Career
Pathways in Sociology
Sociology
prepares you for a wide variety of Government (Federal,
State, Local, including Social Services), Non-Profit,
and Private sector jobs. This web page gives examples
of jobs, the specific education and skills required, their location,
responsibilities, advancement possibilities, and typical salary range.
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Government
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Mental Health Agencies
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Pre-Trial Services Officer
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Probation Officer
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Community Relations
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United States Marshall's Office
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United States Customs Office
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Demography-- U.S. Census Bureau
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United States Postal Inspector
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Environmental Agencies
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Planning Agencies-- Social Statistics
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National Advocacy Groups
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Judiciary Positions
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United States Secret Service
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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms
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Juvenile Justice Officer
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Mayor's Office for Children, Youth and Families
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Public Defender's Office
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Magistrate Court
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Social Services
(see section below)
For further Government occupations, check
out the Governmental Listings
Page or The Book Of
United States Government Jobs
Earnings
Earnings vary from job to job. At the
state level, the starting salary can be as low as $15,000 and as high as
$40,000+. The local level has about the same range of salaries. At the
federal level, the starting salary is much higher and can start at $44,000
and can be well over $100,000.
Education
Must be a graduate of an accredited college
or university with a baccalaureate degree. Master's Degree and PhD are
generally required for advancement. Although, in some jobs, seniority can
take precedence for advancement.
Benefits
Many benefits are offered in government
jobs. First, government jobs offer an exciting career at the state, local,
and federal levels. Excellent salaries, health benefits, life insurance,
13-26 days of annual leave, 13 days sick leave annually, 10 Federal holidays,
thrift savings plan with matching contributions, hazardous duty retirement
at age 57 or with 20 years service, service awards, and 40 hours of in-service
training annually are just a few of the benefits.
Advantages
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Challenging
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Sometimes rewarding
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Exciting--Every day is different
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Meet people from all walks of life
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Field work gets you out of the office
Disadvantages
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A lot of paperwork
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Type of clientele causes you to distrust people
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High pressure jobs with much responsibility
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Underpaid and understaffed
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Burnout occurs frequently
Social Services
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Social Service Generalist
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Economic Service Specialist
Earnings
Earnings can be at a minimum of $15,404 or
as high as $18,999 for a Social Service Generalist. One can earn $18,999,
if she or he can achieve a Grade 21 ranking. Earnings for an Economic Service
Specialist can range from $14,999 at a minimum or a maximum of $20,852.
Education
Job requirements for a Social Service Generalist
is a Bachelor's degree or associate degree and two years experience in
public contact. For those interested in becoming an Economic Service Specialist,
one must obtain a Bachelor's degree plus six months qualifying experience.
Advantages
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Personal satisfaction in helping others
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Field work gets you out of the office
Disadvantages
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Paperwork
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Responsibility is high
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Too many clients
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Non-Profit
Private
Non-Profit
Organizations
Earnings
Earnings vary according to organization
position and educational levels. Average earnings can vary from $15,000
to $40,000+
Education
Bachelor's degree is a minimum requirement
for many entry-level jobs. Master's and Doctoral degrees are generally
required for advancement.
Advantages
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Feeling of satisfaction and reward
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Meet people from all types of backgrounds
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Exciting
Disadvantages
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Overworked
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Underpaid
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Great Responsibility
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Paperwork is demanding
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Government
Private
Private
Organizations
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Social Service Agencies
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Community and Religious Organizations
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Nursing Homes
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Home Health Agencies
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Insurance Companies
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Marketing Consultants
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Waste Management
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Publishing Firms
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Advertising
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Human Resources
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Demographic Research
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Local Planning Agencies
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Consulting Firms
Check out the Occupational
Outlook Handbook for further occupations. Also check Research
Jobs or Marketing
Jobs
Earnings
Earnings vary according to organizational
position and educational levels. Average income can vary from $15,000 to
$40,000+
Education
Bachelor's degree is a minimum requirement
for many entry-level jobs. Master's and Doctoral degrees are generally
required for advancements.
Advantages
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Personal satisfaction in progress made with
clients and successful counselling
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Agency and co-workers are very supportive
of employees
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Good experience for some one just graduating
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Can become familiar with other jobs available
in the department
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Good benefits
Disadvantages
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Responsibility is high
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Shift work can disrupt family life
Viewed by other agencies as an inferior
position
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