Department of Sociology

What is Sociology?

Sociology is your gateway to understanding how social life shapes our attitudes, actions and opportunities, empowering you to become an agent of positive change through the scientific study of human behavior in real-world contexts. Our department explores how social groups, institutions and systems influence us by examining factors like class, race, gender and age alongside institutions including economics, education, family, media and politics that shape our thoughts and life chances. Through comprehensive programs spanning traditional sociology to specialized tracks in health and well-being, you'll develop crucial understanding of how these elements create both opportunities and barriers while building skills through innovative research at the Center for Environmental Policy and Management. 

Whether you're drawn to relationships and inequality, sociology of culture, or our unique Urban Studies program, our distinguished faculty guide you through transformative learning that connects theoretical understanding with practical application through community engagement and the prestigious Jon H. Rieger Speaker Series. Here, your curiosity about social dynamics transforms into the critical thinking expertise and cultural competency that drives meaningful careers in business, education, government, healthcare and any field requiring deep understanding of human behavior and social systems.

Career Prospects

Where Social Understanding Becomes Your Key to Meaningful Impact

Transform your curiosity about society and human behavior into a career that drives positive change across communities, organizations and institutions. Sociology graduates don't just study society — they become the researchers, policy makers and change agents who address inequality, strengthen communities and create more thoughtful systems. With $101,690 median sociologist salaries, 7% faster job growth than average and opportunities from community organizations to Fortune 500 companies, your sociology training becomes your foundation for both meaningful work and financial success.

Research and Policy Analysis

Salary Range: $50,000-$135,000 
Lead evidence-based solutions to social challenges through rigorous research and policy development. Your analytical skills and understanding of social systems position you perfectly for careers that influence public policy and programs.

Career Opportunities:

• Sociologist conducting research on social trends and behaviors
• Policy Analyst developing evidence-based government initiatives
• Social Research Specialist evaluating program effectiveness
• Data Analyst interpreting demographic and social trends
• Program Evaluator assessing intervention outcomes
• Survey Researcher designing and conducting public opinion studies
• Think Tank Researcher influencing public policy debates

Human Resources and Organizational Development

Salary Range: $55,000-$140,000 
Apply your understanding of group dynamics and social behavior to optimize workplace culture and human capital management. Your sociology background becomes essential for building effective organizations.

Career Opportunities:

• Human Resources Manager developing workplace policies and culture
• Training and Development Coordinator designing employee programs
• Organizational Development Consultant improving company operations
• Employee Relations Specialist managing workplace dynamics
• Talent Acquisition Manager understanding candidate motivations
• Corporate Responsibility Manager leading community engagement
• Change Management Specialist guiding organizational transitions

Social Services and Community Development

Salary Range: $40,000-$85,000 
Make direct impact in communities through programs that address social issues and support vulnerable populations. Your sociological perspective becomes crucial for effective service delivery.

Career Opportunities:

• Community Organizer mobilizing grassroots change
• Case Manager coordinating services for individuals and families
• Program Coordinator managing service initiatives
• Grant Writer securing funding for community programs
• Administrator overseeing community operations
• Community Development Specialist revitalizing neighborhoods
• Advocacy Coordinator promoting policy changes

Education and Youth Development

Salary Range: $45,000-$90,000 
Shape future generations through educational programs that address social learning and development. Your understanding of social influences on learning becomes valuable for educational success.

Career Opportunities:

• School Counselor supporting student academic and social development
• Educational Program Coordinator designing learning initiatives
• Youth Development Specialist creating programs for at-risk youth
• Academic Advisor guiding students through educational pathways
• Community Education Director developing outreach programs
• Curriculum Developer incorporating social perspectives
• Student Affairs Administrator managing campus life and services

Market Research and Consumer Insights

Salary Range: $60,000-$120,000 
Leverage your understanding of social behavior to help organizations better understand their customers and markets. Your sociological training becomes essential for strategic business decisions.

Career Opportunities:

• Market Research Analyst studying consumer behavior and trends
• Consumer Insights Specialist understanding customer motivations
• Social Media Research Manager analyzing digital behavior patterns
• Brand Strategy Consultant developing culturally relevant campaigns
• User Experience Researcher improving product design through social insights
• Public Opinion Pollster conducting political and social surveys
• Cultural Consultant helping companies navigate markets

Criminal Justice and Legal Services

Salary Range: $50,000-$100,000 
Apply sociological understanding to criminal justice reform and legal advocacy. Your knowledge of social factors in crime and justice becomes valuable for system improvement.

Career Opportunities:

• Probation Officer supporting offender rehabilitation and reintegration
• Legal Research Assistant analyzing social factors in court cases
• Victim Advocate providing support through legal processes
• Corrections Specialist developing rehabilitation programs
• Court Administration Manager improving judicial system operations
• Legal Aid Coordinator providing services to underserved populations
• Criminal Justice Researcher studying crime patterns and prevention

Healthcare and Social Work

Salary Range: $45,000-$80,000 
Address health disparities and social determinants of wellness through programs that integrate social understanding with health services. Your perspective becomes crucial for holistic care.

Career Opportunities:

• Medical Social Worker addressing psychosocial factors in healthcare
• Public Health Educator developing community wellness programs
• Healthcare Administrator managing service departments
• Mental Health Case Manager coordinating care for vulnerable populations
• Community Health Worker connecting residents to health resources
• Health Policy Researcher studying social factors in health outcomes
• Substance Abuse Counselor providing support for addiction recovery

Technology and Digital Innovation

Salary Range: $65,000-$130,000 
Pioneer the intersection of technology and society through careers that require understanding of human behavior in digital environments. Your sociological insights become essential for ethical tech development.

Career Opportunities:

• UX Researcher designing user-friendly digital experiences
• Social Media Manager understanding online community dynamics
• Data Ethics Specialist ensuring responsible technology use
• Content Strategy Manager creating culturally relevant digital content
• Digital Community Manager building and moderating online spaces
• Tech Policy Researcher studying technology's social impact
• Behavioral Design Specialist optimizing user engagement patterns

Your Journey to Social Impact Awaits

Every path in Sociology connects your passion for understanding society with the power to create positive change in communities, organizations and institutions. Whether you're drawn to the $135,000 potential in policy research, the meaningful work of community organizing or the emerging opportunities in technology and digital ethics, your degree provides the analytical foundation for careers that address society's most pressing challenges. With 7% faster job growth than average, opportunities across sectors and increasing demand for professionals who understand social dynamics and inequality, your investment in Sociology becomes your gateway to both personal fulfillment and professional success that grows with every community you strengthen and every system you help improve.