Sociologists investigate the characteristics of groups and institutions and the impact that these groups have on individual behavior. Many sociologists study contemporary American society, but some study other societies or other time periods for comparative purposes.
Sociologists investigate the causes of social problems, such as crime, poverty, and racism.
They also seek to understand and explain the social, economic and political roots of environmental problems and help design policies to alleviate these problems. Some sociologists work as organizers in social movement type organizations. The M.A. is useful for more advanced placement opportunities in many of the same public agencies and private organizations. D is necessary for college teaching positions and supervisory positions.