St. Cloud State University
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Academic Programs: Planning Your ProgramWhy Should I Major in Sociology?Like other liberal arts majors, sociology prepares students for a wide range of careers. Sociology alumni work in a variety of government, nonprofit, and business organizations. Many enter human service occupations in areas such as corrections, social welfare, and counseling. Many others enter business occupations in areas such as management, marketing, sales, and human resources. Other career options include positions in research or education. Which Sociology Major Is Best for Me?St. Cloud State University offers four major programs in sociology: Sociology, Concentration in Applied Sociology, Interdepartmental Sociology, and Elective Studies. The first two of these best meet the needs of most students. Interdepartmental Sociology and Elective Studies are more flexible programs that should be selected only by students with unusual needs that can't be met through the conventional majors. Because the Concentration in Applied Sociology requires an internship and several other courses that focus on the use of sociology in career settings, this program is recommended for most students who plan to work immediately after graduation. An internship is less necessary for students who already have substantial work experience or who plan to attend graduate school immediately after graduation. These students may find the Sociology major more attractive, because it offers more flexibility in course selection. Sociology Program EmphasesSocial Problems, Deviance and Social Justice Political Economy of Society Family, Health and Aging Global Sociology Choosing a Minor or Second Major to Complement Your Sociology MajorBecause sociology majors enter a variety of occupations, there is no supporting program of study that is best for everyone. Virtually any major or minor might be a good choice for someone. Some combinations relate to a broader range of careers than others do, however. It is important to narrow down your career options early, so that you can select a supporting program of study that is well suited to your needs. For information about how to narrow your career options, visit the career page on this site or the SCSU Counseling Center. Those who plan to attend graduate school immediately after graduation should select a minor or second major that reinforces the knowledge and skills needed for success in graduate school such as theory, research methods, statistics, computer skills, writing skills, and relevant substantive knowledge. Many supporting programs of study offer opportunities to do this. You should assess the types of skills that are most important for the graduate program of interest to you and choose a major or minor that will help you strengthen these skills. The American Sociological Association publishes an annual guide to graduate study in sociology. A reference copy is available in the department office (SH 262). The selection of a supporting program of study is especially important for those who plan to work immediately after graduation. Like other liberal arts majors, a major in sociology provides you with some general skills that are useful in a variety of occupations. To some extent, for example, you will have acquired research, writing, speaking, computer, analytic, and interpersonal skills. Because these are general skills, they will improve your performance in a wide variety of jobs, giving you more flexibility than most people without a liberal arts education. Although these skills will improve your job performance once you have a job, they aren't necessarily the skills that will get you the job in the first place. For entry-level jobs employers typically look for skills and knowledge that are specific to the type of work involved. For example, a business employer may expect applicants to have some coursework or experience in business, and a government organization may expect applicants to be familiar with social policies that relate to its work. For this reason, it may be to your advantage to choose a minor or second major that has a narrower career focus. Some programs at SCSU emphasize policies and practices that relate to a particular type of career. Other programs provide skills that may be especially useful in certain careers. You may obtain assistance in selecting a supporting program from your adviser, from the SCSU Counseling Center, or on the Internet. Skills and Learning ObjectivesSociology provides a strong foundation in general skills such as writing, oral communication, analytical thinking, problem solving, research, and interpersonal relations. Possessing these skills will enhance your opportunities for advancement within any career, and they will make it easier for you to adapt if you later decide to change careers. Skills provided by Sociology programs: Learning objectives met in Sociology programs: Programs Emphasizing Career-related Policies and Practices
Programs Emphasizing Skills
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St. Cloud State University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer.
St. Cloud State University is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.
