Riley County High School

Sociology
An in depth look on the field of Sociology.

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Katie Messerla
Career Research Paper
Mrs. Grater
May 12, 2015

With a degree in sociology, the opportunities are endless...You can run the world, or
help change it!(Why Major.) Sociology is a broad field that branches out into many other
workplaces. As a sociologist, one can look at the societal big picture perspective, (Why Major)
analyze social statistics, and educate others about their world. Many sociologists are federally
employed. Workers in this field, working for the federal government earn six-figure wages.
Sociologists also have the ability to inform others about social practices, creating a less hateful,
more informed world. Sociologists live by many morals that make them the tolerant, informed
and qualified people they need to be to be suitable for this job. Sociology is a lucrative, as well
as rewarding, career field because it has substantial pay, employs all levels of college education,
and can give the opportunity to change the world for the better.
Explanation of Career

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A sociologists main job is to analyze the interactions and jobs completed by members of
society. Instead of focusing on one persons specific needs, sociologists focus on the big
picture, or society as a whole, as well as studying human behavior and interaction. It is the job
of a sociologist to examine culture, race, ethnicity, organizations, and other societal orders.
Sociologists study the different ways people are treated and try to bring awareness to their
lifestyles and what makes them different; as well as why people live the way they do. They
encourage people to learn before they judge and to give people a chance at being accepted. This
can be done as a project with many members of their field contributing, as well as in an
independent work setting. It is also a responsibility to create projects and research to test theories
about certain social issues. A main duty of a sociologist is to collaborate with other scientists in
their career field and social scientists about their research and findings. Doing this, a sociologist
can explore other theories and ideas in order to perfect their own. Some sociologists will
collaborate with other sociologists who they acknowledge have vastly different views or beliefs
from their own. This is done in order to seek out the flaws in another sociologists theory and use
those flaws to strengthen their own theories. Many sociologists also aspire to become Sociology
professors at colleges and universities. One of the main responsibilities as a professor is writing
class lectures and lesson plans for their classes to follow. With these written plans, sociologists
can inspire the next generation of sociologists. It is also incredibly important that the sociology
professor be able to conduct college classes and educate students in a lecture hall setting.
Professors also need to be able to write scholarly articles informing others and the media about
sociology, and the potential their sociologist students hold. Another responsibility is to help
aspiring sociologists see the purpose in their work and help them to aspire to be all that they can
be (Sociologists).

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Education
As sociology is such a prestigious field, it requires a great amount of education. Many
sociology jobs require a Masters degree or a Ph.D. (Sociologists). In fact, over fifty percent of
sociology jobs require a Ph.D. If one were attending Kansas State University, one would need to
follow special class requirements. Some of these requirements involve taking fifteen hours of
sociology electives(Sociologists). Many full time students are able to graduate with a Bachelors
degree in only four years, although some sociology students choose to take lighter schedules so
that they are free to explore and gather research. All Kansas State University sociology majors
are assigned an academic and career advisor. Many times the advisor for these two things is the
same person(Sociologists). These advisors are influential in giving input about the choices their
students make, and help them to make the right ones.
When one is preceding to a Masters program a college student interested in becoming a
sociologist has the option to specialize. One of the different outlets is criminology. Criminology
is the sociological study of crime. (Sociologists) Sociologists specializing in this field study
crime and the reasons people become criminals. Sociology students can also choose to specialize
in cultural sociology. Cultural sociology studies social life in different societies, ethnicities and
nationalities. Another specialization choice a sociology student can choose to invest in is gender
sociology. One specializing in this area would study sexism, gender identity, and gender roles.
These specializations, while diverse, are generally studied very similarly in similar work
environments.
Work Condition
Sociology is an incredibly broad science, and the conditions of work are different with
every different choice of specification. Usually sociologists are able to hold full time jobs. Also

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most sociologists are generally very satisfied with their degree in their field. Almost all of these
jobs occur in an office environment, and workers are generally present during normal business
hours. In this occupation one also might need to be able to be mobile in order to meet with and
collaborate with other sociologists from around the world. Sociologists might work in a college
or university doing research on campus. They also might work out of office in order to conduct
interviews to help supplement their research.(Sociologists BLS)
Skills and Training
Initial employment in many occupations and fields can often be incredibly difficult to
find because they require job experience for beginning positions; however a beginning level job
in sociology, however, does not usually require prior job experience. Sociology requires a
degree, as well as a substantial knowledge of sociology and anthropology. Sociology also
requires a certain set of skills and a particular personality for the job. Sociologists need to be
capable of thinking creatively. Sociologists will encounter problems on the job that require a bit
of creativity to come out of. It is also important to have strong active listening skills, to be able to
hear other points of view and be a respectable leader in your workplace. A vital skill for a
blossoming sociologist is being able to convey thoughts through writing. Most research done by
sociologists is presented to others through research papers or other scholarly articles. Most
sociologist jobs require On the Job Training to help beginners to become more comfortable
with their job and workplace. On the Job Training can provide newcomers with the skills and
information they need to be most successful in their jobs.
Ethics for Sociologists
The American Sociological Association's (The American Sociological Association will
furthermore be referred to as AASA) Code of Ethics sets forth the principles and ethical

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standards that underlie sociologists' professional responsibilities and conduct.(ASA Code) The
over 14,00 ASA members as well as aspiring sociologists attempt to live by this code of ethics in
order to maintain integrity, professionalism and the just name of the science of sociology. There
are five main principles that sociologists try to live by.
The first is Professional Competence. Sociologists strive to acknowledge the potential
fallacies in their work. They are aware that their opinion of correct may not be another
sociologists opinion of the matter. With that stated, they attempt to continue their research until
it reaches the highest level of professionalism.
The second in the code of ethics is Integrity. Sociologists refuse to harm their or other
sociologists professional image and work to be fair and honest in all that they do.
The third principle is Professional and Scientific Responsibility. Sociologists notice
and treasure the view and trust society has in them. It is their goal to accept a personal
responsibility for the faith society puts in them. Sociologists must refrain from unethical conduct,
and show a moral decision to act in an ethical way. It is also important that they take
responsibility for their work, and accept that others may not agree with them all of the time.
The Fourth is having a Respect for others Rights, Dignity, and Diversity. One of the
main purposes of a sociologist is to eliminate discrimination from society. To be an ethical
sociologist one must eliminate any personal, social, or political judgment from their research.
Sociologists are against discrimination of any kind, but they specifically despise discrimination
of, religion, race or sexuality.
The last principle is Responsibility. When one is becoming a sociologist, it is
inconceivably important for them to know the responsibility they are about to accept.
Sociologists are responsible for being the line of communication in society. They are the ones

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who publish their research and inform others about the different values and beliefs different
people hold. Their responsibility is to make a more understanding, tolerant world.
Even though this Code of Ethics merely spans the viewership of the American
Sociological Association, they are the beliefs of all sociologists. All sociologists are interested in
that subject matter because they want to be able to make the most difference they can in their
lives. Many non-ASA members follow these morals without even realizing it because they are
true sociologists at heart.
Earnings and Salary
Sociology is a lucrative field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sociologists
earn an average of $78,120 as a yearly salary (Sociologists, BLS). That results in an hourly wage
of around $36.04 an hour. Over 50% of all sociologists in the United States are employed by the
federal government (Sociologists, BLS). The federal government also has the highest pay for
sociologists. In the U.S. sociologists are most highly paid in California, Maryland, and
Washington D.C. due to their high population, resulting in a greater need for sociologists. The
projected job growth for sociology is 15% over the next 20 years(Sociologists, BLS). This may
seem like it is a lot, but it is only projected to grow approximately 400 jobs in the next twenty
years. As of 2012 the number of sociologist jobs was 2,600(Sociologists, BLS). Jobs for
sociologists can be undeniably limited, because sociology is a very competitive field and there
are more sociologists graduating from college than there are sociology jobs opening. Jobs for
Ph.D. holding sociologists are very competitive and are very selective due to the lack of jobs
opening up (Sociologists, BLS).
Related Occupations

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Some of the occupations related to sociology are Economists, Political Scientists, and
Anthropologists. Economists study the economy, as well as how the finances work in the nation.
An economist also focuses on attempting to forecast changes that might occur in the economy.
Economists make an average pay of $91,860 per year and work in an office environment.
(Sociologists, BLS) Political Scientists study the origin, development and operation of the
political world. Most entry level jobs in this field require a masters degree, but do not usually
require and prior experience in this or a related occupation. Political scientists make an average
of $102,00 and work in an office environment. (Sociologists, BLS) Entry-level education is a
masters degree, and this job does not require previous work in this field. (Sociologists,
BLS)Anthropologists study the origin, development and behavior of humans. Anthropologists
make an average pay of $57,420 per year and work in either offices or laboratories. They also
might work outside in the field. Anthropology requires a masters degree, but does not require
any work experience in this field. (Sociologists, BLS)
On the Way
Many sociologists do not get bachelors degree, a masters degree and a Doctorate of
Philosophy before beginning their first professional job. Gaining a Ph.D. in sociology can be an
expensive and exhausting process. Receiving the honor of such a degree can be incredibly taxing
on energy, time, and finances. Many sociology doctorate candidates will work in other related
fields before they get the education and certification to become a sociologist.
Some people on their paths to becoming a sociologist find different roads they want to go
down. Sociology is unique in the fact that while one is working on earning their Ph.D. they can
work in many other occupations. A bachelors degree in sociology can make one an excellent
candidate for careers such as administration, education, advocacy, counseling, corrections,

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investigations, journalism, politics, senior services, and youth services. (What is Sociology?)
Many of these careers are well paying as well as very rewarding careers that can help aspiring
Ph.D. holders to be financially stable while in the progress of getting their degree.
Many students will graduate with a bachelors degree in sociology and find a career they
like and never go back and further their education. A degree in sociology offers a firm foundation
for many jobs related to sociology, but also can be a sufficient degree for office jobs and other
jobs that merely require a degree to apply to. Students are able to study something they love,
while completing the courses they need to achieve their desired job.
Famous Sociologists
Sometimes the degree one gets is just that; a degree. Sociology is a great foundation for
many different occupations. Sociologists are able to move from a position as a sociologist, or a
Ph.D. candidate to a political office as well as many other career areas. Some incredibly
influential leaders have a degree in sociology, but are not influential for being sociologists. Some
of those sociologists are; Tim Holden a congressman from Pennsylvania, President Ronald
Reagan (who also double majored in economics) and even Michele Obama, the first Lady of the
United States (Famous Sociology Majors). All of these people have contributed to making the
world a better place, and all graduated with a degree in sociology. Another great example of this
is Dr. Martin Luther King. He had a degree in sociology before moving to ministry.
Many great artists and entertainers began as sociologists. Several of the more well-known
and famous degree holders in sociology were Robin Williams, a famous actor, known for his role
in The Dead Poets Society. Saul Bellow a novelist and Nobel prize winner for Literature . Lastly,
Dan Aykroyd an actor as well as a musician, an original member of The Blues Brothers.
Sociologists even come as widely diverse a football players. Joe Theisman, an NFL quarterback

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has a degree in sociology. Sociology is a fascinating field that interests people from all walks of
life.
Sociology is one of the most rewarding career paths one could go down. As a sociologist
one has the ability to help other people to understand and tolerate the differences in the world
and create a more accepting and open society. It is thanks to sociologists people can understand
and respectfully acknowledge the different religions, races, and genders. Sociologists are given
time in the office to reflect and collaborate their findings, and are paid reasonably for their work.
Sociologists are also given the potential to move up or along in their career timelines.
Sociologists follow a specific, principled lifestyle in order to be the best that they can be.
Sociology is an incredible field to go into because it pays well, has many employment options,
and it is the change the world longs to see.
Works Cited
ASA Code of Ethics American Sociological Association. Web. 10 May. 2015.
http://www.asanet.org/about/ethics.cfm
Career Opportunities for Sociology Majors Degree in Sociology. Web. 22 Apr. 2015.
<http://degreeinsociology.net/career-opportunities-for-sociology-majors/>
College of Arts and Sciences. Sociology. Kansas State University: Guide to Majors and
Programs. K-state.edu Web. 7 Apr. 2015. <http://www.kstate.edu/admissions/guides/Sociology.pdf>
Famous Sociology Majors. American Sociological Association. Web. 10 May. 2015.
http://www.asanet.org/students/famous.cfm

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Guide for Sociology Majors World Wide Learn. 22 Apr. 2015.
<http://www.worldwidelearn.com/online-education-guide/social-science/sociologymajor.htm>
Sociologist: Job Description, Duties, and Requirements Study.com. Web. 2 Apr. 2015.
<http://study.com/articles/Sociologist_Job_Description_Duties_and_Requirements.html>
Seminar Report for: 19-3041.00-Sociologists O.net Online. Web. 21 Apr. 2015
<http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-3041.00>
Sociologists. Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Department of Labor Occupation Outlook
Handbook 2014-15 Edition. Web. 2 Apr. 2015. < http://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physicaland-social-science/sociologists.htm#tab-still 2>
Sociologist Salary and Career outlook Schools.com. Web. 2 Apr. 2015.
<http://www.schools.com/news/sociologist-salary-career-outlook.html>
What Can I Do With a Career in Sociology? About Education. Web. 22 Apr. 2015
<http://sociology.about.com/od/Careers/a/Sociology-Degree.htm>
Why Major in Sociology? Department of Sociology UC San Diego. Web. 22 Apr. 2015
<http://sociology.ucsd.edu/undergraduates/why.shtml>