Applied and Public Sociology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Applied and Public Sociology equips students with the tools to address pressing social challenges through evidence-based practice. This program bridges theoretical sociological insight with practical problem-solving, preparing graduates to analyze and influence community, organizational, and policy-level dynamics.
- Data Collection: Techniques for gathering reliable and ethical information from diverse populations, including surveys, interviews, and observational methods.
- Group and Organizational Dynamics: Analysis of interpersonal interactions, power structures, and decision-making processes within teams and institutions.
- Participatory Action Research: Collaborative research approaches that engage community members as co-researchers to drive social change and empowerment.
- Program Evaluation: Systematic assessment of social programs to measure effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and inform future development.
- Sociological Research Methods: Rigorous training in qualitative and quantitative approaches to investigate social phenomena with scientific precision.
- Sociological Theory: Exploration of foundational and contemporary frameworks that explain social behavior, inequality, culture, and structural change.
Applied and Public Sociology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Applied and Public Sociology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Applied and Public Sociology degrees, including Managers, All Other, Sociologists and Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 679,250 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Managers, All Other 11-9199 | $136,550 | $68,860 - $227,590 | 630,980 | $65.65 |
| Sociologists 19-3041 | $101,690 | $60,710 - $168,590 | 2,950 | $48.89 |
| Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary 25-1067 | $82,540 | $49,330 - $167,240 | 12,380 | N/A |
| Social Science Research Assistants 19-4061 | $58,040 | $36,410 - $100,620 | 32,940 | $27.90 |
Applied and Public Sociology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $64,827 in Tennessee to $125,655 in Delaware—a 94% difference. The highest-paying states include Delaware, Hawaii, and Oregon. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 679,250 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Applied and Public Sociology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 10 institutions offering Applied and Public Sociology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Applied and Public Sociology is found at East Carolina University (ECU) (31 graduates), Texas State University (TXST) (31 graduates), Tarleton State University (TSU) (10 graduates), Emporia State University (ESU) (9 graduates), and Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), Main Campus (9 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 105 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Carolina University (ECU) |
Bachelor's
|
31 | Greenville, North Carolina | Public | ecu.edu |
| Texas State University (TXST) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
31 | San Marcos, Texas | Public | txst.edu |
| Tarleton State University (TSU) |
Bachelor's
|
10 | Stephenville, Texas | Public | tarleton.edu |
| Emporia State University (ESU) |
Master's
|
9 | Emporia, Kansas | Public | emporia.edu |
| Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) |
Other Award
|
9 | Indiana, Pennsylvania | Public | iup.edu |
| Northern Arizona University (NAU) |
Master's
|
5 | Flagstaff, Arizona | Public | nau.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Master's
|
5 | Richardson, Texas | Public | utdallas.edu |
| Duquesne University |
Master's
|
3 | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania | Private | duq.edu |
| William Paterson University of New Jersey |
Master's
|
1 | Wayne, New Jersey | Public | wpunj.edu |
| The University of Texas |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Arlington, Texas | Public | uta.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Applied and Public Sociology programs
How much can I earn with a Applied and Public Sociology degree?
Salaries for Applied and Public Sociology graduates vary by role and location. Managers, All Other earn a median of $136,550 annually, while Sociologists earn around $101,690. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Delaware average $125,655 compared to $64,827 in Tennessee. Approximately 679,250 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Applied and Public Sociology programs?
Currently 10 accredited institutions offer Applied and Public Sociology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include East Carolina University (ECU) (31 graduates), Texas State University (TXST) (31 graduates), and Tarleton State University (TSU) (10 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
What career paths are available with a Applied and Public Sociology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Sociologists, and Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 679,250 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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