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What Are the Benefits of Obtaining a Degree in Sociology?

By Sheri Cyprus
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 12,518
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The benefits of earning a degree in sociology may be career and education oriented as well as more personal. Personal benefits of a sociology degree could include having a better understanding of how and why human beings may live or communicate in a certain way. Since sociology programs typically cover early tribes and peoples from all over the world, a great benefit of a degree in this discipline can be a well-rounded, global appreciation of different races and cultures. Those with sociology degrees are often able to find work or further educational opportunities in a wide range of fields due to the discipline's focus on people and communication.

Law and social work are two areas that are especially connected to sociology, as both fields concern all of society. Stanford University offers a joint degree in law and sociology with opportunities to study a vast range of societal issues such as racial profiling, human rights and the death penalty. The benefit for law students earning a degree in sociology is to have a social science background to get an in-depth look at many different cultural beliefs that can affect which laws become established. Social workers with a degree in sociology can particularly benefit from learning about cultures and races other than their own as a way of better connecting to those they want to help.

A degree in sociology can open the doors to further education in fields such as feminism or gender studies since it's beneficial to first learn about all of humanity before focusing on one particular segment or issue. Even city planning is an area in which first earning a degree in sociology can be beneficial in the realm of equity policies within communities. Most sociology degree programs have a strong emphasis on research skills and critical analysis which can be valued by educators as well as employers.

The breadth of areas in which a sociology degree may be appreciated is as diverse as business management and prison reform. Criminology and criminal justice students often get a strong understanding of possible sociological problems that may affect the growth of crime as a benefit of their earning a degree in sociology. Due to the research and thinking skills learned in a sociology degree, business people are often well-equipped to better understand consumers as well as effective marketing strategy techniques. Sociology training can also be a huge benefit in global marketing strategies.

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Discussion Comments
By burcinc — On Jul 04, 2014

I personally think that a sociology degree allows me to see things differently than others. When I'm faced with a situation, I can think about it from a different angle because I can understand why people do the things they do.

I think that knowing about sociology adds insight and makes one more open-minded. Sometimes, education is not just about finding a job. It's also about developing and maturing as a person. Studying sociology is a great way to do that in my opinion.

By serenesurface — On Jul 03, 2014

@bluedolphin-- I have a degree in sociology. It was not difficult for me to find work, but I have had to work in other fields. So sociologists who are flexible will be able to find work if they do not mind trying different things. The great part about this degree is that since it has many different applications, the education can be used in a variety of environment and positions.

Many sociology majors actually go on to be teachers. Some teach social sciences in public schools. Other pursue graduate studies to teach at the university level.

Those who don't teach go on to work in fields like business, education, government or the community. It really depends on the individual's interest and what's available.

By bluedolphin — On Jul 02, 2014

I'm not a sociologist so I'm not sure how true this is. But I've heard that it's challenging for sociologists to find work. Are there any sociologists here? Was it difficult for you to find employment?

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