Sociology
What can I do with a major in Sociology
Sociology is the study of society, including the interaction between individuals, groups, and institutions. Sociological study helps develop original ways of looking at the world and the individual’s place within it.
The application of sociological thinking can lead to a better understanding of social problems and issues and suggestions about how these issues may be overcome in real-world terms.
By studying sociology, you will gain insight into how people interact with one another and how values and beliefs both shape and are shaped by the structures and processes around us. The primary goal of the discipline is to stimulate sociological thinking — applying imagination and critical analysis to the many facets of social life.
As a sociology student, you will be exposed to a wide variety of alternative theories of social behaviour, structure, and change through a wide range of courses on topics such as: crime, religion, work, gender, age, ethnicity, politics, culture and health.
Students interested in Sociology can complete:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Arts & Science
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Education
- Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Management
Skills
- Analyzing and Interpreting Data
- Application of Knowledge
- Attention to Detail
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Conceptualize & Interpret
- Critical & Analytical Thinking
- Data Synthesis
- Formulate & Defend Ideas
- Information Acquisition
- Interdisciplinary Knowledge
- Management Skills
- Problem Solving
- Research
- Statistics
- Work Independently
- Written & Oral Communication
Work Environment
A degree in sociology provides students with an excellent foundation for further professional training in a variety of disciplines such as law, journalism, management, and education. Graduates of this program have found employment in community organizations, educational institutions, governmental organizations, human resources, law enforcement, non-profit organizations, public relations offices, and social services. Additionally, the sociology program supplies students with abilities that are transferrable to virtually any industry or occupation and are highly sought after in the working world.
Key Areas of Specialization:
- Research Methodology
- Social Statistics
- Classical & Contemporary Sociological Theory
- Social Problems
- Deviance
- Conformity & Social Control
- Religion
- Youth
- Aging
- Gender
- Families
- Work
- Digital Culture and Society
- Race and Ethnicity
- Political Sociology
- Body & Society
- Canadian Society
- The Individual & Society
- Medical Sociology
- Rural Society
- Women & Work
- Historical Sociology
Career Possibilities
These jobs are normally intended for new graduates and require 0 to 2 years of experience. It is important to note that many entry level positions require some related experience or demonstrated ability to perform job-related tasks. Even those positions that do not require experience will still prefer an experienced candidate, if one is available.
- Administrative Assistant
- Advertising Copywriter
- Captioner and Court Reporter
- Child and Youth Care Worker
- Community Health Representative
- Educational Assistant
- Human Resources Professional
- Judicial Clerk
- Land Titles Analyst
- Legal Assistant
- Library Clerk
- Market Research Analyst
- Mediator
- Mental Health Worker
- Paralegal
- Patient Advocate
- Pre-Press Technician
- Public Affairs Officer
These jobs generally require extensive, relevant work experience and/or further education
- Advertising Account Executive
- Arbitrator
- Border Services Officer
- Citizenship and Immigration Officer
- College, Technical, or Vocational Instructor
- Community Planner
- Correctional Services Worker
- Demographer
- Developmental Services Worker
- Educational Counsellor
- Employment Counsellor
- Family Counsellor
- Foreign Services Officer
- Immigration Consultant
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Librarian
- Lobbyist
- Marriage Counsellor
- Parole or Probation Officer
- Policy Analyst
- Psychologist
- Public Relations Representative
- Rehabilitation Counsellor
- Researcher
- Social Media Specialist
- Social Worker
- Sociologist
- Statistician
- Teacher
- University Professor
On average, people change their careers three to five times in their lifetime. So, no matter what major you choose, you may still be interested in opportunities totally unrelated to your program of study. We encourage you to be open to all possibilities! Your undergraduate degree can be a springboard for other educational pursuits, and your transferable skills and experience can prepare you to work in a multitude of settings.
- Actuary
- Archivist
- Career Development Professional
- Creative Writer
- Dietician
- Editor
- Flight Attendant/Airline Steward
- Forensic Laboratory Analyst
- Health Coach
- Heritage Interpreter
- Life Skills Coach
- Linguist
- Manager of Volunteer Resources
- Medical Transcriptionist
- Private Investigator
- Receptionist
- Reporter
- Training and Development Professional
- Unit Clerk
Useful Resources
- American Sociological Association https://www.asanet.org/
- Association for Humanist Sociology https://www.humanist-sociology.org/
- Canadian Sociological Association https://www.csa-scs.ca/
- International Sociological Association https://www.isa-sociology.org/en
- Sociologists for Women in Society https://socwomen.org/
- Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/home-accueil-eng.aspx
- SocioWeb https://www.socioweb.com/
- The Society for the Study of Social Problems https://www.sssp1.org/
Add Value to Your Degree
The more you do to differentiate yourself, the more likely you are to succeed in building a fulfilling career path for yourself. It takes more than just attending classes to stand out amongst other students and new graduates. Become an explorer! Try new things, challenge yourself, build unique skills, and connect with diverse people.
Use the ideas listed below to help you brainstorm experiences to add value to your degree. For more ideas on experiential opportunities at the University of Lethbridge, view the Student Experience Transcript.
Making connections with others is one of the best ways to learn about the world of work and gain access to career-building opportunities. Making meaningful connections with people is often called building a network. Building these connections can give you access to jobs before they are posted, or to jobs that are not publicly posted. Employers like to hire people they have already built relationships with, and are more likely to hire people who have been recommended by trusted colleagues and friends.
Start building your network by attending Career Fairs and other on-campus recruitment events found on the Career Services Events page within the Career Bridge portal. Get introduced to career professionals in a welcoming and approachable way through uLethbridge Connect at Ten Thousand Coffees. Consider joining a professional association to help you find opportunities to meet experienced professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
d professionals in your field, find training opportunities, be paired with a mentor, or get involved in committees or other volunteer positions.
Co-operative Education allows you to earn income through real-world work experience that is related to your academic studies. Completing a co-op work term provides you with an opportunity to build your skills in a practical work setting, network with employers, and increase your marketability after graduation.
Co-operative education is available to undergraduate and graduate-level students within a variety of programs in the Faculty of Arts & Science, Dhillon School of Business, Faculty of Fine Arts, and Faculty of Health Sciences. Learn more about eligibility requirements and how co-op works here.
The Applied Studies program offers you the opportunity to earn academic credit for learning gained through employment or volunteer experiences. Placements provide skill development and experiential learning related to your studies by integrating principles learned in the classroom with practical situations encountered on the job.
Participating in clubs and running for student government are great ways to build employability skills, learn how to work with others, and demonstrate your leadership abilities.
The University of Lethbridge Students’ Union is committed to building a rewarding and enriching experience for undergraduate students. They have positions for Executive Council members and General Assembly members, as well as an extensive list of ratified clubs, offering opportunities to get involved in areas of interest and in leadership positions.
The Graduate Students’ Association’s mandate is to identify and advocate for graduate student needs. They have GSA Executive positions, GSA Council positions, and a mentorship program for incoming students.
The University of Lethbridge provides many different opportunities to gain research experience in addition to the required courses in your degree program.
An independent study is a chance for you to design your own research project for course credit under the supervision of a professor of your choice. Course work usually requires independent library research and/or field work and/or a major term paper. For more information, meet with an Academic Advisor and the Department or Faculty member under whom you wish to pursue an Independent Study.
You can also opt to complete an Undergraduate Thesis Course. This will allow you to earn an “Honours Thesis” designation on your degree and is a great springboard into graduate studies and professional programs. Fourth-year standing and a cumulative GPA of 3.30 is required to complete an Honours Thesis; it is also helpful to have previous research experience like Independent Studies. For more information, contact the Department or Faculty member under whom you with to pursue your Honours Thesis.
The Office of Research and Innovation Services has a wealth of information on additional research opportunities for students, including Student Funding, Student Research Positions, AGILITY, and events. The School of Graduate Studies has information on Research Opportunities/Graduate Student Positions and GA/Co-op/Internship Opportunities. If you are interested in building your research portfolio, do not miss out on these opportunities!
International experience builds valuable employability skills like adaptability, multi-cultural awareness, and the initiative to take on new challenges. Gain an international perspective by participating in Education Abroad opportunities like semester exchanges, study tours, field studies, work-study tours, internships, and more. Learn about international careers and resources through MyWorldAbroad (available within the Career Bridge portal).
Volunteerism is an excellent way to demonstrate your current skills, build new skills, and grow your network. If you are not sure where to get started, connect with UVolunteer, the University of Lethbridge’s partnership with Volunteer Lethbridge. If you already volunteer, UVolunteer can provide you with a framework to organize and document your volunteer work. If you are not sure how or where to get involved, UVolunteer can help you find volunteer opportunities that meet your needs and the needs of your community. Also consider volunteering with a local Board, Commission, or Committee.