Social Science Degrees

Career summary: Sociologists

Average Salary

$83,420

National Average, Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Outlook

Good

9% job growth by 2028, which is faster than average

Earn a degree in social science from an accredited college

Overview

Megan

Why would I want an social science degree?

Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups, cultures, organizations, social institutions, and processes that people develop.

Job Description

What does a sociologist do?

Sociologists typically do the following:

  • Design research projects to test theories about social issues
  • Collect data through surveys, observations, interviews, and other sources
  • Analyze and draw conclusions from data
  • Prepare reports, articles, or presentations detailing their research findings
  • Collaborate with other sociologists or social scientists
  • Consult with and advise clients, policymakers, or other groups on research findings and sociological issues

Salary

How much does a sociologist make?

The median annual wage for sociologists was $83,420 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $46,920, and the top 10 percent earned more than $141,770.

Most sociologists work full time during regular business hours.

Career Outlook

How popular are sociologist jobs?

Employment of sociologists is projected to grow 9 percent from 2018 to 2028, faster than the average for all occupations. However, because it is a small occupation, the fast growth will result in only about 300 new jobs over the 10-year period.

Employment of sociologists will be driven by the need for sociological research to further understand society and human social interactions. Social, political, and business organizations will continue to use sociologists to research, evaluate, and address many different social issues, programs, and problems.

Career Path

How do I become a sociologist?

Sociologists typically need a master’s degree or Ph.D. There are two types of sociology master’s degree programs: traditional programs and applied, clinical, and professional programs. Traditional programs prepare students to enter a Ph.D. program. Applied, clinical, and professional programs prepare students to enter the professional workplace, teaching them the necessary analytical skills to perform sociological research in a professional setting.

Salary and career outlook data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Learning Format

Location

or

Social Science Schools (4)

AGM University Request Info >
The University of Arizona Global Campus Online Request Info >
Regis University Online Request Info >
Southern New Hampshire University Online Request Info >

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