Sociology is...
the study of human social behaviour. An education in Sociology will help you answer questions about your relationship with your communities and the world. regardless of which career path you choose, a background in Sociology will provide you with the resources that will help you on your way and connect you to your work.
At KPU, the Sociology Department offers a four year Bachelor of Arts, Major in Sociology, and Minor in Sociology, as well as a two year Associate of Arts Degree in Sociology. We offer a wide range of courses that will prepare you for graduate or professional studies. Our courses are rigorous in both theory and research, and are taught in creative and innovative ways by qualified and dedicated instructors.
A sociology degree offers you an education that is both rewarding and practically useful in preparing you for your future career. it will provide you with theoretical and analytical tools that will help you to better understand our complex multicultural society.
Skill development
With an education in Sociology, you will develop the following skills:
- Recognize trends and patterns
- Develop concise report and essays
- Critical thinking
- Oral presentations
- Interpersonal Communication
- Data and analysis technology
- Writing
- Research
- Management
- Planning and organization
- Analytic thinking
- Capacity to anticipate and understand the views and concerns of others
- Conduct and explain sociological research
- Development new perspectives on problem solving
- Work well under pressure
- Teamwork and leadership
- Inter-cultural skills
Advantages in your career path
Students with a Sociology background have the advantage of understanding human behaviour and relationships in groups, organizations and communities, and the broader aspects of social, cultural, political and economic life in both local and global contexts, which many employers consider to be a valuable asset.
A sociology degree is valuable preparation for advanced social science studies in:
- Education
- Law
- Medicine & other health areas
- Social work
- Management & Communications in the public and private sectors
Career Opportunities
The opportunities below highlight just some of the meaningful and impactful directions sociology graduates can pursue as they apply their knowledge to real‑world challenges:
- Health administrator
- Policy analyst
- Public relations officer
- International development specialist
- Government researcher
- Police officer
- Criminal justice worker
- Journalist
- Community organizer
- Charity Fundraiser
- Social worker
- Teacher
- Youth worker
- Human resources officer
Check out the list of potential career paths in sociology
List of potential career paths
| Industry/Sector | Possible Careers | Credentials |
|---|---|---|
| Academia Post-secondary |
| MA or PhD, Sociology |
| K-12 Education |
| BC Teaching Certificate Administration/Counselling:
|
| Research and Social Program Evaluation |
| BA, Sociology Some positions: MA or PhD, Sociology; technical skills (e.g. SPSS software) |
| Public/Social Policy |
| BA, Sociology Some positions:
|
| Social Work |
| Entry level:
Senior positions:
|
| Community and Social Services |
| BA, Sociology Senior positions:
|
| Homelessness/Housing and Urban Planning |
| BA, Sociology Senior positions:
|
| Social Justice and Human Rights |
| BA, Sociology Senior positions:
|
| Immigration |
| BA, Sociology |
| Global Development |
| BA, Sociology Senior positions: MA, Sociology; or BA, Economics or Political Science |
| Human Resources |
| Entry level:
Senior positions:
|
| Media, Journalism and Public Relations |
| BA, Sociology Technical skills (e.g. digital media software) Some positions:
|
| Business, Marketing and Advertising |
| Entry level:
Some positions:
|
| Law, Criminal Justice and Protective Services |
| BA, Sociology Legal positions:
|
| Government, Politics and Public Service |
| BA, Sociology Some positions:
|