The University of Iowa

College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Sociology and Criminology

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Careers in Sociology

Discover your career path in Sociology and Criminology

Do you consider yourself to be supportive, generous, or empathetic? Are you interested in learning about mental health, criminal probation, or community development? Does it sound like fun to empower others, handle a crisis, or develop resources? Could you see yourself working at a clinic, a community center, a non-profit organization, a church, or starting your own private practice?

Careers in this community focus on understanding people, supporting them through difficult times, and equipping them to grow and thrive.

How to prepare:

Talk with an advisor about paring additional programs of study to compliment your Sociology degree.
Talk with a career specialist as some of the following careers do require additional education.

The careers below are common with those who have a Sociology degree.

Do you consider yourself problem-focused, thoughtful, or eco-friendly? Are you interested in learning about human/environment interactions or conservation efforts that support sustainable living?

Careers in this community focus on leading or working with others to help educate and inform on how to protect the environment and human/animal health.

How to prepare:

Talk with an advisor about paring additional programs of study to compliment your Sociology degree.
Talk with a career specialist as some of the following careers do require additional education.

The careers below are common with those who have a Sociology degree.

4-H Program Coordinator
Community Health Worker
Disability Services Specialist
Economic Policy Manager
Housing Specialist

Do you consider yourself to be nurturing, curious, or solution-focused? Are you interested in learning about how the body works and how to keep it healthy? Does it sound like fun to work at a hospital, clinic, laboratory, or recreation center? Could you see yourself working with specific populations, like athletes, children, or senior citizens?

Careers in this community focus on decreasing mental illness and injury and supporting others to be healthy and wholesome.

How to prepare:

Talk with an advisor about paring additional programs of study to compliment your Sociology degree.
Talk with a career specialist as some of the following careers do require additional education.

The careers below are common with those who have a Sociology degree.

Do you consider yourself to have strong communication, management, or numerical skills? Are you interested in learning about marketing a product or conducting a financial analysis? Does it sound like fun to try to persuade or influence those around you? Could you see yourself working in a corporate environment collaborating with others to accomplish company goals?

Careers in this community focus on leading people and projects, developing business plans, and preparing accounting records.

How to prepare:

Talk with an advisor about paring additional programs of study to compliment your Sociology degree.
Talk with a career specialist as some of the following careers do require additional education.

The careers below are common with those who have a Sociology degree.

Do you consider yourself to be ambitious, resilient, or optimistic? Are you interested in learning about developing public policy or addressing issues through governmental initiatives? Does it sound like fun to argue legal issues or lead a civic improvement project? Could you see yourself working for a city, state, or federal agency or non-profit organization?

Careers in this community focus on public affairs, politics, and serving the community.

How to prepare:

Talk with an advisor about paring additional programs of study to compliment your Sociology degree.
Talk with a career specialist as some of the following careers do require additional education.

The careers below are common with those who have a Sociology degree.

Do you consider yourself inquisitive, analytical, or insightful? Are you interested in learning about scientific issues or applying technical concepts to solve problems? Does it sound like fun to perform lab experiments or could you see yourself investigating scientific principles by collecting and analyzing data?

Careers in this community focus on designing and conducting research to improve products, processes, and ways of living.

How to prepare:

Talk with an advisor about paring additional programs of study to compliment your Sociology degree.
Talk with a career specialist as some of the following careers do require additional education.

The careers below are common with those who have a Sociology degree.

Do you consider yourself to be helpful, patient, or understanding? Are you interested in learning about best methods to reach students or setting curriculum standards? Does is sound like fun to explain ideas and concepts to a classroom of learners? Could you see yourself teaching others to assist with understanding and comprehension?

Careers in this community focus on facilitating learning by guiding and encouraging others.

How to prepare:

Talk with an advisor about paring additional programs of study to compliment your Sociology degree.
Talk with a career specialist as some of the following careers do require additional education.

The careers below are common with those who have a Sociology degree.

Do you consider yourself to be a systematic, precise, or efficient person? Are you interested in learning about preparing statistical charts, writing code, or analyzing data? Does it sound like fun to test computer programs and software applications? Could you see yourself working in a constantly changing high-tech environment?

Careers in this community focus on managing computer programs, and interpreting and presenting data to address industry problems.

How to prepare:

Talk with an advisor about paring additional programs of study to compliment your Sociology degree.
Talk with a career specialist as some of the following careers do require additional education.

The careers below are common with those who have a Sociology degree.

Background Investigator
Child Support Specialist
Community Development Specialist
Intelligence Research Specialist
Social Researcher

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