3 answers
Rhiannon
Student
Kingsport, Tennessee
3
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Is a sociology minor worth pursuing?
I'm a freshman in college majoring in writing and communications, but I've really enjoyed the sociology class I'm in and I was thinking about minoring in it. Is a minor in sociology worth it, and would it help me at all career-wise? As much as I love the class, I don't want to spend more time on it if it won't pay off.
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3 answers
Danielle Harris
Quality Management, NCQA Manager
5
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Danielle’s Answer
My initial answer is YES! I was a sociology major and I was able to start my career in the hospitality industry and then after some time I pivoted to a career in healthcare, which I have been in for the last 25 years. My sociology degree has helped me professionally and personally by helping me to understand my situation from more than the obvious perspective. I have been able to leverage what I learned to help with ideas and proposals for quality initiatives and social engagements.
I would suggest you take another look at the crossover in classes between your major and the sociology minor. It might be easier than you think to have the minor.
I would also look at all the career options with a degree in sociology, but don't limit yourself. I have my degree because I was able to see and explain sociology and how it aligned to health administration in a way my masters admission panel had not heard before.
Danielle recommends the following next steps:
Beth Spurgeon
Sustanability and Corporate Responsibility
8
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Beth’s Answer
Sociology was the perfect major for me. I earned both a BA and an MA in the field. The concepts really clicked with me, helping me understand how the world and its systems work. It also sharpened my analytical and communication skills. After my studies, I worked in nonprofit financial development, from small organizations to national ones. I later moved to corporate roles, where I support nonprofits and communities through volunteer programs, grant making, and employee donations. I also focus on making communities more environmentally sustainable. Sociology offers a foundation for many careers, providing insight into how people and groups function within larger systems and encouraging deep thinking and human skills development. I considered becoming a sociology professor and pursuing a PhD but chose to make a direct impact in my communities instead. I hope this inspires you!
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1860
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Rhiannon,
It's difficult to say if the minor would help you career-wise if we don't know your career goals. What do you anticipate doing with your writing/communications major?
As a sociology major, I believe it and communications are too similar, and you'd be better off minoring in something totally unrelated - like business, or art, or biology. Let's say you want to be a reporter. You could cover a broad spectrum of topics, and it would help you if you at least had a rudimentary background in them. Or, if you want to be the Public Information Officer of an Environmental Non Profit, you might want to minor in Environmental Science.
My Intro Soc course was spectacular! I can assure you, not all sociology classes are that great. Some are really interesting. Some are dull. A lot depends on the professors, as well as the students in the class.
I often find myself coming back to this quote.
“Alice: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?
The Cheshire Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.
Alice: I don't much care where.
The Cheshire Cat: Then it doesn't much matter which way you go.
Alice: ...So long as I get somewhere.
The Cheshire Cat: Oh, you're sure to do that, if only you walk long enough.”
― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
This is to say, if you are undetermined, what you choose to do doesn't matter. It's okay to be undetermined. At least the first 3 semesters. I wouldn't commit to sociology just yet. Hopefully you will have some other intro courses in other subjects that are just as stimulating. Sociology gives you a great understanding of people. So in that aspect, it is useful. But, take your time!
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Kim
It's difficult to say if the minor would help you career-wise if we don't know your career goals. What do you anticipate doing with your writing/communications major?
As a sociology major, I believe it and communications are too similar, and you'd be better off minoring in something totally unrelated - like business, or art, or biology. Let's say you want to be a reporter. You could cover a broad spectrum of topics, and it would help you if you at least had a rudimentary background in them. Or, if you want to be the Public Information Officer of an Environmental Non Profit, you might want to minor in Environmental Science.
My Intro Soc course was spectacular! I can assure you, not all sociology classes are that great. Some are really interesting. Some are dull. A lot depends on the professors, as well as the students in the class.
I often find myself coming back to this quote.
“Alice: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?
The Cheshire Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.
Alice: I don't much care where.
The Cheshire Cat: Then it doesn't much matter which way you go.
Alice: ...So long as I get somewhere.
The Cheshire Cat: Oh, you're sure to do that, if only you walk long enough.”
― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland
This is to say, if you are undetermined, what you choose to do doesn't matter. It's okay to be undetermined. At least the first 3 semesters. I wouldn't commit to sociology just yet. Hopefully you will have some other intro courses in other subjects that are just as stimulating. Sociology gives you a great understanding of people. So in that aspect, it is useful. But, take your time!
Please let me know if you have further questions.
Kim