Sociology major
Sociology: courses, careers, and where to study
Sociology studies social institutions, group behavior, inequality, and culture — preparing graduates for research, policy, social services, and graduate school in law or social work.
A Sociology major examines society at scale — institutions, demographics, inequality, race, class, gender, religion, family, deviance, and social change. Programs combine theory (Marx, Weber, Durkheim through contemporary frameworks) with quantitative and qualitative research methods (statistics, survey design, ethnography, interview methods). Sociology pairs well with a minor in Statistics, Political Science, or Public Health for data-leaning graduates.
Graduates work in nonprofit research, public policy, social services, government, market research, journalism, and as a strong feeder to Law school and Social Work.
What you'll study
- Sociological theory (classical and contemporary)
- Race, class, and gender stratification
- Family and demography
- Crime and deviance
- Quantitative methods and statistics
- Qualitative methods (ethnography, interviews)
- Sociology of work, education, or health
- Senior research project
Typical careers
- Policy Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
- Social Worker (with MSW)
- Nonprofit Program Manager
- Survey Researcher
- Journalist
Starting salary range: $42,000–$68,000 starting
Find a Sociology program
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Related majors
Psychology
Psychology majors study human cognition, behavior, and emotion — preparing graduates for clinical, research, business, and human-services careers (and graduate school in clinical, counseling, and I/O psych).
Social Work
Social Work prepares graduates for licensed direct practice with individuals, families, and communities — combining behavioral sciences with field placements and an explicit ethical framework.
Political Science
Political Science studies governments, political behavior, and policy — preparing graduates for law school, public service, journalism, and policy research.
Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice studies the institutions and practices of policing, courts, and corrections — preparing graduates for law enforcement, probation, corrections, and law school.