Online Masters Degree in Sociology

Do you wonder about the complex dynamics of human relationships? Sociology students seek to understand how society influences our attitudes and actions. In this field, you can learn how values, conflict, power, inequality, violence, order and cooperation affect social change.

You may be interested in health issues, the law, religion, politics, education, the economy or the environment. A master's degree in sociology can lead to multiple careers where you can help make the world a better place.

Earning master's degrees in sociology

Core courses usually cover the history of social theory, sociological inquiry, historical sociology, social stratification, statistics and research methods. Also important are interviewing techniques and demographic and ethnographic methods. Specializations for master's degrees in sociology include these:

1. Business and economy
2. Individual beliefs, identity and behavior
3. Race and gender
4. Social change, politics and social movements
5. Social inequality

You could choose from elective subjects that examine religion, immigration, employment, welfare, human sexuality, urban policy, global and local politics, or the Internet and society.

Sociology career options

Sociology graduates are employed in business, industry and the government as well as domestic and international nonprofit organizations. With the necessary qualifications, you could seek a career in public administration, foreign service, education, advertising, medicine, social work or law enforcement. Sociology studies could also lead to jobs such as community organizer, human service assistant or public interest advocate.

Sociology career outlook and salaries

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the following 2010 median annual salaries for some related careers, which are shown with projected growth rates between 2010 and 2020:

1. Political scientist: $107,420; 8 percent
2. Social worker: $42,480; 25 percent
3. Sociologist: $72,360; 18 percent
4. Statistician: $82,830; 14 percent
5. Urban and regional planner: $63,040; 16 percent

The BLS anticipates an average increase in employment for these occupations except for social workers -- who should see faster than average growth -- and political scientists, with modest growth predicted.

Academic options in sociology

Sociologists need at least a master's degree, but the College Board notes that your career could be limited unless you hold a doctorate. If you're interested in research, academia, industry or the government, you can earn a Ph.D. in sociology.

Online master's degree programs provide convenience and flexibility. Web-based studies allow you to continue living your own life while you earn the qualifications for a career improving the lives of others.

Do you wonder about the complex dynamics of human relationships? Sociology students seek to understand how society influences our attitudes and actions. In this field, you can learn how values, conflict, power, inequality, violence, order and cooperation affect social change.

You may be interested in health issues, the law, religion, politics, education, the economy or the environment. A master's degree in sociology can lead to multiple careers where you can help make the world a better place.

Earning master's degrees in sociology

Core courses usually cover the history of social theory, sociological inquiry, historical sociology, social stratification, statistics and research methods. Also important are interviewing techniques and demographic and ethnographic methods. Specializations for master's degrees in sociology include these:

1. Business and economy
2. Individual beliefs, identity and behavior
3. Race and gender
4. Social change, …