careers. 

We have set up links to internet sites that provide detailed job descriptions of these occupations. You may also want to research these occupations by reading the books and literature available in the Philadelphia House Career Resource Library, by talking with individuals working in the field and by contacting related professional associations.

This guide also provides information about obtaining related work experience including links to possible internships. However for the best information on current, local internships contact Sally Cardenas, Director of Internships and Community-Based Learning at 562-464-4533 or email her at scardenas@whittier.edu.

Career Options

Note: (2) refers to second information link for occupational title

Typical Employers

Advocacy groups, colleges and universities, consulting firms, courts and correctional institutions, government agencies, hospitals and clinics, law enforcement agencies, mental health agencies, non-profit organizations, public and private schools, rehabilitation agencies, research and development firms, retirement communities.

Marketable Skills Associated with Sociology Major

• Research:  utilizing research methods, research theory and statistics, evaluating evidence, examining electronic data sources
• Critical Thinking:  thinking conceptually, understanding components of complex problems; analyzing relationships between factors
• Communication:  proficient in interpersonal communications, interacting effectively with people of different backgrounds in various situations, speaking to groups, presenting research findings, writing articulately and analytically
• Human Relations: understanding human relationships, diversity, and identifying cultural/social considerations, crisis intervention, counseling
• Problem solving abilities
• Thorough knowledge of community resources

• Ability to work well under pressure and to maintain composure in stressful situations

Getting Career Related Work Experience

To be competitive in today's job market and to improve your qualifications for graduate school, gaining career related work experience while you are a college student is very important.  

Career related work experience can include various forms of paid and volunteer experience (i.e. internships, some work study positions, summer or part-time jobs in your career field of interest, possibly fellowships, and some volunteer positions)

Sociology Related Internships

Sources of Career Information

Career Information Links

• Social Science Information Links
• Links to Professional Associations

Graduate School Resources

General Graduate School Program Resource Links
Social Science Graduate Program Links