Think of it instead as a foundation for many possible careers. Being a professional sociologist requires at least a master's degree. A Ph.D. will qualify you for the higher jobs in the profession.
Graduate education is also a gateway to other professions, such as law or public health.
Although students with only the bachelor's degree are not considered professional sociologists, they can apply what they have learned in a wide variety of jobs. The main alternatives are teaching, research, and the many forms of sociological practice. Sociological practice applies sociology for such purposes as evaluating programs and policies, changing organizations, resolving social conflicts and counseling individuals or groups. Many combinations of activity are also possible. Academic sociologists usually combine teaching and research, and many of the practical jobs most relevant to sociology involve doing research or applying the research findings of others.