After Graduation

Sociology graduates benefit from employment in a wide range of careers, in which they are able to apply their research, analytical, practical, and communication skills that they learned in the major.

Sociology alumni are employed in a variety of settings ranging from counseling, management, and human resources to social work, law, teaching and criminal justice.

Many majors also choose to continue their professional and graduate education at major universities nation-wide. 

Whatever professional direction you choose, the education you receive at Illinois Wesleyan will help you to make an important contribution to your community and the global society.

For further research, check out the American Sociological Association's resource guide on careers in Sociology

Skills You Will Learn as a Sociology Major or Minor

Research methods. Sociologists are social scientists who learn a variety of research methods to gather and analyze data about society.

Practical work experience through internships. Internships are an important part of our program. Our majors, while earning college credit, receive the practical work experience and insight that leads to numerous career choices.

Other important skills. Critical thinking, effective communication, and writing skills are forefront in the discipline. These skills are highly sought after.

Competencies You Can Learn

Navigating a diverse society. Sociology students learn about culture, diversity, inequality, and justice, preparing them to navigate a diverse society.

Specific, important topics. Classes on specific topics—such as crime, the media, and the family—provide students with valuable knowledge about important topics in society.

Pre-professional opportunities. Sociology offers a good foundation for graduate and professional degrees and for careers in social service, criminal justice, and community organizations. Working closely with their faculty advisor, students develop a course of study, including related minors, that best fits their interests and aspirations.

Areas of Interest

To support career goals in the following areas, sociology majors or minors can take these classes:

Law and Criminal Justice

• Social Problems (SOC 201)
• Race and Racism (SOC 230)
• Criminology (SOC 328)
• Youth Subcultures (SOC 333)

Social Justice/Advocacy

• Sex and Gender in Society (SOC 222)
• Race and Racism (SOC 230)
• Social Movements and Politics in the U.S. (SOC 340)
• Intersectionality (SOC 345)
• Environmental Sociology (SOC 367)
• Sociology of Sexualities (SOC 380)

Marketing and Organizational Research

• Sex and Gender in Society (SOC 222)
• Race and Racism (SOC 230)
• Media and Popular Culture (SOC 250)
• Youth Subcultures (SOC 333)
• Additional methodologies courses:
  • Advanced Research Methods (SOC 325) 
  • Field Work Experience (SOC 270 and 370)

Social Work/Not for Profit

• Social Problems (SOC 201)
• The Profession of Social Work (SOC 240)
• Sociology of the Life Course (SOC 260)
• Marriage and Family (SOC 311)
• Social Welfare and Human Services (SOC 362)
• Action Research Seminar (SOC 395)
• Grant Writing (SOC 398)

Student Affairs

• Sex and Gender in Society (SOC 222)
• Race and Racism (SOC 230)
• Sociology of the Life Course (SOC 260)
• Youth Subcultures (SOC 333)
• Social Movements and Politics in the U.S. (SOC 340)
• Intersectionality (SOC 345)
• Sociology of Sexualities (SOC 380)