5 Great Jobs With a Sociology Degree

Sociology majors are uniquely suited for successful careers in many fields because they understand social life, change, diversity, interactions and community. Sociology jobs may involve research theories and scientific methods to empirically solve complex social questions. Studying sociology fosters creativity, communication, critical thinking and analytic problem solving. Sociologists will understand people, social trends and global communities.

Here are five great jobs for individuals who have earned a degree in sociology.

Case Manager

Case managers coordinate continuum of care programs for assigned clients and patients. For example, a hospital admissions coordinator will check-in patients, monitor hospitalizations and move patients through the system. They may focus on cost effective manners, optimal discharge plans, post-admission screening, reimbursement maximization and medical record reviews. Case managers in hospitals may provide self-assessment tools for career development, promote understanding of reflective supervision and enhance collaborative relationships between departments. Those with a sociology background may transition into administrative positions that deal with quality control, community outreach, interdisciplinary intervention and individual professional development planning.

Related Resource: 20 Great Value Online Colleges for a Sociology Degree (Bachelor’s) 2017

Itinerant Interventionist

Traveling interventionists monitor the development of children in their homes, schools and community settings. They follow treatment plans to provide specialized behavior mentoring, coaching and intervention services to children. They must maintain effective communication between external professionals and support team members. Traveling interventionists usually have a background in psychology and education, but some sociologists enter this field to learn first-hand about social problems, causes and solutions. Traveling interventionists must be able to work in fast paced environments while effectively multitasking and maintain situational awareness. They must have the personable skills to comfortably work with diverse individuals from all backgrounds.

Visitation Supervisor

Visitation supervisors often work for non-profit and private community programs that provide physically and emotionally secure environments for children in foster and alternate care to meet with their non-custodial parents. If necessary, they intervene with the parent or child who demonstrates inappropriate verbal, physical or interpersonal behaviors. They always report any problems or concerns regarding clients to program managers, licensed therapists and social workers. Visitation supervisors are mandatory reporters of potential child neglect and abuse to their state’s Department of Child Welfare Services. They may be asked to transport clients to and from supervised visits, court appearances, medical appointments and special events.

Social Worker

Social workers come in all shapes and sizes. The most familiar type of social worker is a child protective services employee who intervenes and removes children from harmful homes. These social workers are usually assigned to 24 hour programs that require them to be available to work swing, night, rotating and weekend shifts. Some social workers are administrators who focus on the policies, principles and practices of programs. They may study the various cultural, environmental and socio-economic factors affecting families, communities and regions. They must have a solid understanding of grant processes, contract monitoring and government reporting. Social workers must have the ability to organize work activities, adjust to multiple demands, prioritize tasks, complete assignments and meet legal deadlines.

Test Administrator

Test administrators may work for private or non-profit organizations conducting a variety of emotional, physical, psychological inventories and assessments. They may administer and interpret aptitude tests for job seekers who need a better understanding of their personal abilities. Besides career or educational planning, they may administer basic psychology, sociology and social science surveys and evaluations. Test administrators sometimes counsel test takers and consult with test administration to make necessary updates and adjustments. Test administrators must have accurate attention to detail in scoring, timing and interpreting tests.

Other great sociology jobs include urban planning, policy advising, law enforcement, parole administration, elderly services, alumni relations, criminal justice and community development.