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Sociology Major

Study of society, social behavior, and social institutions.

Entry: $40,000
Mid: $60,000
Senior: $85,000
Growth: 4% (average)

Overview

Sociology majors study how societies function, examining social behavior, institutions, and relationships. Students explore topics like inequality, social change, family structures, and cultural differences.

The curriculum covers research methods, social theory, statistics, and specialized areas like criminology, urban sociology, or family studies. Students develop skills in critical thinking, data analysis, and understanding human behavior.

Sociology graduates pursue careers in social services, research, education, and public policy. The major provides a strong foundation for understanding society and working with diverse populations.

Career Prospects

Social Worker
Research Analyst
Human Resources Specialist
Community Organizer
Social Services Coordinator
Market Research Analyst
Policy Analyst
Probation Officer
Non-profit Administrator
Social Researcher

Top Universities for Sociology

1

Harvard University

Cambridge, MA • 3.5% acceptance rate
US News
#3
2

University of California-Berkeley

Berkeley, CA • 11.7% acceptance rate
3

Princeton University

Princeton, NJ • 4.5% acceptance rate
US News
#1
4

Stanford University

Stanford, CA • 3.6% acceptance rate
US News
#4
5

University of Chicago

Chicago, IL • 5.2% acceptance rate
US News
#14
6

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI • 15.0% acceptance rate
US News
#21
7

Columbia University

New York, NY • 65.0% acceptance rate
8

Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • 7.0% acceptance rate
US News
#11
9

Yale University

New Haven, CT • 4.6% acceptance rate
US News
#5
10

University of Wisconsin Madison

Madison, WI • 30.0% acceptance rate
US News
#53

Popular Courses

Introduction to Sociology
Research Methods
Social Theory
Statistics for Social Sciences
Social Inequality
Family Sociology
Urban Sociology
Race and Ethnicity
Gender Studies
Criminology

Admissions Requirements

  • Interest in social issues and human behavior
  • Strong reading and writing skills
  • Cultural awareness and sensitivity
  • Community service experience
  • Social studies background
  • Research interest
  • Critical thinking abilities

Essential Skills

Research and analysisCritical thinkingCultural competenceCommunicationData interpretationEmpathyProblem-solvingWriting skills

Work Environments

  • Social service agencies
  • Government organizations
  • Non-profit organizations
  • Research institutions
  • Healthcare organizations
  • Educational institutions
  • Corporations (HR)
  • Community organizations

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a Sociology major?

A Sociology major opens doors to careers in social worker, research analyst, human resources specialist, and many other fields. The skills you develop in research and analysis, critical thinking, cultural competence are highly valued across industries.

What is the job outlook for Sociology graduates?

The job growth for Sociology related careers is projected at 4% (average), according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Entry-level salaries typically start around $40,000, with potential to grow to $85,000 or more with experience.

What are the admission requirements for Sociology programs?

Most Sociology programs require interest in social issues and human behavior and strong reading and writing skills. Additionally, many programs look for cultural awareness and sensitivity and community service experience.

Which universities have the best Sociology programs?

Top universities for Sociology include Harvard University, University of California-Berkeley, Princeton University, Stanford University, University of Chicago, among others. These institutions are known for their strong faculty, research opportunities, and career placement rates.