If you’re interested in pursuing a career that makes a daily positive impact in the lives of others, then consider earning your degree in sociology. The University of Mount Saint Vincent (UMSV) online Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Sociology program equips students with versatile skills and knowledge to succeed in several professional roles.
This bachelor in sociology program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals and allows you to transfer up to 90 credit hours. You can also customize your education by choosing between specializations in either Criminology and Justice or Social Service/Social Work.
Professionals with skills in sociology are in demand for a number of fields. The skills gained from studying sociology — such as writing, communication, teamwork, analysis, research, empathy, and more — make professionals with a sociology background valuable.
UMSV’s online program equips graduates with skills to pursue a handful of jobs, further education or specializations and certifications. For example, pursuing this degree is ideal if you want a career as a social worker, human resources coordinator, paralegal, market research analyst, or diversity manager.
1. Social Worker
A career as a social worker is an opportunity to make a positive impact in the lives of many because these professionals help individuals, groups, and families in their everyday lives. Social workers advocate or raise awareness for their clients in order to make sure their needs are being met.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of social workers is expected to grow 9% through 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations. The median annual wage in May 2021 was $50,390. The largest employers of social workers are:
- Individual and family services
- Local government, excluding education and hospitals
- Ambulatory healthcare services
- State government, excluding education and hospitals
2. Human Resources Coordinator
The human resources (HR) coordinator assists management-level human resources employees at an organization. HR coordinators typically assist with administrative tasks, recruitment, maintaining employee records, and payroll processing. Not only do these professionals hold a bachelor’s degree, but they also display strong skills in problem-solving, decision-making, conflict resolution, and multitasking.
ZipRecruiter notes the average annual salary for an HR coordinator as $48,318 as of May 2023, with top earners making $61,500. The salary you make as an HR coordinator depends on level of education, experience, and job location.
3. Paralegal
According to the BLS, “Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers, including maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents.” Paralegals’ specific duties vary depending on the area of law in which they work, such as corporate or litigation paralegal.
The BLS states that employment opportunities for paralegals and legal assistants are expected to grow 14%, much faster than average for all occupations. The annual median salary in May 2021 for this occupation was $56,230. The top industries in which they work are:
- The federal government
- Finance and insurance
- Local and state government
- Legal services
4. Market Research Analyst
The BLS states, “Market research analysts study consumer preferences, business conditions, and other factors to assess potential sales of a product or service. They help companies understand what products people want, who will buy them, and at what price.” Typical duties include collecting and analyzing data, preparing and presenting report results to stakeholders, and forecasting sales trends.
Since most industries use market research, these analysts are employed across all industries. Employment is projected to grow 19% through 2031, much faster than average, according to the BLS. The annual median salary for this role was $63,920 in May 2021.
5. Diversity Manager
Organizations hire diversity managers to work with the human resources department to build an inclusive work environment. According to Indeed, the most common responsibilities a diversity manager has include the following:
- Updating policies and values to facilitate inclusion
- Revising job descriptions to remove any discriminatory language
- Developing training programs to support a diverse and inclusive work environment
- Assuring the hiring process meets equal opportunity guidelines and prevents unconscious biases
Indeed reports the average annual salary for a diversity manager is $87,461 per year. The salary you make as a diversity manager is highly dependent on level of education, experience, and job location.
Pursue Your Sociology Degree Online
Professionals with skills in sociology are important in a number of fields because they’re specifically equipped with the experience, skills, and knowledge needed to help diverse populations. Whether you choose a career in marketing or social services, a bachelor in sociology degree prepares you with the critical-thinking skills, sociological perspectives, and research experience to succeed.
Learn more about the University of Mount Saint Vincent’s online Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program.
