Sociology Careers

What can you do with a sociology degree?

A bachelor’s degree in sociology from BGSU can prepare you for careers in business, government, law, healthcare, social services, education and public safety. Sociology students learn how social factors such as family, culture, economic opportunity and community influence people’s lives.

At BGSU, you’ll develop the skills that employers find most valuable. You'll earn:

  • To analyze social issues
  • Work with data
  • Communicate what the data reveal about people and communities. These skills can apply to many careers and can also prepare you for graduate or professional school.

Skills you develop as a Sociology major

  • Critical thinking and problem-solving – analyzing complex social issues; building evidence-based arguments
  • Research and data analysis – interpreting quantitative and qualitative data; using statistical software
  • Cultural competence – working effectively across communities and backgrounds
  • Analysis of social structures and inequality – recognizing how institutions, policy and group dynamics shape individuals’ outcomes
  • Written and verbal communication – translating complex ideas for varied audiences
  • Program and project coordination – managing cases, events, and organizational systems

Did you know?

~90% of employers rank problem-solving and critical thinking as essential skills in new hires. Communication and teamwork also rank among employers’ top most-wanted skills.

– NACE Job Outlook 2025/26 employer surveys

Career fields and sample job titles

BGSU sociology B.A. alumni have found positions in the following fields:

Social services and case management

  • Clinical mental health counselor
  • Case manager/Child life specialist
  • Service and support administrator

Business, human resources and consulting

  • Risk solutions strategist
  • Management consultant/Chief strategist
  • HR specialist/Recruiter

Education and libraries

  • Director of career services
  • Director of civic and community engagement

Government, policy and legal affairs

  • City Council member
  • Policy associate
  • Attorney

Nonprofit and community organizing

  • Regional area director
  • Nonprofit executive director 
  • Community wellness oordinator

Public safety and fraud investigation

  • Detective, Economic Crime Unit
  • Fraud analytics investigator
  • Special investigations trainer

Research, data and market analytics

  • Survey statistician/Analyst
  • Marketing/Client insights analyst
  • Ph.D. research fellow

Sales, marketing and client relations

  • Marketing analytics manager
  • Client development manager
  • Patient experience coordinator

Median annual earnings for common sociology BA jobs (selected) in 2023, Ohio

  • Human resources managers BA req: 82% • MA req: 9%
    $125,174 (Bright Outlook occupation)
  • Management analysts BA req: 57% • MA req: 24%
    $84,074 (Bright Outlook occupation)
  • Fraud examiners BA req: 75% • MA req: 8%
    $83,616
  • Social & community service managers BA req: 50% • MA req: 24%
    $69,181 (Bright Outlook occupation)
  • Market research analysts BA req: 57% • MA req: 39%
    $65,354 (Bright Outlook occupation)
  • Human resources specialists BA req: 47%
    $62,629 (Bright Outlook occupation)
  • Community program coordinator Typical entry: Bachelor’s degree
    $47,986 (Bright Outlook occupation)
  • Caseworker Typical entry: High school diploma+
    $38,646 (Bright Outlook occupation)
Median earnings, Ohio (BLS OEWS, May 2023) (USD)

★ = Bright Outlook occupation (O*NET OnLine, 2025, national) — projected to grow faster than average or have large numbers of openings.

BA/MA required / typical entry = national O*Net education data (not state-specific). Ohio annual wages = median hourly wage × 2,080 hrs/yr.

“Fraud examiners” and “Community program coordinator” use the closest broader Ohio occupational categories, since these are not broken out separately at the state level.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Ohio, May 2023.

Do I need to go to grad school?

About 1 in 5 sociology graduates continue with graduate studies in programs such as:

  • Sociology Ph.D.
  • Applied demography M.A.
  • Social work MSW
  • Criminology or criminal justice programs
  • Public policy/Administration (MPP/MPA)
  • Mental health counseling
  • Rehabilitation counseling (MRC)
  • Educational leadership Ph.D.
  • Human resources management M.S.
  • Urban and regional planning
  • Law school

Strengthen your job prospects

  • Begin having regular check-ins with a career design coach in your first year.
  • Take SOC 2690 (stats) and SOC 2680 (methods) in sophomore or junior year. Don’t wait until senior year.
  • Build research skills. Pursue an honors thesis, research assistantship or independent study with a faculty mentor.
  • Seek out an internship or practicum in a field that interests you
  • Choose a research topic in SOC 4800 (capstone) that links with your career interests.
  • Work with a career design coach to translate coursework into resume language (e.g., “conducted a program evaluation” instead of “wrote a research paper”).

Next steps

Schedule an appointment with an advisor today!

Updated: 10/02/2026 12:19PM