Social Sciences
Sociology
Focuses on the systematic study of human social institutions and social relationships. Covers social theory, sociological research methods, social organization and structure, social stratification and hierarchies, dynamics of social change, family structures, social deviance and control, and applications to the study of specific social groups, social institutions, and social problems.
Inside the major
Programs within this field
Colleges may offer this field under 4 more specific program names. The program you choose affects the courses you take.
- Sociology, General
- Focuses on the systematic study of human social institutions and social relationships. Covers social theory, sociological research methods, social organization and structure, social stratification and hierarchies, dynamics of social change, family structures, social deviance and control, and applications to the study of specific social groups, social institutions, and social problems.
- Applied/Public Sociology
- Focuses on the application of sociological theory, methods, skills, and research to resolve particular issues in real-world settings. Covers data collection, group and organizational dynamics, participatory action research, program evaluation, sociological research methods, and sociological theory.
- Rural Sociology
- Focuses on the structure and function of rural societies. Covers sociological theory, research methods, statistics, sociology of agriculture, community development, social and economic development, demography, rural poverty, gender roles in rural societies, and environmental sociology.
- Sociology, Other
- Sociology not listed above.
Also called Rural Development Studies
Where it can lead
Careers this field can lead to
Explore related careers, starting with the closest connections and the occupations hiring the most people.
Managers, All Other
- Median pay
- $141,900
- Hiring change through 2035
- 4.9%
- Job openings a year
- 100,900
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career GrowingSocial Science Research Assistants
- Median pay
- $61,990
- Hiring change through 2035
- 5.0%
- Job openings a year
- 4,900
To get hiredBachelor's degree
Explore this career Growing with the economySociology Teachers, Postsecondary
- Median pay
- $84,290
- Hiring change through 2035
- 2.2%
- Job openings a year
- 1,000
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this career Growing with the economySociologists
- Median pay
- $106,030
- Hiring change through 2035
- 3.8%
- Job openings a year
- 200
To get hiredMaster's degree
Explore this career Growing slowlySocial Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other
- Median pay
- $72,990
- Hiring change through 2035
- 1.6%
- Job openings a year
- 1,300
To get hiredDoctoral or professional degree
Explore this careerAll work is projected to grow 3.5% between 2025 and 2035; read every hiring-change figure against it. The figures beside each career are the pay of that work, across everyone doing it. Graduates of this field earn $30,843 one year after completing the program, which is the start of a career rather than the shape of one.
Working style
How and where the work happens
Related careers can feel very different from one another. Compare the specific occupations to understand the work each one involves.
Few of the careers connected to this field are measured as substantially in-person or active work. Compare the specific occupations to see how much time each one involves with people, equipment, and movement.
College options
Where to study it
Ordered by how many degrees each college awards in this field. Sort by any numbered column.