Sociology
The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a BA and BGS, as well as a PhD in Sociology, the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. Since all human behavior is social, few fields have such broad scope and relevance for research, theory, and the application of knowledge.
Popular Career Paths
Public Service: Involves applying knowledge of human behavior to public policy, government services and/or law enforcement.
Post-Secondary Education: Includes teaching college-level courses in sociology or administering student affairs programs and services; may require additional education/credentials.
Research & Data Analysis: Encompasses the study of human society and social behavior by researching various social, political, business, and religious organizations; includes academic and policy research, data analysis, and grant writing/administration.
Social and Human Services: Involves working with community organizations and/or social service agencies to seek out and connect clients with the information, materials, and resources they need to cope with and overcome challenges in their lives.
Human Resources Management: Helps organizations make strategic decisions regarding the personnel side of the business.
International Development: Works with US government agencies and non-profit organizations to develop and advocate for economic, political, and social quality-of-life issues on behalf of those living abroad and those immigrating to the US.
Explore More Career Paths
- AmeriCorps - federally funded service program that supports US communities through education, public health, environmental, and anti-poverty initiative
Jobs to Consider
- Advocate
- Benefits Manager/Administrator
- Case Worker
- Community Services Specialist
- Corporate Trainer
- Demographer
- Diplomat
- Equal Employment Opportunity Officer
- Foreign Service Officer
- Grant Writer
- Human Resources Specialist
- Human Rights Activist
- Labor Relations Specialist
- Lobbyist
- Market Analyst/Researcher
- Management Consultant
- Police Officer
- Policy Analyst/Researcher
- Public Administrator
- Social Worker
- Sociologist
- Student Affairs Administrator
- Youth Service Worker
Places to Seek Employment
- Advertising and Marketing Firms
- Advocacy Groups
- Banks
- Correctional Institutions
- Educational Institutions
- Federal, State & Local Government Agencies
- For-profit Corporations
- Hospitals/Healthcare Organizations
- Insurance Companies
- Non-Profit Agencies
- Peace Corps and AmeriCorps
- Public Opinion Research Polls
- Research Institutes
- Residential Care Facilities
- Retirement Communities
- Staffing Companies
Job and Internship Search Resources
- American Sociological Association - career resources and job opportunities for the field of sociology
- Central Intelligence Agency Careers - explore career paths and current job and internship openings within the CIA
- Department of Homeland Security Careers - explore career paths and current job and internship openings within the DHS
- Department of State Careers - explore career paths and current jobs and internship openings within the DOS
- Federal Bureau of Investigation Careers - explore career paths and current job and internship openings with the FBI
- Gallup - survey and research organization that identifies and monitors behavioral economic indicators worldwide and offers jobs in economics, management, sociology and psychology.
- International Sociological Association - promotes the scientific careers in Sociology and offers grants and fellowships
- Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services - career paths and job listings with SRS
- Go Government - Sociology - explore potential careers and internships with the federal government, including opportunities in social services and research
- Midwest Sociological Society - explore sociology jobs in the Midwest
- Peace Corps - federal service program that currently sends US volunteers to serve abroad in over 75 countries; Connect with KU's Peace Corps representative
- US Census Bureau Careers - explore career paths and current job and internship openings within the USCB
Career Exploration Hub
Employment Strategies
- Identify areas of interest related to your major so you can focus your academics and experiences towards these fields.
- Gain direct experience within the areas that interest you most through research projects, independent studies, internships, part-time jobsstudent organization involvement, or volunteering
- Register for Hire Jayhawks and subscribe to the Internship Newsletter to receive automated weekly emails with specific internship information.
- Consider joining a professional organization related to your area of interest, and, if possible, attend local and/or regional conferences to make connections with professionals working in your field.
- Practice interviewing on your own or by conducting a mock interview at the University Career Center.
- Develop your resume and tailor it to your area(s) of interest.
- Earn a minor or take additional coursework outside your major when relevant to your career goals.
- Complete an independent study to gain advanced research skills.
- Maintain a strong GPA if you are considering pursuing graduate or professional school.
- Consider getting involved with a student organization at KU related to your area of interest.