What Can You Do with a Sociology Degree?

Sociology majors at Duke are equipped with an extremely diverse skill set, including research proficiencies, analytical expertise, problem- solving and critical thinking abilities, that can be applied to tackle many of the most important questions facing society today.

Alumni of our department have led major corporations, founded non-profit organizations, and worked in leading positions within government. Sociology graduates also attend top medical schools, law schools, and business schools where their expansive training in the study of human relationships makes them stand out above others.

Employment Opportunities

Employment of sociologists is projected to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

Sociologists continue to be in demand to apply sociological research to address pressing societal issues. For example, sociologists often collaborate with researchers in other social sciences, such as economists, psychologists, and survey researchers to study how social structures or groups influence policy decisions about health, education, politics, criminal justice, business, or economics.

Financial Benefits

The median annual wage for sociologists was $98,590 in 2022. Sociologists primarily worked in research and development, state governments, and educational institutions. Employment opportunities for sociologists are expected to grow 5% between 2022 and 2032.*

*The Bureau of Labor  Statistics, as accessed September 2023.