Career Opportunities

Studying sociology as an undergraduate major is an excellent way to prepare for entry-level work or graduate school in a variety of fields. New graduates have found opportunities in the fields of social policy, law, criminal justice, social science research, human resources, education, environmental policy and research, advocacy, and social work, to name a few. Students interested in continuing their education at the graduate level have successfully enrolled in law school, business school, social work, and public policy graduate programs, as well as continuing on to pursue a PhD in Sociology. The Sociology degree offers a multitude of opportunities and offers an excellent introduction to American society, social science research and demography, and international issues.

The department sponsors interdisciplinary certificates in Criminology and the Criminal Justice System, Social Work & Social Welfare, Social Research Analysis, and Population Studies. Participation in these certificate programs is open to majors and non-majors alike.

Additionally, each year, the sociology department offers a one credit Career Seminar - Next Steps: Preparing for Life After UMass (Soc 497D).

The Sociology Career Seminar is designed to help students prepare for life after college. The first part of the seminar asks students to examine their interests, values, and skills to better understand themselves and make some preliminary decisions about the kinds of careers in which they might be interested. We then develop a set of tools and skills that are necessary when applying for employment or to graduate school, including a resume, cover letter, personal statements, professional presentation of self, interview skills, industry research, and organizational tools. The course also addresses topics such as student loans, student debt, budgeting, and money management after college. 

Learning to effectively access College resources such as the SBS Center for Career and Professional Development, and University resources such as the Career Services Office and the Alumni Association, as well as networks within the Department, College of the Social and Behavioral Sciences, and UMass Amherst community will support students in pursuit of their post-graduate goals and professional development.