Are you intrigued by the study of human thought and behavior? Do you want to gain a better understanding of the communities you’re surrounded by?
If so, sociology will resonate with you.
But, is sociology a useless degree? If you enroll in sociology, what will you learn? What jobs require a sociology degree, and how much will a degree cost you?
Let’s discuss everything you need to know about sociology and the doors that this degree can open for you.
What Do You Learn in Sociology Degree Programs?
Before you decide whether sociology is a good degree, you need to know what it will teach you.
Sociology describes the study of human society. In sociology, you’ll learn about patterns of human behavior, cultural norms and values, and how society interacts and functions as a whole.
It is an interesting and relatable degree in the social sciences. The skills and insights acquired from a sociology degree will give you an understanding of complex and diverse social structures.
Topics covered in a sociology degree are varied and relevant to the real world. Sociology will expose you to politics, economics, social welfare, gender roles, crime, and much more.
You’ll also learn about the causes and consequences of common social issues.
What Are the Requirements and Average Education Costs?
To qualify for entrance into a bachelor’s program (BA) in sociology, you need only to have met the generic admission requirements.
In general, no particular high-school subjects are required for admission.
When you’ve completed an undergraduate sociology degree, there are opportunities for further study. A Master’s will allow you to dive deep into a topic that you’re passionate about.
A research paper or thesis will be included in post-graduate degrees. Exemplary performance in a master’s degree can qualify you for a Ph.D. in sociology. Post-graduate degrees in sociology will go a long way toward establishing yourself as an expert in your chosen field.
While it’s important to look at the salary for a sociology degree, it’s also important to look at the cost of education.
It can take up to $100,000 to study for a degree in sociology, although this is dependent on the school you choose to attend. If you study further, expect to pay more. Although competitive, scholarships and bursaries are options as alternative sources of funding.
Life After a Sociology Degree
Although a master’s or Ph.D. in sociology would be preferable for positions at educational institutions, even a bachelor’s degree will afford you many exciting career prospects.
Sociology will teach you about the social structures around you, and how they interact with each other and the world.
Although the content of sociology is truly intriguing, it’s important to understand the future that this degree can pave for you. How can knowledge that you learn in a sociology degree program be applied in life?
Let’s talk about the jobs you can get with a sociology degree.
Jobs and Career Paths With a Sociology Degree
This degree can lead to fulfilling careers in both the public and the private sectors.
You could work in research facilities, policy analysis groups, or think tanks. You could also look into positions in the social services sector.
This degree will open the door to enriching possibilities that are not usually associated with sociology. Some of the most thought-provoking books of all time have been written by sociologists, and people with a keen interest in the social sciences.
Average Salary Outcomes
The salary of a sociology major will depend on their level of education, area of expertise, and job position.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an increase in employment for social scientists. The highest-paying work opportunities for sociology graduates are in scientific research, government agencies, advocacy groups, and higher education institutions.
The median annual wage is the midway point of an income range. For sociologists, the median annual wage is $92,910. However, 90% of qualified sociologists earn more than $130,000 in a year.
Scientific research and development services have the highest concentration of employed sociologists. These fields also offer some of the highest-paying jobs for qualified sociologists.
With the healthy earning potential illustrated by these statistics, sociology can be a financially stable career path, not to mention an interesting one.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a degree that will teach you more about the world and your place in it, look no further than sociology.
But, is sociology a useless degree?
Well, that’s completely up to you! As with all degrees, a sociology degree is what you make of it. If you work hard, you will find that there are many things to do with a sociology degree!
Cat Collins is a freelance online content writer, based in Cape Town, South Africa. Having studied psychology and sociology, she eventually settled on writing as a career. When not writing awesome online content, she is always striving to learn more about people and their passions in life.