Why Study Sociology?

Understanding and Changing the Social World

Office As human social relationships are core to every sphere of life, sociology is widely applicable. This reality is partly what makes it an attractive discipline. As a sociology student, you can gain valuable insights into the workings of numerous fields. In other words, you can use your knowledge of sociology even if you do not become a professional sociologist.

Another aspect of the discipline that contributes to its appeal is that it is just plain interesting. Studying sociology can create many opportunities for you to meaningfully discuss the "hot topics" of the day. Interesting questions that tend to arise include the following:

At what point does technological innovation create more problems than it solves?
What are effective ways to ensure the security and safety of communities?
What role does race play in our society?
What does it mean when people refer to themselves as "transgender," "gender nonconforming," "genderqueer," and/or "nonbinary"?
What role should government play in shaping workplace policies?
To what extent should parents influence what their children are taught at school?

In addition to bringing about discussions on these kinds of questions, studying sociology can provide you with many opportunities to consider solutions to problems that exist in society. Solving community and business problems requires a number of important skills, including an ability to organize large amounts of information, to critically analyze information, to draw evidence-based conclusions, and to effectively communicate conclusions to diverse audiences both orally and in writing. These are skills you can attain through your study of sociology, improving your prospects in the job market.

Career Opportunities

Over the course of your work life, you are likely to experience multiple career changes. Studying sociology can help prepare you for this potentiality, as it has relevance across a variety of fields. The completion of a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in sociology can open up career opportunities for you at the local, state, and federal levels in several fields, including the following:

business,
education,
government and politics,
healthcare,
law,
marketing and public relations,
public service,
research, and
social service.

Likewise, the BS degree in sociology can help prepare you for the pursuit of professional and graduate degrees in such areas as the following:

business,
divinity,
law,
political science,
psychology,
public policy,
social work,
sociology, and
urban planning.

Message from Sociology Faculty

We have an excellent sociology program at TSU. If you decide that sociology is the major for you, we are confident that you will enjoy being a major in this department. The professors are excellent, the courses interesting and relevant, and the department congenial. If, however, you decide on another major, why not consider sociology as a second major, a minor, or alternatively, follow your interests by taking some of our courses? Do not hesitate to contact faculty if you have specific questions about the courses in the program.

Good luck in your academic and career pursuits.

Sociology Faculty @ TSU