WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN... SOCIOLOGY

1. WHAT CAN I DO WITH A MAJOR IN...SOCIOLOGY www.sc.edu/career

2. so·ci·ol·o·gy • The study of human social behavior, especially the study of the origins, organization, institutions, and development of human society. • Analysis of a social institution or societal segment as a self-contained entity or in relation to society as a whole.* *“sociology." The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2004. 7 Aug. 2009. <Dictionary.com http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sociology>.

3. Sociology Majors Study • Characteristics, changes, causes and consequences of human behavior in groups • The structure and dynamics of social systems • Effects of gender, ethnicity, class, religion, and community on individuals and groups • Critical thinking skills helpful in complex problem solving ...and more

4. Specializations Most undergraduate programs offer only a general course of study. However, many specializations can be pursued with further study. These include (but are not limited to): • Public Relations • Social Inequality • Gender Roles • Population Studies • Marriage & Family • Crime & Delinquency • Human Resources Management

5. Sociology Degrees Available At The University Of South Carolina • Ph.D • MA • BS • BA

6. Sociology At The University Of South Carolina

7. Sociology Majors Develop Skills In • Working cooperatively with others • Adapting to varied and changing conditions • Conflict resolution • Adapting cultural theories to other populations • Intentional interviewing Critical analysis Oral and written communication Interpersonal relations Understanding of different cultures Problem solving Observing individuals in various types of group settings

8. Employment The sociological perspective is crucial for success in today’s multicultural and multinational work environments. Thus, a background in sociology is valuable preparation for careers in almost any modern organizational setting including: • Further Education • Law • Public Policy • Social Work • Psychology • Bachelor's Degree/Entry Level • Business • Communication • Education • Law Enforcement • Recreation • Social Services

9. Employment Settings • Business & Commerce: Includesmanagement and direction of for-profit organizations including the development of business plans, marketing strategies, product development, and human resource management

10. Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Business & Commerce • Labor Relations Manager • Marketing Director • Mediator • Operations Manager • Recruiter • Regulatory Administrator • Statistician Analyst Account Executive Community Relations Representative Corporate Merchandising Manager Customer Service Representative EEO/AA Specialist Junior Market Analyst

11. Employment Settings • Consulting: Includes historical and ethnographic research; political and population surveying, social/cultural assessments, designing bilingual and bicultural curricula; assessing services, and more.

12. Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Consulting • Bicultural Curricula Developer • Business Consultant • Community Planner • Corporate Communications Consultant • Employee Relations Specialist • Marketing Strategist • Mediator • Management Consultant • Policy Analyst • Public Health Advisor • Public Relations Consultant • Recruitment Consultant • Training Specialist

13. Employment Settings • Education: Includes classroom instruction, curricula development, research, writing, administration, program management, and lecturing. Teaching and research positions at colleges and universities require an advanced degree. Most other teaching positions require proper certification.

14. Sample Occupational Titles Associated With Education • Lecturer • Primary school teacher • Residence hall director • Secondary school teacher • Student affairs professional Administrator Admissions evaluator Author/writer Career counselor College or university professor Financial aid director Guidance counselor Health educator

15. Employment Settings • Social Services: Includes among others counseling, social work, program management, public service, non-profit work, ministry, and positions in correctional facilities. Most ministry and counseling positions requirethe completion of a certification or advanced study program.

16. Sample Occupational Titles Associated WithSocial Services • Mental Health Coordinator • Non-Profit Agency Coordinator • Occupational Therapist • Parole Officer • Public Health Statistician • Social Worker Art Therapist Career Planning Professional Child Psychologist Community Worker Corrections Worker Crisis Intervention Counselor Expressive Therapist

17. Distribution Of Employed Persons With A Bachelor’s Degree In Sociology By Sector Source: Fogg, N.P, Harrington, P.E. & Harrington, T.F, (2004). College Majors Handbook (2nd ed). Indianapolis, IN: Jist Publishing.

18. TOP 10 Occupations That Employ Persons With Only A Bachelor’s Degree In Sociology 1 Top- and mid-level managers, executives 2 Social Workers 3 Other administrative (i.e. record clerks) 4 Other management-related occupations 5 Sales (including retail) 6 Sales (including retail) 6 Other marketing and sales occupations 7 Receptionists, typists 8 Personnel, training and labor relations specialists 9 Insurance, securities, real estate, business services 10 Accountants, auditors, other financial specialists Source: Fogg, N.P, Harrington, P.E. & Harrington, T.F, (2004). College Majors Handbook (2nd ed). Indianapolis, IN: Jist Publishing.

19. Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want • Obtain a minor in a related area (i.E. Criminal justice, psychology, gender studies or education) • Obtain an advanced degree and/or certification to perform counseling • Develop strong writing and speaking skills Pursue an excellent academic record Obtain part-time, summer, or internship work experience Volunteer with service and counseling organizations Become fluent in a foreign language

20. Strategies For Developing Skills To Get The Job You Want • Become active in peer mediation groups if available • Secure leadership positions in campus or community groups • Obtain teaching certification • Acquire survey and evaluation skills Develop strong quantitative and statistical skills Become comfortable working with people from different backgrounds and cultures Take courses focusing on inequality and families

21. Books And Web Resources Websites American Sociological Association - http://www.asanet.org/ The SocioWeb: Sociological Resources on the Internet - http://www.socioweb.com/ SocSite - http://www.abacon.com/socsite/index.html Books Careers in Sociology by W. Richard Stevens Jr Great Jobs for Sociology Majors by Stephen Lambert Careers Serving Families and Consumers by The Elizabeth Kendall Sproles and George B. Sproles

22. Resources For More Information Department of Sociology www.cas.sc.edu/socy Career Center Library http://www.sc.edu/career/Library/library.html Sociology related websites http://www.sc.edu/career/la/socio.html CAS Career Development website www.sc.edu/career/cascdp/index.html

23. Career center contact information University of South Carolina Career Center 6th Floor, H. William Close Building (BA Building) Columbia, SC 29208 Phone: (803) 777-7280 On-call counseling without an appointment: M - F, 1:00 am - 4:00 pm (Summer and holiday hours may differ, please check the website at www.sc/edu/career)