Sociology explores the study of human society, social forces and social interaction. As a sociology major you will study how human values and community are shaped by class, gender and ethnic differences, and learn about abstract social forces such as modernization and globalization.
Position Title | Projected Growth (2014-2024) | Preparation Required | 2015 Median Wage |
---|---|---|---|
Writers and Authors
Position Description:Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$69,130 per year
Preparation:
Position Duties:N/A Skills:N/A |
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | $69,130 per year | |
Urban and Regional Planners
Position Description:Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$70,680 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 5 | $70,680 per year |
Technical Writers
Position Description:Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$73,350 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $73,350 per year |
Survey Researchers
Position Description:Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$59,340 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 5 | $59,340 per year |
Sociologists
Position Description:Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.
Projected Growth:
Little or no change (-1% to 1%)
Median Pay:
$82,100 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Little or no change (-1% to 1%) | Job Zone 5 | $82,100 per year |
Social Science Research Assistants
Position Description:Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$45,760 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $45,760 per year |
Social and Community Service Managers
Position Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$69,430 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $69,430 per year |
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Position Description:Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$66,790 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $66,790 per year |
Rehabilitation Counselors
Position Description:Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$38,040 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 5 | $38,040 per year |
Recreation Workers
Position Description:Conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities. Organize and promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, social recreation, camping, and hobbies, taking into account the needs and interests of individual members.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$26,610 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $26,610 per year |
Public Relations Specialists
Position Description:Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$65,830 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 4 | $65,830 per year |
Program Directors
Position Description:Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$89,670 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $89,670 per year |
Mental Health Counselors
Position Description:Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. May help individuals deal with issues associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$45,080 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 5 | $45,080 per year |
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners
Position Description:Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$51,200 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $51,200 per year |
Marriage and Family Therapists
Position Description:Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$53,520 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 5 | $53,520 per year |
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists
Position Description:Research market conditions in local, regional, or national areas, or gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or create a marketing campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$70,030 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 4 | $70,030 per year |
Labor Relations Specialists
Position Description:Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$60,930 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 4 | $60,930 per year |
Insurance Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Position Description:Investigate, analyze, and determine the extent of insurance company's liability concerning personal, casualty, or property loss or damages, and attempt to effect settlement with claimants. Correspond with or interview medical specialists, agents, witnesses, or claimants to compile information. Calculate benefit payments and approve payment of claims within a certain monetary limit.
Projected Growth:
Little or no change (-1% to 1%)
Median Pay:
$64,300 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Little or no change (-1% to 1%) | Job Zone 3 | $64,300 per year |
Human Resources Specialists
Position Description:Perform activities in the human resource area. Includes employment specialists who screen, recruit, interview, and place workers.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$63,710 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 4 | $63,710 per year |
Human Resources Managers
Position Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$117,080 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $117,080 per year |
Healthcare Social Workers
Position Description:Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family care givers, providing patient education and counseling, and making referrals for other services. May also provide care and case management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.
Projected Growth:
Little or no change (-1% to 1%)
Median Pay:
$54,020 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Little or no change (-1% to 1%) | Job Zone 5 | $54,020 per year |
Fundraisers
Position Description:Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$57,170 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $57,170 per year |
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs
Position Description:Determine eligibility of persons applying to receive assistance from government programs and agency resources, such as welfare, unemployment benefits, social security, and public housing.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$43,040 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 3 | $43,040 per year |
Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors
Position Description:Counsel individuals and provide group educational and vocational guidance services.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$56,490 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 5 | $56,490 per year |
Dietitians and Nutritionists
Position Description:Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$58,410 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 5 | $58,410 per year |
Correctional Officers and Jailers
Position Description:Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Includes deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional institutions.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$45,320 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 3 | $45,320 per year |
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Position Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$121,630 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $121,630 per year |
Clinical Psychologists
Position Description:Diagnose or evaluate mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests, and formulate and administer programs of treatment.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$76,040 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 5 | $76,040 per year |
Clinical Data Managers
Position Description:Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$84,440 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 4 | $84,440 per year |
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Position Description:Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims.
Projected Growth:
Little or no change (-1% to 1%)
Median Pay:
$64,300 per year
Preparation:
Position Duties:N/A Skills:
|
Little or no change (-1% to 1%) | $64,300 per year | |
City and Regional Planning Aides
Position Description:Compile data from various sources, such as maps, reports, and field and file investigations, for use by city planner in making planning studies.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$45,760 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 4 | $45,760 per year |
Childcare Workers
Position Description:Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$22,310 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 2
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 2 | $22,310 per year |
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Position Description:Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$46,610 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $46,610 per year |
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School
Position Description:Teach occupational, career and technical, or vocational subjects at the secondary school level in public or private schools.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$58,170 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $58,170 per year |
Broadcast News Analysts
Position Description:Analyze, interpret, and broadcast news received from various sources.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$89,240 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 4 | $89,240 per year |
Athletic Trainers
Position Description:Evaluate and advise individuals to assist recovery from or avoid athletic-related injuries or illnesses, or maintain peak physical fitness. May provide first aid or emergency care.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$46,940 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 5 | $46,940 per year |
Advertising Sales Agents
Position Description:Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or the Internet. Includes individuals who obtain leases for outdoor advertising sites or persuade retailers to use sales promotion display items.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$61,690 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 3 | $61,690 per year |
Sell or solicit advertising space, time, or media in publications, signage, TV, radio, or the Internet. Includes individuals who obtain leases for outdoor advertising sites or persuade retailers to use sales promotion display items.
Teach occupational, career and technical, or vocational subjects at the secondary school level in public or private schools.
Compile data from various sources, such as maps, reports, and field and file investigations, for use by city planner in making planning studies.
Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims.
Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.
Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel, or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events, or conventions.
Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Includes deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional institutions.
Plan, develop, or conduct surveys. May analyze and interpret the meaning of survey data, determine survey objectives, or suggest or test question wording. Includes social scientists who primarily design questionnaires or supervise survey teams.
Apply knowledge of health care and database management to analyze clinical data, and to identify and report trends.
Attend to children at schools, businesses, private households, and childcare institutions. Perform a variety of tasks, such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and overseeing play.
Plan and conduct food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. May supervise activities of a department providing quantity food services, counsel individuals, or conduct nutritional research.
Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.
Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.
Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.
Plan, direct, or coordinate human resources activities and staff of an organization.
Perform activities in the human resource area. Includes employment specialists who screen, recruit, interview, and place workers.
Investigate, analyze, and determine the extent of insurance company's liability concerning personal, casualty, or property loss or damages, and attempt to effect settlement with claimants. Correspond with or interview medical specialists, agents, witnesses, or claimants to compile information. Calculate benefit payments and approve payment of claims within a certain monetary limit.
Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.
Research market conditions in local, regional, or national areas, or gather information to determine potential sales of a product or service, or create a marketing campaign. May gather information on competitors, prices, sales, and methods of marketing and distribution.
Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family care givers, providing patient education and counseling, and making referrals for other services. May also provide care and case management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.
Counsel with emphasis on prevention. Work with individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health. May help individuals deal with issues associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; and aging.
Analyze, interpret, and broadcast news received from various sources.
Determine eligibility of persons applying to receive assistance from government programs and agency resources, such as welfare, unemployment benefits, social security, and public housing.
Direct and coordinate activities of personnel engaged in preparation of radio or television station program schedules and programs, such as sports or news.
Engage in promoting or creating an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations. May write or select material for release to various communications media.
Conduct recreation activities with groups in public, private, or volunteer agencies or recreation facilities. Organize and promote activities, such as arts and crafts, sports, games, music, dramatics, social recreation, camping, and hobbies, taking into account the needs and interests of individual members.
Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.
Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
Counsel individuals and provide group educational and vocational guidance services.
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.
Diagnose or evaluate mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests, and formulate and administer programs of treatment.
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Evaluate and advise individuals to assist recovery from or avoid athletic-related injuries or illnesses, or maintain peak physical fitness. May provide first aid or emergency care.
Develop comprehensive plans and programs for use of land and physical facilities of jurisdictions, such as towns, cities, counties, and metropolitan areas.
Originate and prepare written material, such as scripts, stories, advertisements, and other material.
N/A
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Career Development Center
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