Career Details

19-3041.00 - Sociologists

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.

Key Facts

Bright Outlook

Career Details

Green Job

Career Details

Current Employment

2,600

Estimate

Forecasted Employment

2,500

Estimate

Change in Employment

0.0

Estimate

Change in Employment %

-0.7%

Estimate

Tasks

The tasks listed below can be performed to prepare you for a career in this field.

Core

Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
Teach sociology.
Direct work of statistical clerks, statisticians, and others who compile and evaluate research data.
Consult with and advise individuals such as administrators, social workers, and legislators regarding social issues and policies, as well as the implications of research findings.
Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.
Develop approaches to the solution of groups' problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.
Observe group interactions and role affiliations to collect data, identify problems, evaluate progress, and determine the need for additional change.
Develop problem intervention procedures, using techniques such as interviews, consultations, role playing, and participant observation of group interactions.
Present research findings at professional meetings.

All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.

Knowledge

The items listed below are organized into sections that contain knowledge useful for pursuing a career in this field. Each section also contains a "Percentage of Importance" statistic that shows how relevant an item is to the occupation.

Sociology and Anthropology

English Language

Education and Training

Mathematics

Computers and Electronics

History and Archeology

Law and Government

Communications and Media

Psychology

Administration and Management

Clerical

Philosophy and Theology

All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.

Tools

The tools listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.

Computers

Computer data input devices

Computer printers

Phone and video conference equipment and hardware and controllers

Cameras

Audio and visual equipment

All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.

Technology

The technologies listed below include machines, equipment, tools, and software that is useful for individuals who are interested in this career.

Business function specific software

Finance accounting and enterprise resource planning ERP software

Content authoring and editing software

Content management software

Data management and query software

Development software

Industry specific software

Network applications software

Operating environment software

Information exchange software

All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.

Certifications

The certifications listed below are useful to pursue if you are interested in a career in this field.

No specific certifications are listed for this career

All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.

Licensing

The licensing information below is organized into sections and is useful for pursuing if you are interested in a career in this field.

No specific licensing information is listed for this occupation in the area you have selected.

All data sourced from US Department of Labor, Employment & Training Administration O*Net Database.

Related Programs

Programs related to this career, offered by participating institution(s), are listed below.

Clicking on the Degree programs in the list below will take you away from the Careers page.

INSTITUTION

PROGRAMS

Brightpoint Community College

Programs

Eastern Shore Community College

Programs

Germanna Community College

Programs

Administration of Justice Associate of Applied Science Degree

Associate of Applied Science

The Administration of Justice Associate of Applied Science Degree prepares individuals for careers in the criminal justice field and for advanced study in the Administration of Justice or related programs. Courses within this program may be of interest to individuals seeking professional and/or personal development in subjects related to the criminal justice system.

Liberal Arts Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree

Associate of Arts and Sciences

The Liberal Arts Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a baccalaureate degree, usually the Bachelor of Arts degree, in the liberal arts or social sciences. Students are urged to acquaint themselves with the requirements of the major department in planning their programs. Students should select this curriculum if they intend to major in one of the following disciplines: Economics, English, Foreign Language, Pre-Law, History, Humanities, Journalism, Library Science, Literature, Philosophy, Political Science, Government, Religion, or Sociology.

General Studies Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree

Associate of Arts and Sciences

The General Studies Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree program is intended for students who wish to transfer to a four-year college or university. For students who are uncertain about their educational goals, this curriculum offers sufficient flexibility so that students may take courses that are accepted at most public four-year institutions in a wide variety of baccalaureate degree programs. It also provides greater opportunity than that offered in other college-transfer programs for the student to take courses that emphasize areas of academic strength and interest. Students are urged to acquaint themselves with the requirements of the major department in planning their programs.

General Studies - Specialization in Administration of Justice Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree

Associate of Arts and Sciences

The Administration of Justice Specialization of the General Studies Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree program is designed for students who plan to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice, Police Science or Homeland Security at a four-year college or university. Students who complete this program of study may be eligible to earn junior-class standing at a four-year college or university and will have complete courses that generally serve as prerequisites for advanced undergraduate coursework in Administration of Justice. Like other transfer degree programs, students pursuing the Administration of Justice Specialization take courses that are accepted at most public four year institutions in a wide variety of baccalaureate degree programs. However, departments of Administration of Justice or Criminal Justice differ greatly in their approaches to the undergraduate major and students are urged to acquaint themselves with the degree requirements of potential college or university transfer destinations.

J Sargeant Reynolds Community College

Programs

Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice

Associate of Applied Science

The Administration of Justice program is for students anticipating a career in the justice system, as well as for persons already employed in the justice system who want to enhance their professional standing and update their skills.

Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts

Associate of Arts

This degree is for those who want to transfer to a 4 year college to prepare for a career in broad study fields that demand thinking on many levels, reading, writing, and those that involve any of the arts, humanities, or social sciences. Majors must take two years of a foreign language.

Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Specialization

Associate of Arts

The Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts lays the foundation for a Bachelor of Arts degree in art and art history, ASL-English Interpretation, communication, Deaf studies, English/literature, history, humanities, journalism, music, philosophy, pre-law, social sciences, speech-language pathology, religious studies, and world languages. The liberal arts promote a broad background of knowledge across the arts, humanities, languages, and social sciences to develop students' abilities in analytical and critical thinking, written and oral communication, and understanding global cultural awareness. The Liberal Arts degree is a two-year program designed for those students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a Bachelor of Arts degree. While the program is designed to provide transfer paths that will match the requirements of four-year colleges and universities, the requirements may differ. Therefore, students are strongly urged to work with their assigned advisor and to acquaint themselves with the requirements of the major department in the college or university to which they plan to transfer. This program requires intermediate proficiency (two years of coursework or its equivalent) in a language other than English.

Associate of Science in General Studies

Associate of Science

This program is for those with transfer goals that are not met by other Reynolds transfer programs. It has 46 credits of broad content courses and 15 that must match core courses in the chosen program at a four year college.

Associate of Science in Social Sciences

Associate of Science

The social sciences are concerned with the study of human society and emphasize the role of analysis, experimentation, and the scientific method. The chief academic disciplines of the social sciences are anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, geography, history, and sociology. The Social Sciences AS degree is designed for those who plan to transfer to a fouryear college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree in the social sciences. The curricula consist of courses in general education (including foreign language, natural science, and social science) typically required in the first two years of a baccalaureate curriculum in the social sciences.

Northern Virginia Community College

Programs

Administration of Justice, A.A.S.

Associate of Applied Science

The curriculum is designed to provide a broad foundation that will prepare students to enter any of the varied fields in criminal justice or to prepare for professional advancement. Job opportunities for students include local, state, and federal enforcement officers, police officers, private or government investigators, adult/juvenile correction officers, probation/parole officers and counselors, security directors (managers), loss prevention directors, classification managers, and personnel clearance administrators. Most of the ADJ courses in this curriculum are 'core courses' that provide a basic entry-level foundation in both criminal justice and security administration. These courses must be taken by ALL STUDENTS in this program. At several points in the curriculum, 'course options' are provided for selection by the students.

Special Curriculum Admission Requirements: Students are advised that many criminal justice and private/government security agencies require excellent moral character and a written record of conduct prior to consideration for employment.

Criminology and Criminal Justice, A.S.

Associate of Science

This program is designed to prepare students to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree program in criminal justice, criminology, or related fields.

Liberal Arts, A.A.

Associate of Arts

This program is designed for individuals who plan to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor of arts (B.A.).

General Studies, A.S.

Associate of Science

This program is a flexible associate degree. For students who plan to transfer, the degree can parallel the first two years of a four-year bachelor of science program if they choose courses that match the transfer institution's requirements. For those students who do not plan to transfer, the degree allows them to structure a program to suit their needs using accumulated credits from a variety of formal and experiential sources.

Social Sciences, A.S.

Associate of Science

This program is designed for individuals who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor of science in one of the social sciences. It also prepares students for some teacher certification programs. Students from the A.S. program major in a wide variety of fields, including anthropology, economics, government/political science, history, mass communications, pre-law, psychology, public administration, social work, and sociology.

Paul D. Camp Community College

Programs

Rappahannock Community College

Programs

AAS Degree in Administration of Justice

Associate of Applied Science

Encompasses the career fields of law enforcement, corrections, and private security. The degree is designed to meet both the academic and the technical needs of those employed in the field of Administration of Justice. This two-year program will provide knowledge and skills for the beginning employee as well as the more experienced employee desiring career advancement.

AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences

Associate of Arts and Sciences

Designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree. By selecting appropriate electives, students should be able to complete the lower division requirements for a variety of baccalaureate majors.

AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Psychology/Social Work Specialization

Associate of Arts and Sciences

AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Criminal Justice Specialization

Associate of Arts and Sciences

Designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a baccalaureate degree in criminal justice. By completing this specialization, students should be able to complete the lower division requirements for a baccalaureate degree in criminal justice.

Southside Virginia Community College

Programs

Associate of Applied Science with a major in Administration of Justice

Associate of Applied Science

The purpose of the program is to prepare students for careers and promotional opportunities in various criminal justice agencies, and to supplement the specialized training provided by corrections and law enforcement academies, and other criminal justice agencies.

Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies

Associate of Arts and Sciences

The associate of arts and sciences degree program is designed for students who plan to transfer to four-year colleges or universities to complete baccalaureate degree programs. Whether students are undecided about their majors, or whether they plan to enter some specialized program, the flexibility of the electives within SVCC's university parallel program allows them to select courses to meet the transfer requirements of the senior institutions. For example, students interested in the following areas of study can spend their first two years of study at SVCC qualifying for an associate degree and generally transfer to a four year institution with junior class standing: business, education, English, humanities, mathematics, medical related fields, natural science and social sciences.

Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Administration of Justice

Associate of Arts and Sciences

The associate of arts and science degree program is designed for students who plan to transfer to four-year colleges or universities to complete baccalaureate degree programs. Whether students are undecided about their majors, or whether they plan to enter some specialized program, the flexibility of the electives within SVCC's university parallel program allows them to select courses to meet the transfer requirements of the senior institutions. For example, students interested in the following areas of study can spend their first two years of study at SVCC qualifying for an associate degree and generally transfer to a four-year institution with junior class standing: business, education, English, humanities, mathematics, medical related fields, natural science and social sciences.

Tidewater Community College

Programs

Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice

Associate of Applied Science

The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in Criminal Justice offers a broad educational foundation, as well as specialized focus areas in law enforcement, criminology, and corrections. Students who complete this degree are prepared for careers in various areas of law enforcement, with opportunities for leadership in their chosen fields.

For those who wish to continue their education pursuits beyond the associate degree, Tidewater Community College has entered into formal articulation agreements with colleges and universities to ease transfer. Individuals interested in this option are encouraged to consult with a TCC advisor early in their academic program.

Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts

Associate of Arts

The Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree program in the liberal arts. Four-year liberal arts programs prepare graduates for a wide variety of jobs in business, the arts, education, medical and legal professions, and in social and public service occupations. Liberal Arts studies emphasize fine arts, language, literature, philosophy, mathematics, science, social science and analytical and critical thinking skills, all of which prepare students for lifelong learning and social, cultural, and technological change.

Courses required for the Liberal Arts degree are available on all four campuses.

Associate of Science - General Studies

Associate of Science

The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in General Studies is a flexible degree that allows students to design a curriculum that meets particular transfer objectives that are not fulfilled by existing TCC transfer programs. The program consists of a number of electives that may be selected in consultation with an advisor or counselor to ensure they will be accepted for the preferred program at the four-year institution they plan to attend.

Courses required for the General Studies degree are available on all four campuses.

Associate of Science - Social Sciences

Associate of Science

The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Social Sciences is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a baccalaureate degree in one of the social or behavioral sciences. Social Sciences include academic disciplines such as anthropology, economics, geography, history, political science, sociology, and psychology. The A.S. in Social Sciences may also prepare students for some teacher certification programs.

Courses required for the Social Sciences degree are available on all four campuses.

Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice (Forensic Science)

Associate of Applied Science

The Criminal Justice Specialization in Forensic Science is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level opportunities as a local, state, or federal law enforcement officer; commercial and industrial security officer; police officer; or private or government investigator. It provides an overview of forensic evidence, investigation methods, and procedures suitable for persons who wish to enter the law enforcement field and have a career goal of becoming an investigator as a career option or in need of training for promotion.

Virginia Highlands Community College

Programs

Virginia Peninsula Community College

Programs

Virginia Western Community College

Programs

Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice

Associate of Applied Science

The Criminal Justice program prepares students for jobs as a Police Officer, Sheriff's Deputy, Jailor, Probation Officer, School Resource Officer, Private Security Officer, Retail Security Specialist, and other criminal justice careers.

Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts

Associate of Arts

The Liberal Arts program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college following their studies at Virginia Western. This degree prepares students for numerous fields of study and career choices. Earning a Liberal Arts degree will demonstrate a student's ability to think critically, communicate well, problem solve and understand his/her multicultural environment.

Associate of Science Degree in General Studies

Associate of Science

The General Studies program is designed for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college following their studies at Virginia Western. This degree prepares students for numerous fields of study and career choices. A General Studies degree teaches students to think critically, communicate well, problem solve and understand their environment.

Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences

Associate of Science

The Social Science degree prepares students to transfer to a four year school and earn a degree in any of these fields: anthropology, economics, history, pre-law, political science, psychology, social sciences or sociology.

Wytheville Community College

Programs

Jobs

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