Sociologists

Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.

Tasks Include:

Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
Teach sociology.
Direct work of statistical clerks, statisticians, and others who compile and evaluate research data.
Consult with and advise individuals such as administrators, social workers, and legislators regarding social issues and policies, as well as the implications of research findings.
Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.
Develop approaches to the solution of groups' problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet27)

Projections Quick View:

Virginia: No Data

National: +3.3%

Education

Doctoral Degree

Job Zone:

Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Income Range:

Highest ($50,000 and up)

Median Earnings:

National

$92,910.00

State

No Data

Regional

Sociologists

Description

Career Cluster:

Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet27)

Sociologists

Education

Required Level of Education

Doctoral Degree = 77.27%
Master's Degree = 22.73%

Related Work Experience

Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 31.82%
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 22.73%
None = 18.18%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 13.64%
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 9.09%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 4.55%

On-Site or In-Plant Training

None = 59.09%
Up to and including 1 month = 9.09%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 9.09%
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 9.09%
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 4.55%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 4.55%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 4.55%

On-the-Job Training

None or short demonstration = 50%
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 22.73%
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 9.09%
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 9.09%
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 4.55%
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 4.55%

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet27)

Sociologists

Tasks

Core Tasks Include:

Prepare publications and reports containing research findings.
Analyze and interpret data to increase the understanding of human social behavior.
Plan and conduct research to develop and test theories about societal issues such as crime, group relations, poverty, and aging.
Collect data about the attitudes, values, and behaviors of people in groups, using observation, interviews, and review of documents.
Develop, implement, and evaluate methods of data collection, such as questionnaires or interviews.
Teach sociology.
Direct work of statistical clerks, statisticians, and others who compile and evaluate research data.
Consult with and advise individuals such as administrators, social workers, and legislators regarding social issues and policies, as well as the implications of research findings.
Collaborate with research workers in other disciplines.
Develop approaches to the solution of groups' problems, based on research findings in sociology and related disciplines.
Observe group interactions and role affiliations to collect data, identify problems, evaluate progress, and determine the need for additional change.
Develop problem intervention procedures, using techniques such as interviews, consultations, role playing, and participant observation of group interactions.
Present research findings at professional meetings.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet27)

Sociologists

Additional Resources

For information about careers in anthropology, contact:

The American Anthropological Association
4350 N. Fairfax Dr.
Suite 640
Arlington, VA 22203-1620
http://www.aaanet.org

For information about careers in archaeology, contact:

Society for American Archaeology
900 2nd St. NE.
Suite 12
Washington, DC 20002-3557
http://www.saa.org

Archaeological Institute of America
656 Beacon St.
Boston, MA 02215-2006
http://www.archaeological.org

For information about careers in geography, contact:

Association of American Geographers
1710 16th St. NW.
Washington, DC 20009-3198
http://www.aag.org

Information on careers for historians is available from:

American Historical Association
400 A St. SE.
Washington, DC 20003-3889
http://www.theaha.org

Organization of American Historians
112 North Bryan Ave.
Bloomington, IN 47408-4199
http://www.oah.org

American Association for State and Local History
1717 Church St.
Nashville, TN 37203-2991
http://www.aaslh.org

For information about careers in political science, contact:

National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
1120 G St. NW.
Suite 730
Washington, DC 20005-3869
http://www.naspaa.org

Information about careers in sociology is available from:

American Sociological Association
1307 New York Ave. NW.
Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005-4712
http://www.asanet.org

For information about careers in demography, contact:

Population Association of America
8630 Fenton St.
Suite 722
Silver Spring, MD 20910-3812
http://www.popassoc.org

The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research. (Using onet27)

Sociologists

Knowledge

%	Subject	Description
100.00	Sociology and Anthropology	Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
86.25	English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
78.50	Education and Training	Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
62.00	Mathematics	Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
50.00	History and Archeology	Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
50.00	Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet27)

Sociologists

Skills

%	Subject	Description
78.00	Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
75.00	Active Listening	Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
75.00	Writing	Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
75.00	Social Perceptiveness	Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
72.00	Speaking	Talking to others to convey information effectively.
72.00	Critical Thinking	Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
72.00	Active Learning	Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
68.75	Judgment and Decision Making	Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
68.75	Learning Strategies	Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
65.50	Monitoring	Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
65.50	Instructing	Teaching others how to do something.
65.50	Complex Problem Solving	Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
59.50	Science	Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
53.00	Coordination	Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
53.00	Persuasion	Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
53.00	Systems Analysis	Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
53.00	Time Management	Managing one's own time and the time of others.
50.00	Service Orientation	Actively looking for ways to help people.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet27)

Sociologists

Abilities

%	Subject	Description
81.25	Written Comprehension	The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
81.25	Oral Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
78.00	Oral Comprehension	The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
78.00	Written Expression	The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
75.00	Deductive Reasoning	The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
72.00	Inductive Reasoning	The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
72.00	Speech Clarity	The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
65.50	Speech Recognition	The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
62.50	Near Vision	The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
56.25	Originality	The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
56.25	Problem Sensitivity	The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
53.00	Fluency of Ideas	The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
53.00	Information Ordering	The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
50.00	Category Flexibility	The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet27)

Sociologists

Work Activities

%	Subject	Description
95.50	Analyzing Data or Information	Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
94.25	Getting Information	Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
89.75	Working with Computers	Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
88.75	Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
88.00	Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
85.75	Training and Teaching Others	Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
85.25	Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
85.25	Processing Information	Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
83.00	Thinking Creatively	Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
72.75	Making Decisions and Solving Problems	Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
72.50	Documenting/Recording Information	Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
70.50	Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
69.25	Communicating with People Outside the Organization	Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
69.00	Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
62.50	Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
62.00	Coaching and Developing Others	Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
61.25	Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
58.00	Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
52.50	Scheduling Work and Activities	Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
52.25	Developing Objectives and Strategies	Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet27)

Sociologists

Work Styles

%	Subject	Description
98.75	Analytical Thinking	Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
93.25	Achievement/Effort	Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
93.25	Persistence	Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
92.00	Integrity	Job requires being honest and ethical.
88.75	Initiative	Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
87.50	Independence	Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
77.25	Attention to Detail	Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
77.25	Innovation	Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
75.00	Dependability	Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
73.75	Self-Control	Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
73.75	Stress Tolerance	Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
72.75	Adaptability/Flexibility	Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
62.50	Leadership	Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction.
60.25	Concern for Others	Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
59.50	Cooperation	Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
59.00	Social Orientation	Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet27)

Sociologists

Work Values

%	Subject	Description
77.83	Achievement	Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
77.83	Independence	Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
72.17	Recognition	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
69.50	Working Conditions	Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet27)

Sociologists

Work Context

%	Subject	Description
99.00	Electronic Mail	How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
96.40	Structured versus Unstructured Work	To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
95.40	Freedom to Make Decisions	How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
91.00	Face-to-Face Discussions	How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
88.20	Indoors, Environmentally Controlled	How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
84.60	Level of Competition	To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?
83.60	Spend Time Sitting	How much does this job require sitting?
78.20	Letters and Memos	How often does the job require written letters and memos?
76.40	Public Speaking	How often do you have to perform public speaking in this job?
76.40	Contact With Others	How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
74.60	Telephone	How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
74.60	Importance of Being Exact or Accurate	How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
69.00	Work With Work Group or Team	How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
67.20	Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results	What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
63.60	Frequency of Decision Making	How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?
62.80	Time Pressure	How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
61.80	Coordinate or Lead Others	How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job?
58.20	Deal With External Customers	How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job?
56.40	Responsibility for Outcomes and Results	How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?
53.60	Frequency of Conflict Situations	How often are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?
51.80	Physical Proximity	To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people?

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet27)

Sociologists

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed

Overall Experience
- Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Job Training
- Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Examples
- These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
Education
- Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet27)

Sociologists

Earnings Benefits*

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
United States	$60,770.00	$92,910.00	$114,300.00
Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

Region	Entry Level	Median	Experienced
Bay Consortium	No Data	No Data	No Data
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	No Data	No Data	No Data
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* Earnings Calculations:

Regional Earnings:
   Entry = Annual mean of the lower 1/3 wage distribution;
   Experienced = Annual mean of the upper 2/3 wage distribution.

National and State Earnings:
   Entry = Annual 10th percentile wage;
   Experienced = Annual 75th percentile wage.

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet27)

Sociologists

Employment Projections

	Current	Projected	% Change
United States	3,000	3,100	+3.3%
Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

Region	Current*	Projected	% Change
Bay Consortium	4	3	-25.0%
Capital Region Workforce Partnership	No Data	No Data	No Data
Central VA/Region2000	No Data	No Data	No Data
Crater Area	No Data	No Data	No Data
Greater Peninsula	No Data	No Data	No Data
Hampton Roads	No Data	No Data	No Data
New River/Mt. Rogers	No Data	No Data	No Data
Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington	No Data	No Data	No Data
Piedmont Workforce	No Data	No Data	No Data
Shenandoah Valley	No Data	No Data	No Data
South Central	No Data	No Data	No Data
Southwestern Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data
West Piedmont	No Data	No Data	No Data
Western Virginia	No Data	No Data	No Data

* - Estimated

The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection. (Using onet27)

Sociologists

Related Occupations

The related occupations here have similar general capabilities and interests; career explorers may also be interested in the related occupations:

Careers in Science and Mathematics Pathway:

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet27)

Sociologists

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Overview
Occupations

The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee; CareerOneStop. (Using onet27)

Sociologists

Proficiency Ratings

These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.

Proficiency	Rating
Analyzing Data or Information	5.0
Getting Information	5.0
Working with Computers	4.5
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others	4.5
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge	4.5
Training and Teaching Others	4.5
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events	4.5
Processing Information	4.5
Thinking Creatively	4.5
Making Decisions and Solving Problems	4.0
Documenting/Recording Information	4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates	4.0
Communicating with People Outside the Organization	4.0
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work	4.0
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships	3.5
Coaching and Developing Others	3.5
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People	3.5
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others	3.5
Scheduling Work and Activities	3.0
Developing Objectives and Strategies	3.0
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings	3.0
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information	3.0
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public	3.0
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others	2.5
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates	2.5
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards	2.5
Developing and Building Teams	2.5
Performing Administrative Activities	2.5
Assisting and Caring for Others	2.5
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others	2.5
Staffing Organizational Units	2.5
Monitoring and Controlling Resources	2.0
Selling or Influencing Others	2.0
Controlling Machines and Processes	1.5
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials	1.5
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment	1.5
Handling and Moving Objects	1.0
Performing General Physical Activities	1.0
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment	1.0
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment	1.0
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment	1.0

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet27)

Sociologists

Titles

Behavioral Scientist
Career Analyst
Clinical Sociologist
Criminologist
Disability Statistics Assistant
Family Sociologist
Foundation Program Director
International Health Director (Health Science Administration)
Medical Sociologist
Penologist
Policy Advisor
Policy Analyst
Policy Officer
Professor
Program Evaluator
Research and Evaluation Manager
Research Associate
Research Center Director
Research Coordinator
Research Fellow
Research Scientist
Research Specialist
Research, Evaluation, and Test Administration Director
Rural Sociologist
Social Scientist
Social Welfare Research Worker
Sociologist
Study Director
Urban Sociologist

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet27)

Sociologists

Related Schools

Averett University
Bridgewater College
Christopher Newport University
Eastern Mennonite University
Emory & Henry College
George Mason University
Hampton University
Hollins University
James Madison University
Longwood University
Mary Baldwin University
Marymount University
Norfolk State University
Old Dominion University
Radford University
Randolph College
Randolph-Macon College
Roanoke College
Shenandoah University
University of Lynchburg
University of Mary Washington
University of Richmond
University of Virginia-Main Campus
Virginia Commonwealth University
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Virginia State University
Virginia Union University
Virginia University of Lynchburg
Virginia Wesleyan University
Washington and Lee University
William & Mary

The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™. (Using onet27)