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What is a sociology major?

Sociology students concentrate on the systematic study of human social institutions and social relationships. Many subtopics exist including rural sociology, anthropology, demography, interdisciplinary studies, as well as intercultural/multicultural studies among others. It includes instruction in social theory, sociological research methods, social organization and structure, social stratification and hierarchies, dynamics of social change, family structures, social deviance and control, and applications to the study of specific social groups, social institutions, and social problems.

15%

of students said great professors were a highlight of this major.

44%

of students found this major to be difficult.

28%

of students said they were motivated to select this major because it fit their passion & interest.

79%

of students and alumni plan on being or are currently employed in an occupation related to this major.

20%

of students said limited career opportunities were a challenging aspect of the major.

How much do sociology majors make?

median average salary

$60,000/yr

The national average salary for sociology graduates in the United States is $60,000 per year. Those in the top 10 percent make over $140,000 a year, while the bottom 10 percent make under $22,200 a year. While salary ranges can vary by role, industry, and location, sociology graduates typically make between $39,000 and $90,000 per year.

The most common starting salary of surveyed students after graduation is less than $30,000.

How popular is sociology as a major?

Each year, around 30,800 students obtain a bachelor’s degree and around 5,100 students obtain an associate degree in sociology. In 2021, 30,117 students received a bachelor's degree and 6,887 students received an associate degree. This is 2% more sociology majors than there were in 2020. Sociology is one of the most popular majors within anthropology and sociology.

Advice from sociology majors

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Cuesta College
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Yale University
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