Bachelor of Science  Sociology Degree

Sociologists study human behavior as it pertains to human interaction within the guidelines of an organizational structure. The interaction between humans is more complex than the interactions between other animal species. Human behavior is greatly influenced and governed by social and legal guidelines. A sociologist studies these behaviors and the influences that preserve certain behaviors and change others.Sociology is a broad science, covering many different disciplines the social sciences. Anthropology, archeology, and linguistics are the few disciplines that surpass what sociology readily encompasses. Sociology also studies more tangible measures of human behavior such as class or social status, social movements, and even revolution.

A bachelor’s degree in sociology requires degree specific classes such as principles of sociology, social problems, statistical analysis, race and ethnicity, social deviance, sociology of business, sociology of politics, sociology of education, urban sociology, and social psychology. Many colleges and universities also expose sociology majors to key arts and science courses, including: composition, humanities, mathematics, general science, fine arts, history and a variety of electives.

Many full-time students can complete their bachelor’s degree in sociology in about four years. Part-time students can complete their course work in four to seven years, depending on their own learning pace and their outside commitments.

In a Bachelor of Science in Sociology program, students are introduced to a sociological perspective: a certain way of looking at the world, its societies and the changes that take place. Students have the opportunity to study human behavior, social interactions and societal groups. They engage in analytical discussion and studies of various groups.Students might also have the opportunity to participate in internships or study-abroad programs related to sociological work. A B.S. in Sociology is a versatile degree that can be a useful tool for many wide-ranging career options in diverse fields, such as business or education.

Course Topics

Students learn the conceptual tools of the discipline and study such broad areas as demography, military sociology, social psychology and political economies. They might also concentrate on more specific societal issues, such as birth control, gangs, poverty or domestic violence. Some topics sociology majors might encounter during their curricula include:

1-Sociological theory

2-Research methods

3-Family and society

4-Health and illness

5-Mass media

6-Race and racism

7-Social movements

Career Options

A degree in sociology is versatile in the job market, since many careers draw on different aspects of sociology. Individuals with B.S. degrees in sociology can find employment in a wide variety of related jobs, such as:

1-Correctional officers

2-Market researchers

3-Social work assistants

4-Caseworkers

5-Probation officers

Continuing Education Information

Students wishing to continue their education have the option to pursue a master’s degree in sociology. Master’s degree programs focus on quantitative and qualitative research, in addition to advanced studies of human behavior, relationships and interactions. These programs can prepare students for careers at nonprofit foundations and government agencies or for additional studies in healthcare or law.

Salary Information

Employment data is available for numerous careers that require a bachelor’s degree in sociology. For example, employment of market research analysts, social workers and probation officers was projected to grow as fast as average compared to all occupations from 2010 to 2020. These careers had respective median salaries of $60,300, $54,790 and $48,785 as of 2012.