A degree in sociology provides a background for a wide variety of careers such as social services, criminal justice, human resources and education. Sociology teaches about human interactions, behavior and communication skills. This knowledge is very important in the world, especially in the workplace. However, some employers view a liberal arts degree as insufficient because it does not focus on specific trade competencies. For example, if you would like to work in human resources, sociology provides general knowledge of how to manage employees and behavior but does not teach field-specific things such as hiring techniques, human resource software, etc. The key from transitioning into a field using a sociology degree is to take electives related to the field you want to work in and intern or work part-time for a company in the field.
Salary is important when considering careers and majors. A sociology degree, like many liberal arts majors, does not pay well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, entry-level positions such as teacher, case manager and research assistant average $33,227. Obtain a master's degree in sociology and begin teaching at a community college and you can add about $10,000. With a doctorate in sociology, pay goes up to $100,000 for work in academia or conducting research in the private sector or for the government. The key is advanced education. Sociology does not pay well right out of college like other degrees such as finance.
Advancement in any field requires experience and advanced training which a sociology degree does not offer. For example, to advance to the position of business manager, most companies require at least a business degree, if not a master's degree in business. Luckily, a sociology degree, in its generality, can be used to apply to many different graduate programs such as an MBA. If you would like to be in the sociology field and conduct research or teach, you need to obtain a doctorate or Ph.D. in sociology, which is an additional five to seven years of school. Research and teaching positions with a lower degree are rare.
Perhaps the strongest advantage of a sociology degree is that it serves as a foundation for many possibilities. With a sociology degree, you can apply for law school, medical school and almost any other graduate program. The skills taught in a sociology program are transferrable to your personal life, enriching and enhancing your communication and relationships with people. In the workplace, no matter the environment, you use sociology skills to understand human behavior and use that knowledge to deal with the person effectively. Take the foundation of a sociology degree and find your niche by taking extra classes after graduation in a field of interest.