Sociology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Sociology is the systematic study of human society, social relationships, and the structures that shape collective behavior. This academic discipline explores how individuals interact within groups, how institutions influence social life, and how cultural norms evolve over time. Students engage with theoretical frameworks and empirical research to understand patterns of inequality, social change, and the dynamics of power across diverse communities.
- Social Institutions: Analyze foundational systems such as family, education, religion, government, and the economy, and their roles in maintaining or transforming societal order.
- Stratification and Inequality: Examine the distribution of resources, opportunities, and privileges across social categories including class, race, gender, and ethnicity.
- Research Methods: Develop skills in qualitative and quantitative data collection, including surveys, interviews, ethnography, and statistical analysis, to investigate social phenomena.
- Urban and Rural Societies: Investigate the social, economic, and environmental factors that shape life in cities and non-urban regions, including migration, housing, and community development.
- Cultural Dynamics: Explore the transmission of beliefs, values, and practices across generations and within global contexts, including the impact of globalization and digital culture.
- Deviance and Social Control: Study behaviors that challenge societal norms and the mechanisms—legal, institutional, and informal—used to regulate conduct and maintain social cohesion.
Sociology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Sociology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with 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 663,850 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 Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other 25-1069 | $75,040 | $45,280 - $176,350 | 17,540 | N/A |
Sociology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $70,880 in Arkansas to $133,118 in California—a 88% difference. The highest-paying states include California, Hawaii, and Oregon. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 663,850 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 Sociology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 3 institutions offering 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 Sociology is found at University of California (UCSD), San Diego (1 graduates), Hamline University (1 graduates), and Arcadia University (1 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 3 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of California (UCSD) |
Doctorate (Research)
|
1 | La Jolla, California | Public | ucsd.edu |
| Hamline University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | hamline.edu |
| Arcadia University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Glenside, Pennsylvania | Private | arcadia.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Sociology programs
How much can I earn with a Sociology degree?
Salaries for 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 California average $133,118 compared to $70,880 in Arkansas. Approximately 663,850 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 Sociology programs?
Currently 3 accredited institutions offer Sociology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include University of California (UCSD), San Diego (1 graduates), Hamline University (1 graduates), and Arcadia University (1 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 Sociology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Managers, All Other, Sociologists, and Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary. Related occupations employ approximately 663,850 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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