Sociology
When exploring possible academic majors, begin by investigating the specific programs at Purchase College. Discover more about the B.A. in Sociology, and find out about program requirements, courses and the program faculty.
Want to find out more about a major? Talk to department heads and professors to have your questions answered and to get the inside track on being a Sociology major at Purchase College.
Career Possibilities
The following is a list of some career possibilities that students in this major might find rewarding. Remember, that your major does not necessarily determine your career. Graduates use their academic majors in a variety of professional fields. The options below can be used as a starting point to explore potential career paths, however, you may also want to investigate more using recommended resources to gain a more comprehensive list of careers. Keep in mind that additional education, training, and experiential education beyond your major may be needed to pursue these possibilities.
Acquired Skills
- Ability to conduct and clearly explain research
- Ability to interact with people of different backgrounds in various situations
- Knowledge of community resources
- Ability to evaluate problems and make appropriate decisions
- Technology skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- Ability to analyze and observe introspectively
- Ability to persuade and influence others
- Critical thinking
- Ability to understand and improve human relationships
Career Titles
- Career Counselor
- Case Manager
- Caseworker
- Corrections Staffer
- Data Analyst
- Demographer
- Drug Rehab Counselor
- Family Counselor
- Gerontologist
- Government Worker
- Human Resources Specialist
- Investigator
- Job Analyst
- Job Coach
- Journalist
- Lawyer
- Market Researcher
- Paralegal
- Parole Officer
- Policy Analyst
- Probation Officer
- Professor
- Public Administrator
- Public Relations Specialist
- Recruiter
- Research Associate
- Social Worker
- Statistician
- Teacher
- Trainer
- Urban Planner
- Victim Services Support Counselor
Types of Organizations that Hire
- Government Agencies
- Educational Institutions
- Non-Profit Organizations
- Law Firms
- Corporations
- Hospitals
- Social Service Agencies
- Health Care Facilities
- Youth Programs
- Counseling Centers
- Prisons & Rehabilitation Centers
Career Information and Professional Association Links
- Employers of Human Development & Family Studies majors
- American Sociological Association
- Eastern Sociological Society
- Society for Human Resource Management
- National Association of Social Workers
- Urban Justice Center - Serves NYC’s most vulnerable residents through a combination of direct legal service, systemic advocacy, community education and political organizing
- Occupational Outlook Handbook Online - Job type descriptions, job growth forecasts, and salary information
Job Search Links
- Career Development Center- CareerSelect Purchase JobScore to access jobs posted for Purchase students and alumni
- SocialService.Com - Great list of variety of social service jobs
- USAJOBS - Official Site of the U.S. Federal Government
- New York State - Find opportunities with NY State
- IHireSocialServices -Social Service Jobs
- SocialWorkJobBank
- Idealist - Nonprofit site, internships and jobs
- The Chronicle of Higher Education - Information and jobs
- HigherEdJobs - Jobs in Higher Education
- Sociology jobs
- Law.com Law information and law jobs
Additional Resources Available at the CDC