Sociology

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Sociology is the study of how society influences what we do and how we think. Sociologists study social behavior and relationships in an attempt to understand and explain differences, for example, between men and women, the young and the old, rich and poor, people of different nationalities or ethnicities. Comparing and analyzing the different ways that people live and work together is an important aspect of sociology. 

Strengths and skills Sociology students bring to the workforce:

  • Understanding the causes and effects of social inequality​ across multiple dimensions (such as gender, race, ethnicity, Indigenous identity, ​age, sexual minority status, and social class)
  • Data collection and interpretation
  • Qualitative analysis (interviewing skills, focus groups)
  • Quantitative analysis (census data analysis, survey data analysis, statistics, demographic analysis)
  • Synthesizing and communicating complex ideas
  • Presenting ideas and data clearly
  • Writing and oral presentation communication skills
  • Identifying and understanding social trends and social change

Previous internships Western Sociology students have worked in:

  • Research for non-profit
  • Field Surveying
  • Marketing
  • Sales
  • Social Work

Additional Industries and Roles Sociology students are well-suited for:

  • Community health
  • Data analyst
  • Education
  • Government
  • Human resources
  • Immigration
  • Justice
  • Market research
  • Public and Health Policy Analysis
  • Public Relations