Sociologists

Career summary

#No alternate titles

Sociologists study the behavior and relationships of groups of people, including:

• Families
• Communities
• Organizations
• Cultures
• Tribes

Sociologists often design research projects. They may study how a group is formed or how people act within a group. They collect information about people through surveys, interviews, and observations.

After sociologists gather data, they analyze and evaluate it. They prepare reports and other publications that outline their findings and suggest solutions. They may assist lawmakers or other officials who make social policy.

Most sociologists work in one or more specialties. These specialties include:

• Race and ethnic relations
• Education
• Families
• Social psychology

Some sociologists teach at colleges and universities. They often work with assistants and clerks to process statistical data.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Anthropologists
• Economists
• Geographers
• Political Scientists
• Urban and Regional Planners

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to sociologists.

• Interpret data and results to coworkers or others, in writing or through speech.
• Prepare publications and reports that describe studies and their results.
• Plan and conduct research about societal issues.
• Collect, study, and evaluate data on social groups, institutions, and organizations.
• Plan, develop, and test ways to collect data.
• Teach sociology.
• Supervise work of others who collect and evaluate research data.
• Consult with lawmakers and others who deal with problems of social policy or change.
• Work with researchers in other fields.
• Develop ways to intervene and solve the problems of groups, based on the results of studies.
• Observe and interview groups to identify problems and make decisions.

Common work activities

Sociologists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Analyze data or information
• Get information needed to do the job
• Use computers
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Teach others
• Process information
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Think creatively
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Document and record information
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Coach others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Schedule work and activities
• Develop goals and strategies

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, sociologists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. They observe, interview, consult, and communicate results to others.
• Are responsible for work outcomes and results of other researchers.
• Communicate with others daily by telephone, e-mail, or in person.
• Often speak in front of large groups of people, such as when teaching.
• Write letters and memos on a weekly basis.
• Work in a group or as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Almost always work indoors.
• Work with other people, but in a separate office or many feet apart.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work. Errors could result in faulty research.
• Repeat the same mental activities.
• Rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision or before setting tasks and goals.
• Are moderately competitive with other researchers.
• Must meet strict deadlines on a monthly basis.
• Conduct research that has an impact on their institution's reputation.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week.
• May work part time or full time, but most work more than 40 hours a week.
• May work overtime to meet deadlines.
• May travel to do on-site research.

Physical demands

Sociologists frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for sociologists to be able to:

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for sociologists to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

Skills and abilities

Sociologists need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.

Use math and science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Teach others how to do something.
• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Look for ways to help people.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Demography and Population Studies
• Sociology
• Urban Studies

Other programs of study to consider

• Anthropology
• Criminology
• Ethnic Studies
• Gender Studies
• Social Sciences, General

Training

To work as a sociologist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree; and
• have at least a master's degree in sociology.

Education after high school

Almost all sociologists have a master's degree or higher in sociology. Research assistants usually need only a bachelor's degree. As a student you can study different areas of sociology, such as ethnic relations, family structures, or gender relations. If you plan on doing your own research, you should study math, computers, and statistics. Take courses that help you develop strong research skills.

To teach sociology at a university, you need a doctoral (PhD) degree. Most colleges and universities offer degrees in sociology.

Work experience

Working as a research assistant for a sociologist is good experience for this field.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements .

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Anthropology
• Computer Applications
• Ethnic and Gender Studies
• Probability and Statistics
• Psychology
• Sociology

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require at least a master's degree in sociology or a related social science. Colleges or universities require a doctoral degree (PhD). A doctorate is also required for top-level and administrative posts.

Employers prefer applicants who are flexible, orderly, and unbiased.

Costs to workers

Workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Sociologists 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Pay varies with the worker's field, education level, work setting, and experience. Sociologists who have a doctoral degree (PhD) will earn much more than those with a lower degree.

Sociologists who work full time usually receive benefits. Common benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, health insurance, and a retirement plan. 

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Research organizations
• College and universities
• State and local government agencies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will be faster than average. Colleges and universities will remain major employers of sociologists. Sociologists will also be able to use their knowledge of society and social behavior to aid companies in product development, marketing, and advertising.

Competition will be strong for sociologist positions. Job prospects are best for those with advanced degrees and experience in applied sociology.

Other resources

American Association for the Advancement of Science 
1200 New York Ave, NW
Washington,DC20005

American Society of Criminology 
1314 Kinnear Road, Suite 212
Columbus, OH 43212
614.292.9207

American Sociological Association 

Careers in Sociology 
(from the American Sociological Association)

National Academy of Sciences Interviews 

National Association for Ethnic Studies 
P.O. Box 842542
Richmond, Virginia 23284

National Science Foundation 
2415 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 2231

Social Psychology Network 

Women's and Gender Studies: A Guide to the Collections of The New York Public Library 

Women's Studies/Women's Issues Resource Sites 
This site contains several different areas of women's studies. It also contains links to women's studies programs worldwide.

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Sociologists (19-3041.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed. Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

DOT occupations

• Clinical Sociologist (054.107-010) 
• Research Worker, Social Welfare (054.067-010) 
• Sociologist (054.067-014) 

Strong Interest Inventory

• Sociologist

Holland occupational cluster

• Investigative/Artistic/Social

COPSystem

• Service Professional