Research shows that employers strongly desire these competencies. Other benefits of the study of sociology extend beyond career concerns. Sociology helps students gain an understanding of the social world. The sociological point of view questions common sense beliefs and encourages students to acquire accurate answers about social behavior. Job categories where people with sociology training find employment include human services, criminal justice, business and commerce, education, research, community relations, computer information systems and communications.
Sociology is an excellent major or minor for pre-professional training.
An undergraduate sociology degree provides a solid base in such fields as law, social work, journalism, criminal justice, urban planning, international relations, gerontology and business administration. Each of these professional fields requires an advanced degree. Some of the most prestigious MBA programs in the country seek students who have general social science undergraduate training rather than specialized business program preparation. Professional sociologists teach in colleges and universities, do research for government and private agencies, and serve as consultants for many different types of businesses and organizations. Numerous universities have added graduate programs in applied sociology that prepare graduates to work on practical problems such as stopping urban decay, controlling crime, or lessening racial tensions.