What can you do with a sociology degree?

Graduates with a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology are well-prepared for many interesting educational and professional opportunities either in graduate school or by directly entering the work force. A degree in sociology provides a broad understanding of patterned human/social behavior, as well as the structures and social processes that make it possible, and this background makes sociology majors very attractive to many different types of private and public organizations.

  • Sociology majors can pursue careers in education, human resources, government, business, law, criminal justice, social science research, community development, senior and youth services and other fields. Sociologists study society, and this knowledge can be put to use in a variety of ways as researchers, administrators, educators and consultants.
  • Sociology students have many opportunities for practice in their field, including agency internships, research assistantships and independent studies.
  • Sociology students are eligible to receive a number of awards.

Examples of jobs held by our recent alums:

  • Executive Director, Sibling Connections (serving children in foster care)
  • Residential Counselor, Vinfen (psychological rehabilitation services)
  • Assistant Site Manager, Jumpstart (preschool literacy program)
  • Associate Behavior Therapist, ABA Services (early intervention for children on the autism spectrum)
  • Special Education Teacher, Lexington Public Schools
  • Assistant Program Director, NFI Massachusetts (serving state-involved children and youth)
  • Research and Evaluation Assistant, United Teen Equality Center
  • Case Worker, Department of Children and Families
  • Human Resources Manager, Wash Depot Holdings Inc. (industrial car wash company)
  • Intensive Care Coordinator, Children’s Services of Roxbury
  • Adoption Worker, Department of Children and Families
  • Constituent Service Coordinator, State Senator Kathleen O’Connors
  • English Teacher, LangCon English Academy in Korea 
  • Research Assistant, Tufts University Center for the Study of Drug Development
  • Therapeutic Mentor, The Key Program, Inc. (assists troubled youth and families in developing life skills)

Examples of graduate programs entered by our recent alums:

  • Master in Education, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Master's in community social psychology, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Master's in social work, Salem State University
  • Master's in social work, Boston University
  • Master's in sociology, Brandeis University
  • Master of Public Administration, Suffolk University
  • Suffolk University Law School
  • Master's in special education, Boston University
  • University of Rochester Medical School
  • Master's in macro social work, Boston College
  • Master's in school counseling, Assumption College

Career Resources for Sociology Undergraduates