A sociology degree is a broad field of study which opens the door to a number of career opportunities. But it’s not always obvious what jobs in sociology are available. If you’re interested in pursuing a bachelor’s in sociology, you might be wondering:  What can I do with a sociology degree? Where can I work? What fields, industries and jobs are open to me? Do I need to further my education in order to start my career?

Jessica Sherwood, Ph.D., associate professor at JWU Providence, who also teaches online said, “What can't you do?!?” she responded. “I'm half joking, but it really is a versatile major.”

Here’s a closer look at what a sociology degree covers and what jobs in sociology may be available to graduates who have this degree.

What Do Sociologists Study?
As a sociology student, you’ll examine the ways social forces contribute to social change, looking at how groups, individuals, cultures and institutions interact with one another to create changes and build societies. These studies have political connotations, as well, as students learn to evaluate the impact that policies and programs will have on society beyond what is obvious politically. Sociologist students also fine-tune research and analytic skills, which can translate well into a range of career fields.

According to the American Sociological Association, sociology degree programs teach students to think creatively about social problems. Graduates learn to think critically and analytically about problems while building strong communication skills. They also learn to look at the world through the lens of many different cultures and communities, which is invaluable to today’s businesses in the global economy.

This may seem like a broad range of study, and that is because it is. A sociology undergraduate program from Johnson & Wales Online is specifically designed to set the foundation for a range of job opportunities, which may or may not be directly connected to sociology.

Sociology Degree — A Broad Degree Opening Many Opportunities
Sociology is a field that touches many different niches, because most jobs and most companies work with people. Understanding how people work and think and how they interact with each other, which is what a sociology degree teaches, provides the basic foundation for a range of career opportunities.

In addition, sociology students will also fine-tune their research and analytic skills, abilities that are needed in a wide range of a career fields and business settings. In fact, a sociology undergraduate degree can easily become the knowledge-base for just about any career, from journalism to law enforcement and education or social work. Researchers and psychologists can also benefit from undergraduate training in sociology.

Examples of Careers Available to Sociology Degree Graduates
"You hear a lot these days that employers seek people who can work in diverse groups, think critically and analytically, and communicate well. Sociology checks all those boxes," Sherwood said.

More specifically, she indicated that in the private sector, those carrying this degree can work in market research and human resources, whereas in the public sector they are well-equipped for work in municipality planning, constituent services and communication roles. She also indicated that nonprofit sector sociology majors can work to enrich local culture and help people solve their problems through charitable organizations.

Some people who graduate with an undergraduate degree in sociology can find work right after graduation in fields like:

• Media planning
• Research assistant
• Human resources professionals
• Policy analyst

Other career fields require further education. For these, a sociology degree can be the perfect undergraduate education to prepare candidates for success in their graduate programs and beyond. With further study, sociology graduates can aspire to become a:

• Lawyer
• Social worker
• Guidance counselor
• Public relations professional
• Correction professional

These are just a few examples of the types of jobs in sociology that are available. The analytics and social understanding gained in a sociology degree program puts graduates in high demand in business, politics, education and social work.

Start a Sociology Degree with the Flexibility of Online Study
If you love working with people, enjoy research, and have skill with problem solving, a degree in sociology is a good fit. The Johnson & Wales Online sociology degree program is a flexible option for studying in this field. With a 100 percent online format, you can fit this program around your schedule, helping you build the right base for a broad range of career opportunities. Students who graduate from this program will find a high demand for sociology majors in a wide variety of career fields as it opens the door to many opportunities both for further education and for jobs right after graduation.

If you’re ready to take on the challenges this field has to offer, let Johnson & Wales Online show you how to achieve your goals with the flexibility of our online sociology programs: Complete the Request Info form on this page, or call 855-598-1881 or email onlineadmissions@jwu.edu.