In order to be a sociologist, students must complete both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in sociology. Students who complete a Ph.D. program in this field are able to acquire professional positions as a sociology professor. There are certain skills that students must encompass in order to be successful in this field. These include exceptional organizational, communications, teamwork, problem-solving, writing, and analytical skills

Sociology Degree Levels Available

Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology

A bachelor’s degree in sociology takes approximately four years to complete and upon graduation, students have acquired a solid groundwork of knowledge, sufficient for professional entry-level employment in the sociology field or for continuing onto a master’s or a doctoral program in sociology. Social inequity, urban sociology, sociological theory, research methods, social psychology, and mass media are just a few of the subject areas covered within these four years. Occupations available to those upon graduation include correctional officer, market researcher, social work assistance, or probations officer.

Master’s Degree in Sociology

During the master’s degree program in sociology, students are introduced to and begin conducting research in the sociology field. This two-year program requires students to work closely with a faculty member on a thesis, based on original research conducted by the student. Research conducted for the thesis will be focused on an area of specialization within the sociology field. Alongside the thesis work, students must take courses and maintain a high GPA. Nearing the end of the second year, students defend their thesis and are able to acquire professional work in the sociology field or continue onto the doctoral program in sociology.

Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) Degree in Sociology 

Acquiring a Ph.D. in sociology entails an immense amount of extensive research in an area of specialization within the sociology field. Students generally build on the work they conducted in their master’s thesis. In conjunction with conducting research, students must take mandatory coursework and maintain a high GPA, submit a thesis proposal, pass both a qualifying and candidacy examination, and complete as well as defend a dissertation based on the student’s original research in the sociology field. When students complete the Ph.D. program in sociology, they have a comprehensive and profound knowledge, sufficient enough for a position in academia or upper-level employment in the sociology field.

Admission Requirements

For most colleges and universities, the admission requirements for a bachelor’s degree program in sociology include a high school diploma or its academic equivalent (i.e., GED), a transcript from the high school the student graduated from, SAT or ACT test scores, and an application form from the college or university the student wishes to attend along with the application fee. Volunteer and/or work experience in the sociology field should be noted on the application form since this would benefit students during their application process.

The application process for a master’s or doctoral degree program in sociology can be quite substantial. Colleges and universities usually have a list of requirements which include (but are not limited to): a bachelor’s degree in sociology or a closely related field, a GPA of about 3.25 (on a 4.0 scale), test scores from the GRE (Graduate Records Examination) or the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) which should be at or above the 80th percentile, a statement of purpose, a curriculum vitae, two or three reference letters written by faculty members who can vouch for the student, and an application form along with the application fee.

Tuition and Accreditation

There are numerous factors which affect college and university tuition fees such as public versus private institutions, distance education, government funding, etc. However, below are the average ranges of tuition fees for the various degrees. A bachelor’s degree in sociology may vary from $ 15,918 to $ 32,617 in tuition fees. A master’s degree in sociology may vary from $ 8,763 to $ 20,368 in tuition fees. A doctoral degree in sociology may vary from $ 45,000 to $ 60,000 annually in tuition fees. (Source: the U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics)

It is extremely important for students to attend an accredited institution. This tells employers that the applicant graduated from a college or university which provides high-quality education and adheres to certain academic standards. Students who obtain a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or a doctoral degree in sociology should enroll in a college or university accredited by the NCATE-NCSS (National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education-National Council for the Social Studies).

Average Annual Salary Ranges for Different Occupations in the Sociology Field

Below are a few average annual salary ranges for different occupations in the sociology field (according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics). However, keep in mind that there are various aspects which determine an individual’s salary such as their level of education, the extent of their experience, their field of specialization, and who they are employed by. As a result, salaries for those from the same profession may vary from person to person.

• market research analyst $ 57,380 to $ 77,380
• sociology professor $ 63,080 to $ 83,080
• sociologist $ 70,820 to $ 90,820
• probation officer $ 42,380 to $ 62,380
• social science research assistant $ 30,760 to $ 50,760