Sociology: A World of Opportunities

The Department of Sociology in the Hofstra College of Liberal Arts and Sciences gives its students a comprehensive education in the study of society and human interaction. With instruction from a diverse and experienced faculty and a chapter of the Alpha Kappa Delta honor society on campus, the department provides excellent opportunities to those seeking an understanding of the world's interactions.

Most people who think of themselves as "sociologists" or have the word "sociologist" in their job title, have graduate training, but BAs in sociology apply the sociological perspective to a wide variety of jobs in such sectors as business and marketing, the health professions, the criminal justice and legal systems, social services and the private, non-profit sector, and politics and government.

"What can I do with a BA in sociology?"

 As a strong liberal arts major, sociology provides several answers to this important question: 

 
*A BA in sociology is excellent preparation for future graduate work in sociology in order to become a professor, researcher, or applied sociologist. 

*The undergraduate degree provides a strong liberal arts preparation for entry-level positions throughout the business, social service, and government worlds. Employers look for people with the skills that an undergraduate education in sociology provides.

*Since its subject matter is intrinsically fascinating, sociology offers valuable preparation for careers in journalism, politics, public relations and marketing, business, public administration and the non-profit sector --fields that involve investigative skills and working with diverse groups.

*Many students choose sociology because they see it as a broad liberal arts base for professions such as law, education, medicine, social work, and counseling. Sociology provides a rich fund of knowledge that directly pertains to each of those fields.


"What can I do with an MA or PhD degree in sociology?"

With advanced degrees, the more likely it is that a job will have the title sociologist, but many opportunities exist: 

*Sociologists become high school teachers or faculty in colleges or universities, advising students, conducting research, and publishing their work. Over 3,000 colleges offer sociology courses.

*Sociologists enter the corporate, non-profit, and government worlds as directors of research, policy analysts, consultants, human resource managers, and program managers.

*Practicing sociologists with advanced degrees may be called research analysts, survey researchers, gerontologists, statisticians, urban planners, community developers, criminologists, or demographers.

*Some MA or PhD sociologists obtain specialized training to become counselors, therapists, or program directors in social service agencies.

Today, sociologists embark upon literally hundreds of career paths. Although teaching and conducting research remains the dominant activity among the thousands of professional sociologists today, other forms of employment are growing both in number and significance. In some sectors, sociologists work closely with economists, political scientists, anthropologists, psychologists, social workers, and others, reflecting a growing appreciation of sociology's contributions to interdisciplinary analysis and action.

A partial list of undergraduate sociology courses offered at Hofstra University follows:

Questions about majoring or minoring in sociology or just interested in learning more about us?

Please stop over to the Sociology Department Office located at 205 Davison Hall or contact the department Chair, Professor Cynthia Bogard at 516-463-5640 or Cynthia.J.Bogard@hofstra.edu