Sociology Resources

[speechfan222]

I am currently completing my Masters degree in Sociology. Unfortunately, I don't have a large background or experience within this field, as I earned my BS degree in another major.

I have been doing some research about job opportunities for somebody with a Masters degree in Sociology. I enjoy the whole major - improving society, helping families succeed, and even data analysis and research. The American Sociological Association website doesn't seem to be much help either. Does anyone have any resources, information, suggestions, or tips to help me find this information? It seems like I can find out about specific job opportunities when I see them posted under the career section of company websites, but I'm not always able to look for all of those. I also would like to find out whether or not I would need to obtain a PhD for specific opportunities and positions, or if I could gain employment with a Masters degree.

If ANYONE has any information for me, I would greatly appreciate it. Sometimes I feel like a lost puppy in the large world of Sociology. Thank you in advance!

[royal bench]

Your best opportunities are most likely in research. There are a number of public and private organizations that conduct social or behavioral research. You'd start as an entry level research assistant, but that doesn't mean low pay. Usually they want masters level candidates. State and federal agencies need applicants with data management skills and basic (descriptive) analysis skills. I have a MA in sociology and I work for the VA in a research department studying mental health and substance abuse. My pay is competitive. I've just been accepted to a PhD program; I need a PhD in order to be an investigator and conduct research on my own. Search for state or federal agencies and be flexible with your search terms. Social service agencies and non profits will need people with your skill set, but you won't get paid as much.

use:https://www.usajobs.gov/ and search on your state job website.  

[speechfan222]

6 hours ago, royal bench said:

Your best opportunities are most likely in research. There are a number of public and private organizations that conduct social or behavioral research. You'd start as an entry level research assistant, but that doesn't mean low pay. Usually they want masters level candidates. State and federal agencies need applicants with data management skills and basic (descriptive) analysis skills. I have a MA in sociology and I work for the VA in a research department studying mental health and substance abuse. My pay is competitive. I've just been accepted to a PhD program; I need a PhD in order to be an investigator and conduct research on my own. Search for state or federal agencies and be flexible with your search terms. Social service agencies and non profits will need people with your skill set, but you won't get paid as much.

use:https://www.usajobs.gov/ and search on your state job website.  

This information seems very helpful. Thanks for your response. 

I clicked the link you provided and searched for a few positions where I'm currently located and it only came up with military positions. Several within the Air Force and Navy. Do you have any idea which state or federal agencies I can search within to find more information about job opportunities? I can google them, but wasn't sure if you already knew about some. 

If you don't mind me asking, what does your position involve? Do you conduct research on mental health and substance abuse patients? Or do you not see individuals and instead just research more information about these topics? 

Would you say that most research positions would only require a Masters degree and I would only need a PhD if I wanted to conduct research on my own? 

Thanks for the help. I appreciate it. 

[Sophia Fournier]

Well, I too faced a similar issue. I guess I can prove to be a helpful asset to you. So, I have complete my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. And the further job opportunities I got are: - business analyst, employee specialist, rehabilitation counselor, urban planner and lastly, the one with which I proceeded was Quality Control Manager.

Edited May 7, 2017 by Sophia Fournier
update information

[Aucitronvert]

I'm about to graduate with my master's and am starting to look for jobs before I reapply for PhD programs. One job that I found recently was through a local (and highly popular) museum! I had no idea that you could do social science research at a museum until now, and I'm pumped. The position is called Research and Evaluation Associate. The more you know.

[speechfan222]

On ‎5‎/‎7‎/‎2017 at 1:14 AM, Sophia Fournier said:

Well, I too faced a similar issue. I guess I can prove to be a helpful asset to you. So, I have complete my Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. And the further job opportunities I got are: - business analyst, employee specialist, rehabilitation counselor, urban planner and lastly, the one with which I proceeded was Quality Control Manager.

This is interesting, thanks! I may consider these as well, but I'm obtaining my Masters in Sociology, so I'm looking for job opportunities and responsibilities with a Masters degree.

[speechfan222]

Does anyone know where I can find more information about research positions? Once I obtain my MA degree, I would be interested in a research position and performing data analysis (obtaining and analyzing data). Other than specific companies posting job opportunities and what their company requires for a position, I'm not able to find any information about the daily responsibilities and job requirements for someone conducting research with a Sociology degree. If anyone knows anything about this or has more information, please let me know.

Also, would I be required to obtain a PhD in order to do research, or would a Master degree be enough?

Thanks!