What is Sociology?
Sociology (sometimes referred to as social science) is the study of how people interact with one another. Students of sociology explore how societies have developed, and how they are continuing to evolve. They look at how groups of people organize themselves – ranging from governments to families, and explore issues like: race, gender, criminology, social stratification, and socioeconomics. Sociology students do a lot of scientific research and compile and then analyze a lot of data to try and figure out how and why people and groups of people behave the way they do.
Is Sociology a Good Major / Degree for Me?
Do you find yourself noticing how groups of people behave? Do you wonder why people behave differently depending on the groups they are in? Are you fascinated by how governments work, both in history, and right now? Do you enjoy doing research? Do you love to read and think? Do you enjoy community service and working to make the world a better place? If you’ve answered yes to some of these questions, then sociology might be the major for you!
High School Classes Needed for a Sociology Degree in College:
- 4 English Credits
- At least 3 Math Credits (preferably 4)
- At least 3 Lab Science Credits (preferably 4)
- At least 3 Social Studies Credits (preferably 4)
- At least 2 Foreign Language Credits
- If your high school offers AP courses, opt for these opportunities!
- If your high school offers sociology and/or psychology courses, take them!
Common Sociology Courses in College:
- Activism and Social Movements
- Criminology / Crime and Justice
- Deviance
- Feminism
- Introduction to Sociology
- Juvenile Delinquency
- Race, Ethnicity, and Society
- Social Problems
- Social Psychology
- Sociology of Families
- Sociology of Gender
- Sociology of Mental Health
- Sociology Research Methods
- Sociology Theory (Classical and Contemporary)
- Urban Sociology
Similar Degree Programs You Might Want to Explore:
- African-American Studies: the study of the history and culture of North Americans of African descent
- Anthropology: the study of human beings
- Archaeology: the study of the history of societies
- Criminology: the scientific study of crime
- Political Science: the study of government and politics
- Psychology: the study of the human mind and of human behavior
Sociology Careers:
Sociology is a broad study and individuals with a sociology degree can go in a variety of directions. Sociology majors have gone on to careers in:
- Advertising
- Consumer Research
- Industrial Sociology
- Journalism
- Law
- Law Enforcement
- Marketing
- Research
- Social Activism
- Social Work
- Teaching (from high school to college to graduate school)
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