Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Sociologists investigate the structure of groups, organizations, and societies and how people interact within these contexts. Since all human behavior is social, the subject matter of sociology ranges from the intimate family to the hostile mob; from organized crime to religious traditions; from the divisions of race, gender, and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture. (21st Century Careers with an Undergraduate Degree in Sociology, 2014)
Sociology students and faculty often hear the question, “What are you going to do with a sociology degree?” The answer is that a sociology degree serves as an excellent springboard for a variety of careers in many diverse fields.
Interested in learning more or declaring your major? For additional information or to declare the major, please contact any sociology faculty member or Dr. Lisa Garza (lgarza@wtamu.edu), Department Head.
About Sociology
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- Family planning
- Substance abuse
- Rehabilitation counseling
- Health planning
- Hospital admissions
- Insurance companies
Publishing, Journalism, and Public Relations
- Writing
- Research
- Editing
Government Services
- Federal, state, and local government jobs such as
- Transportation
- Housing
- Agriculture
- Labor
Teaching
- In elementary and secondary schools, in conjunction with appropriate teacher certification
College Settings
- Admissions
- Alumni relations
- Placement office
- Rehabilitation
- Case management
- Group work with youth or the elderly
- Recreation
- Administration
Community Work
- Fundraising for social service organizations, non-profits, child-care or community development agencies
- Environmental groups
Corrections
- Probation
- Parole
- Other criminal justice work
Business and Advertising
- Marketing and consumer research
- Insurance
- Real estate
- Personnel work
- Training
- Sales
Source: American Sociological Association. Job Prospects for the BA Graduate.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
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- How sociological theory helps us understand social issues
- What part culture plays in shaping social relations
- The impact of environment on children's socialization
- How social problems are related to social structure
- How groups and organizations affect communication
- How cliques and gangs affect deviance
- How the American Dream is affected by social stratification
- How the economic structure is affected by gender
- The role of the family in society
- How education and religion influence society
- The intertwining of politics, the economy, and the media
- The issues of health care and disability in society
- The effect of migration on cities
- How collective behavior and social movements change society
DEGREE OPTIONS/FUTURE ACADEMIC PATHS
Graduates are awarded a B.A./B.S. in Sociology. WTAMU does not offer a Master's in Sociology; however, a student may designate Sociology as one area of the M.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies.
CAREER CLOSE-UP
Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2010: Sociologists. Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.
Number of Sociologists: (US) 3,710 (TX) estimate not released
Median wage (TX) -$54,787
Median wage (US) - $72,363
United States Bureau of Labor Statistics
Prerequisites
- Mathematics to solve problems.
- Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
PROGRAM COSTS
