Sociology is the study of the connections between societies and human groups. This includes the social interactions of everyday life as well as the effects of socialization on a global scale. Social change, social order and social conflict are significant issues in the sociology discipline, and graduates of the program have the ability to apply sociological principles to real life issues. It is a good major if you are interested in pursuing careers in criminal justice, business communications, teaching, research, social work and other public service careers.
Students majoring in sociology can either major in general sociology or choose one of the concentrations offered by the college or university. The sociology concentrations vary with each educational institution, but each program provides the students with a broad overview of the field. In addition to completing the required courses for each concentration, sociology majors must also complete the general core courses. Some of the required core courses may include an introduction to sociology, statistics, social research and social psychology. In some colleges and universities, students may be required to complete an internship approved by sociology faculty members.
Each educational institution classifies the sociology concentrations differently. There are different names attributed to each concentration; however, the overall programs and required courses for concentrations in each school are similar in regards to concepts and specialties. As a whole, some sociology concentrations are more popular than others and lead to better job opportunities for sociology graduates. Here are the top three concentrations that prepare students for high demand careers in the future.
Human Services
The human services concentration prepares students for careers in counseling, social work, health care administration, human resources and non-profit agency administration. Based upon surveys conducted by the United States Department of Education, individuals who major in sociology acquire job opportunities in social work, child development, hospital administrator, social assistance advocate, youth service advocate and other human services occupations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, job opportunities for healthcare and social services occupations are in high demand over the course of a decade between 2010 and 2020. Typical courses in the human services concentration include sociology of the family, ethnic relations, social structure, health and illness and childhood and adolescent sociology. This is also a great sociology concentration for students who intend to pursue graduate studies in social work, psychology, law and education.
Social Justice
The social justice concentrations focus on the study of social inequalities. Students examine social and political issues in connection with ethnic, gender and national divisions. This is an appropriate concentration for students who intend to pursue careers in teaching, law, government service and political activism. According to surveys conducted by the United States Department of Education, a large percentage of sociology majors acquire jobs as academic administrators, community affairs officers, public health service workers, social research specialists and more. Typical courses in the social justice concentration include political sociology, social inequality, anthropology and social class.
Anthropology
The anthropology concentration prepares students for careers in law, human rights, international business, research and graduate studies in anthropology. The anthropology discipline focuses on studies pertaining to social and holistic studies in human cultures. Typical anthropology courses include cultural anthropology, archaeological perspectives, religious perspectives and law and society. Anthropology graduates qualify for various research-based careers, business analyst occupations and careers related to international studies. According to the American Anthropological Association, anthropology graduates qualify for careers in several industries, including government, academic, corporate and nonprofit. According to the United States Department of Education, many sociology graduates obtain jobs as social research specialists, consumer research and various business careers.