Understand people. Explore society. Change the world.
Sociology is the scientific study of society, culture, and human behavior. At Presbyterian College, our sociology major helps students explore the complexities of social life—from institutions and inequalities to communities and change. Through research, service, and critical analysis, you’ll gain the tools to understand people, address pressing issues, and make a difference in the world.
The Power of Your Degree
- Expand your perspective.
Examine how race, gender, class, family, religion, and institutions shape individual and group experiences in society. - Broaden your knowledge.
Integrate interdisciplinary learning from psychology, political science, history, and more. - Solidify your skill set.
Develop research and statistical analysis skills to collect and interpret social data. - Become a critical thinker.
Prepare for careers in social services, advocacy, education, criminal justice, public policy, and beyond.
30-36 Hours
Required for Sociology major coursework
Capstone Experience
Conduct and present original research on a topic of your choice
12:1 Student-To-Faculty Ratio
In discussion-based classroom settings
Jy Nunley ’25
“PC has challenged me academically and personally. The community here has helped me grow into a more confident leader and thinker. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to pursue research that connects to my passions and to prepare for a life of service.”
What You’ll Study
As a sociology major at Presbyterian College, you’ll begin with core courses in sociological theory, research methods, and social statistics. These foundational classes introduce you to the tools and frameworks needed to analyze social structures and human behavior.
From there, you’ll explore specialized topics such as social inequality, race and ethnicity, gender and sexuality, family and religion, and crime.
You’ll learn how to conduct research, interpret data, and present findings with clarity and purpose. Through elective courses, you can tailor your studies to match your interests and career goals—whether you’re focused on social justice, criminal justice, community development, or public health.
In your senior year, you’ll complete a capstone project that showcases your ability to apply sociological theory and methods to a topic of your choice. Many students also participate in internships, service-learning, or faculty-led research to gain practical experience.
Get Involved
At Presbyterian College, you can actively pursue your passion for sociology through programs and opportunities that take your discipline out of the classroom and into the real world—all while expanding your experience, perspective, and skillsets.
Careers in Sociology
A career in sociology empowers you to understand complex social systems, challenge injustice, and create meaningful change. By studying human behavior and societal structures, you’ll gain the skills to advocate for communities, influence policy, and lead with empathy in fields like social work, education, public health, and nonprofit leadership.
Careers in Sociology
Social Worker
Human Resources Specialist
Case Manager
Community Outreach Coordinator
Policy Analyst
Probation or Parole Officer
Market Research Analyst
Urban or Regional Planner
Nonprofit Program Manager
Public Health Educator
Survey Researcher
College Admissions Counselor
Victim Advocate
Sociologist (with graduate degree)
Youth Program Director
Rehabilitation Counselor
Census or Demographic Analyst
Journalist (Social Issues Focus)
Legislative Aide or Public Policy Assistant
Acquired Skills
Understanding of social structures and institutions
Research design and survey development
Qualitative and quantitative data analysis
Critical thinking and sociological reasoning
Knowledge of social justice and inequality issues
Communication skills (oral and written)
Cultural competence and sensitivity
Conflict resolution and mediation
Report writing and presentation
Interviewing and ethnographic observation
Statistical software use (e.g., SPSS, R)
Policy evaluation and social impact analysis
Group facilitation and leadership
Advocacy and community organizing
Program development and evaluation
Ethical decision-making in social research
Ability to work with diverse populations
Collaboration in team and organizational settings
Problem-solving in complex social contexts
Adaptability in fast-changing social environments
Quick Stats
$42,000
Average Median Salary
Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in sociology can expect a median annual salary of around $42,000. Those who pursue a master’s degree may earn approximately $48,000 per year. For those with a doctoral degree, particularly in roles such as sociologists or postsecondary educators, the median annual salary increases to about $101,770. Salaries can vary based on factors such as geographic location, level of education, and years of experience.
7% Growth
Projected Employment Rate
Employment of sociologists is projected to grow by 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the increasing need for sociological research in areas such as healthcare, education, and public policy. Additionally, roles like social and community service managers are projected to grow by 17 percent from 2019 to 2029, reflecting a rising demand for professionals in community-focused services.
High Versatility
Career Diversity Index
A degree in sociology offers high career versatility, with opportunities in various sectors including government agencies, non-profit organizations, healthcare, education, and business. Graduates can pursue roles such as human resources specialists, market research analysts, public relations specialists, social and community service managers, and sociologists. The broad skill set acquired—encompassing research, data analysis, and understanding of social behavior—equips individuals to adapt and thrive in diverse professional environments.
Source(s): U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
