Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

$101,690
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+4% projected 2024–2034
Master's degree
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Sociologists spend their days investigating how people interact within groups and how social forces shape human behavior. They design and conduct research studies using surveys, interviews, statistical analysis, and observations to explore topics like inequality, family dynamics, criminal behavior, education systems, or workplace culture. Much of their work involves analyzing data, identifying patterns, and developing theories about why people behave certain ways in different social contexts. They write reports and articles to share their findings with other researchers, policymakers, or the general public.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Criminology(masters)Lasell University, MA
$137,372
Social Sciences(masters)Utica University, NY
$101,777
Social Sciences(masters)Johns Hopkins University, MD
$100,533
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)University of Maryland-College Park, MD
$76,569
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)University of San Francisco, CA
$74,045
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)CUNY Hunter College, NY
$72,012
Sociology(masters)Ashford University, CA
$70,179
Sociology(masters)Teachers College at Columbia University, NY
$68,137
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)Old Dominion University, VA
$65,514
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)Minnesota State University-Mankato, MN
$65,514
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)Northeastern University, MA
$65,514
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)Roosevelt University, IL
$65,514
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)Long Island University, NY
$65,514
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)Loyola University Chicago, IL
$65,514
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)Eastern University, PA
$65,514
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)Rowan University, NJ
$65,514
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)Rutgers University-New Brunswick, NJ
$65,514
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)CUNY Graduate School and University Center, NY
$65,514
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)Rollins College, FL
$65,514
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)Boston University, MA
$65,514
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)DePaul University, IL
$65,514
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)Drexel University, PA
$65,514
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)Fordham University, NY
$65,514
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)Norfolk State University, VA
$65,514
Urban Studies/Affairs(masters)Cleveland State University, OH
$65,514

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