What You Should Know About This Degree
Sociology is a research-oriented field that focuses on the study of societies and social behaviors in a variety of contexts. As such, there are multiple routes for employment within sociology. The top employment opportunities for sociologists include research and development, educational services, and the government.
Depending on your personal interests and professional goals, you may need a doctorate degree in sociology, particularly if you are interested in advanced research. If you are considering pursuing a PhD, you should seek a traditional sociology master’s program, as opposed to an applied or clinical sociology program. Traditional master’s programs are designed to give students the preparation they need for doctoral study, while applied sociology programs prepare students to directly enter the workforce. Furthering your studies with a PhD is also another commitment of time and money after you complete your master’s.
Sociology is a relatively small field, with about 3,000 professionals currently employed. Therefore, while employment in sociology is expected to grow 9 percent, that translates to about 300 new jobs. There will be competition for jobs, so those with strong research and statistical skills, experience in applied sociology, and doctoral degrees will have the best prospects for employment.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching Online Master’s in Sociology programs:
- How are online courses delivered? Online courses are typically delivered either synchronously or asynchronously. Students attend synchronous courses remotely, but at set meeting times. In asynchronous courses, students can access lessons and assignments on their own time. Find out how the program delivers its courses so that you can choose the type of program that best fits into your schedule.
- Does this program have the concentration I want? As a broad field, sociology offers several options for specialization in areas like digital sociology, criminology, and interdisciplinary social studies. If you are considering developing a specialization as part of your master’s degree, be sure to choose a program that will allow you to pursue your area of focus.
Now is also the time to gather your application materials and research the school’s admissions process and requirements. You can typically find this information by reviewing the school’s website or contacting their admissions department. Also consider your financing options for graduate school, including financial aid, scholarships, assistantships, and tuition remission or reimbursement from your employer.