Sociologists research a wide range of topics related to human behavior and culture. To learn about the elements that make up a society, they conduct extensive historical and contemporary research on individuals, social groups, and nations. A person interested in becoming a sociologist can earn a bachelor’s degree in the field, choose a specialty area, and apply for internships and research assistant positions. A sociologist can work for a university, a government agency, a private research institution, or a large corporation with the right education and training.
A bachelor’s degree in sociology from an accredited four-year institution is typically required to become a sociologist. Undergraduate sociology courses give students a foundational understanding of research methods and the subject’s history. To gain a broader understanding of humans and their behaviors, many students take psychology, anthropology, and biology classes. Furthermore, advanced communications and statistics courses can help students hone the skills they’ll need when conducting research and writing scholarly papers.
A student interested in becoming a sociologist can look for assistant jobs and internships at private institutions and government human services agencies while enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program. An internship allows a future sociologist to learn from established professionals in the field about research techniques and practical applications of studies. After establishing themselves as interns and earning their bachelor’s degrees, some people choose to pursue entry-level jobs, while those who want to conduct independent research typically pursue doctoral degrees.
A Ph.D. program in sociology usually lasts four years, during which time students take a number of courses on study design and research methods. An individual may be required to conduct an actual sociological research project under the supervision of a mentoring professor in order to earn a degree. The student selects a research topic, reviews prior literature on the subject, and completes the project. He or she writes a thorough dissertation and presents findings in front of a panel of professors and practicing sociologists once the program is completed.
An individual with a Ph.D. is qualified to work as a sociologist in a variety of settings. Some new sociologists choose to work as professors at universities, where they can divide their time between research and teaching. Others seek positions in government to aid in the improvement of citizens’ living conditions. Many businesses hire sociologists to make recommendations on how to market specific products and keep a high-quality workforce. A successful sociologist may be able to devote all of his or her time to independent research after gaining enough experience.