Sociology at WGU
Are You Looking to Get a Sociology Degree?
While a sociology degree is not currently offered at WGU, you might be surprised to learn that very few people who study sociology actually go on to become sociologists. In fact, many sociology majors go on to work in fields such as human resources, business, and management.
Furthermore, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects only about 300 job openings for sociologists each year from 2020 to 2030, which is lower than the average job growth for all occupations. If you’re interested in sociology or in a career that involves working with people and communities, read on to explore how a WGU degree can prepare you for more diverse career options and increase your chances of landing a job.
Needed Skills for Sociologists
The field of sociology focuses on behavioral science, critical thinking, and statistical analysis, which are topics you would also learn in a business or human resources degree program. So, while sociology does require a specific skill set, many sociology-related competencies can also apply to a career in human resources, business, or management, including:
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Leadership skills
- Writing skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Statistics and research skills
- Computer literacy skills
- Cross-cultural understanding skills
- Emotional and cultural intelligence skills
Depending on your educational background, interests, and goals, you might consider the following degree programs. Each can help you gain a wide range of the skills and knowledge necessary for working with people and communities.
Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management
An HR degree can be a natural fit for those interested in sociology because it provides an in-depth look at social dynamics in relation to workplace culture. This degree will also help you develop the strong communication and interpersonal skills that employers in nearly every field are looking for. WGU’s HR degree also offers a sociology course, where you’ll study social norms and how they affect social change.
Some of the skills learned in an HR program that are similar to sociology include:
- Cross-cultural understanding
- Emotional and cultural intelligence
- Communication
- Planning and information gathering
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
A bachelor's degree in psychology opens rewarding career opportunities that utilize evidence-based strategies that address real psychosocial issues. This advanced program prepares students that plan to pursue further education to become a therapist or begin their careers after finishing the degree. Through courses in theories of personality, psycopathology, substance abuse and addiction, neuropsychology, as well as mental health awareness and education, you'll acquire the necessary skills to make a positive impact on others in roles like:
- Behavior technician
- Market research analyst
- Psychiatric technician
- Academic advisor
- Social services specialist
- Patient navigator
- User researcher
Master of Business Administration
With a degree in business, your career path can take many different directions. For instance, if you like the research and data side of sociology, then an MBA may be exactly what you're looking for. WGU’s MBA program dives into subjects such as consumer behavior, market research, quantitative analysis, and data collection, which can broaden your business acumen and open the door to a career as a business analyst, CEO, marketing manager, and more.
Some specific skills you’ll learn in an MBA program that relate to sociology include:
- Quantitative analysis
- Data collection
- Problem-solving methodologies
- Leadership
Master of Science in Human Resource Management
A master’s degree in human resource management can lead to rewarding career opportunities that align with your passion for understanding social dynamics and human behavior and how the two intertwine. This advanced degree equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to connect with and lead employees, address organizational challenges, manage HR policies, and shape an inclusive workplace culture in roles such as talent acquisition manager, DE&I manager, director of HR, VP of people and culture, and HR compliance specialist.
Relevant sociology skills you’ll learn in this advanced degree program include:
- HR compliance and employee relations
- Management communications
- Talent acquisition and development
- People analytics
- Inclusive workplace culture
Master of Science in Management and Leadership
Many people with a sociology background go on to work in leadership roles. If you have an interest in advancing your education and pursuing a career where you can execute organizational change, develop high-performance teams, and drive strategic initiatives, then WGU’s MSML degree will give you the skills you need to become an effective leader. This degree can open the door to more job opportunities, higher salaries, and a stronger career outlook.
Some specific skills you’ll learn in an MSML program that can build on your sociology background include:
- Organizational management
- Communication
- Change management
- Leadership
$126,230
is the median salary for HR managers.
Careers Similar to Sociology
Instead of pursuing a degree focused solely on sociology, a degree in HR, business, or management could better align with your career goals and give you a broader skill set to work with. To help you better understand your options, here are some jobs you could potentially land with the degree programs mentioned above.
What Does a Business Analyst Do?
Business analysts work with companies to analyze and interpret their data to come up with an action plan that will improve their processes, services, products, and systems.
What Does a Human Resources Manager Do?
HR managers are in charge of recruitment and hiring, interviews, compliance regulation, and other critical employee relations.
What Does a Career Counselor Do?
A career counselor helps people define their career goals, establish growth plans, and present options for career advancement.
What Does a Data Analyst Do?
Data analysts help companies interpret their own collected information. They identify trends, outliers, and other useful data sets to inform future business decisions.
What Does a Quality Assurance Analyst Do?
A quality assurance analyst oversees the software testing process. They thoroughly test programs to ensure that they are fully functional before being released.
What Does a Banker Do?
Bankers help meet the financial needs of clients, individuals, and institutions. They assist clients with various tasks such as online payments, in-person withdrawals, and loan recommendations.
33%
projected job growth for statisticians from 2020 to 2030, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What Does a Project Manager Do?
Project managers ensure that teams understand the need for certain projects or tasks. They work across multiple groups within an organization to keep projects and teams on track, on time, and on budget.
What Does a Technical Writer Do?
Technical writers communicate instructions and ideas concisely and clearly in order to make highly technical information accessible for readers. They understand who their audience is and the best ways to write to them.
What Does a Statistician Do?
A statistician collects and analyzes a company’s data. They work with automated and manual data collection methods to identify trends in data sets, then offer those patterns to company executives who can tailor business operations accordingly.
What Does a Community Health Worker Do?
Community health workers are advocates for individuals in their communities. They guide individuals to help them navigate complex healthcare and social support systems.
What Does an Urban Planner Do?
Urban planners specialize in land use. They develop plans and programs that help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities.
What Does a Consumer Research Analyst Do?
A consumer research analyst gathers information on consumers to understand their needs and buying habits. They collect data using a variety of methods such as focus groups, market analysis surveys, interviews, and polls.
Why Choose WGU?
WGU is dedicated to helping you achieve your educational goals by providing flexible, online degree programs that fit your busy lifestyle. And that’s just the beginning. Here are more reasons a WGU degree is a smart choice.
- Low, flat-rate tuition means that no matter how many classes you take in a six-month term, the cost to you is always the same.
- Competency-based education allows you to use your prior knowledge to move through coursework at the pace best suited for you. Complete courses as quickly as you master the material to potentially graduate faster and save money.
- Scholarships and financial aid options help students pursue their dreams. WGU’s already-affordable tuition makes college accessible for even more students.
- Career-focused curriculum. Our degree programs are designed with your employment and success in mind. The skills you learn will translate directly to your work post-graduation.
Prepared for Success on the Job
*From a 2023 Harris Poll of 300 employers of WGU graduates.
100% of employers said that WGU graduates were prepared for their jobs.*
97% of employers said that they would hire another WGU grad.*
98% of employers said WGU graduates met or exceeded expectations.*
Which Degree Should You Choose?
Business
Human Resource Management – B.S. Business Administration
A SHRM-recognized online business degree program:...
A SHRM-recognized online business degree program:
- Time: 65% of graduates finish within 24 months.
- Tuition: $3,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 41 total courses in this program.
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Agile project management
- Employment and labor laws
- Recruiting strategies
- HR technology
- DE&I understanding
Earn your B.S. in Human Resources and help build strong organizations.
Business
Human Resource Management – M.S.
A SHRM-recognized master's degree in human resource management...
A SHRM-recognized master's degree in human resource management
- Time: 61% of graduates finish this program within 18 months.
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé that you will learn in this program include:
- Performance Management
- Communication
- Management
- Planning
- Talent Acquisition
- Human Resource Information System (HRIS)
Earn your M.S. in Human Resources and help companies create excellent cultures.
Business
Management and Leadership – M.S.
An online master's degree focused on change management, innovation, and...
An online master's degree focused on change management, innovation, and leading teams:
- Time: 60% of graduates can finish in 17 months.
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term.
- Courses: 10 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé that this program will teach you:
- Leadership
- Management
- Coordinating
- Communications
- Performance Management
- Planning
Develop a comprehensive suite of leadership skills and your confidence to navigate changing business structures.
Business
Master of Business Administration
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management,...
The flexible MBA program you need, focused on business management, strategy, and leading teams:
- Time: Graduates can finish in 12 months
- Tuition: $4,755 per 6-month term
- Courses: 11 total courses in this program
Skills for your résumé you will learn in this program include:
- Leadership strategies
- Talent management
- Communication
- Data collection and interpretation
- Financial statements
Our competency-based model gives you an innovative learning experience you won't find anywhere else—and our MBA grads tell us they loved accelerating their program to see a faster ROI.
