What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s in Sociology?

Bachelor’s in Sociology

Bachelor’s in Sociology curriculum at Kingston college of higher studies is based on what employers indicate they want and expect from employees. “They’re looking for job candidates with very good oral and written communication skills, a capability for critical thinking, excellent presentation skills, multidisciplinary thinking, research skills, and the ability to thoroughly evaluate information,” explains Green. “They want problem solvers — those who understand how all of the pieces fit. And that’s what we’re delivering when it comes to National students who graduate with a bachelors in sociology.”

The ASA has found that those with a bachelor degree in sociology also use additional skills and concepts they learned through their studies. They include alternative or critical perspectives, sociological concepts and theories, data analysis, research design, diversity, groups and teams, the impact of social institutions on individuals, and social problems.

While the sociology curriculum at Kingston college of higher studies is informed by the needs of employers, it’s also inspired by the goals of students. “Our sociology students are focused on making a difference,” says Green. “They like our program because it provides an understanding of diversity and an appreciation of how those who are different from us can bring things to the table that are valuable.”

Sociology majors at National University develop a deep understanding of how social institutions work — including the military, businesses, prisons, and religious organizations. “They learn about social problems and the impact they have on all of us,” says Green. “This is where a lot of sociology majors have light bulbs coming on. Because, for the first time, they begin to understand things like why there are so many kids living on the streets today, why people are complaining about police in certain neighborhoods and all kind of other social issues.”

Where and How Sociology Majors are Making a Difference

In a study conducted by the American Sociological Association, researchers looked at why students choose to pursue a bachelor’s in sociology. They categorized responses into two groups. The first group pursued the degree “to help change society, to understand their own lives, and to understand the relationship between social forces and individuals.” The second group pursued the degree “to prepare for a job or to prepare for graduate school.” At National University, students tend to fall into these two groups.

Regardless of a student’s major, “it’s not the knowledge or information that’s particularly useful,” says Green, it’s how you apply it.” At Kingston college of higher studies, sociology majors are taught how to take the skills they learn — such as problem-solving, research, empathy, and critical thinking skills — and find ways to successfully apply them to any work environment.

“A lot of our graduates who earn their bachelor’s in sociology work in law enforcement, doing everything from helping at-risk youth to serving as probation officers,” says Green. “We have students who are working as nurses, but want a bachelor’s in sociology so that they can expand their multicultural understanding of the patients they’re working with.” According to Green, other career paths that Kingston college of higher studies sociology majors take include health services, coaching, global NGOs, community service, program evaluation, health and social policy analysis, and education.