Sociology

back to Careers & KU Majors

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.

Sociology Department website

Sample of Related Skills

• Coming soon!

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

Places to Seek Employment

Employment Strategies

1. Identify the social concerns and populations that interest you most and investigate courses and experiences in these areas of interest.
2. Gain direct experience within the areas that interest you most through research projects, independent study, internships, part-time jobs, student organization involvement, or volunteering.
3. Register for HireJayhawks.com and subscribe to the Internship Newsletter to receive automated weekly emails with specific internship information.
4. Consider joining a professional organization related to your area of interest in sociology, and, if possible, attend local and/or regional conferences to make connections with professionals working in your field.
5. Earn a minor or take additional coursework outside your major when relevant to your career goals.
6. Complete an independent study or conduct undergraduate research to gain advanced research skills in sociology.
7. Become familiar with the required professional qualifications (i.e., advanced degrees, licensure and/or certifications) for occupations you are considering.
8. Maintain a strong GPA if you are considering pursuing graduate or professional school.
9. Develop your resume and tailor it to your area(s) of interest: sample resume 1 (pdf), sample resume 2 (pdf), sample resume 3 (pdf).

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.
• Government & Non-Profit Resources - more from career.ku.edu
• Guide to Careers in Child and Family Policy - internship and fellowship opportunities nationwide 
• Idealist - local, national, and international internships in non-profit and government organizations; visit Non-Profit Connect for KC-area non-profit jobs and internships
• International Sociological Association - promotes  the scientific careers in Sociology and offers grants and fellowships
• Internships-USA - internship listings related to social service, law & policy, congress, and human rights
• Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services - career paths and job listings with SRS
• KU Department of Sociology - provides a list of internships available to Sociology majors
• Making the Difference - 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
• Social and Welfare Services in Lawrence, KS - local social services agencies and organizations in the Lawrence area
• US Census Bureau Careers - explore career paths and current job and internship openings within the USCB