How to become a Sociologist?

Sociology is the study of how individuals influence social structures and how those structures shape societal groups. Professionals with a background in sociology offer insightful analysis in a variety of crucial areas, including politics and economics. To make people’s lives better, sociologists collaborate closely with social workers and decision-makers. A career in sociology may be a good fit for you if you have an interest in people and how they form social groupings and societies. Want to become a sociologist? Read this blog for more information on how to become a sociologist.

What Does a Sociologist Do?

Sociologists are specialists who research various social formations, including families, nations, religions, organizations, cultural groups, and institutions, as well as human social behaviour. These experts are curious about how societies grow, how different social groups within societies are shaped, and how they interact. Sociologists also investigate how rules, institutions, and social norms affect members of organizations. Sociologists interview subjects, perform sociological surveys, or just observe participants to get their primary data. Additionally, they consult secondary sources including books, the internet, and other experts’ research papers. A sociologist’s normal responsibilities could also include:

• creating research initiatives with the goal of advancing knowledge in a particular sector or bettering the lives of target populations
• gathering data, analyzing it, and making judgments
• composing research articles and papers, putting together reports, and presenting research findings at seminars
• distributing insightful research findings to other professionals, such as social workers, teachers, and policymakers, who may use the research to improve people’s lives and reduce social problems in their work

Average Salary for Sociologists

The field, the job type, and the location all affect how much sociologists make –

Job Profile	Salary
Assistant Professor	INR 50 LPA
Researcher	INR 61.20 LPA
Associate Professor	INR 65.20

How to Become a Sociologist?

Although many professionals hold doctoral degrees, a Master’s in Sociology is the bare minimum qualification to become a sociologist. The following actions are necessary if you wish to pursue a profession in sociology:

1. Complete an undergraduate degree
2. Choose a career field
3. Obtain a master’s degree
4. Gain practical experience
5. Opt for a PhD.
6. Get Certified

1. Complete an undergraduate degree

Getting a degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology that incorporates sociology, social statistics, research methodologies, and social theory courses, is the first step in becoming a sociologist. Candidates may also choose to pursue degrees in fields other than sociology, such as anthropology, psychology, or political science, all of which deal with human behaviour and have some overlap. Four years of study are normally needed to earn an undergraduate degree.

2. Choose a career field

Choose if you want to pursue a career in academia, which means working as a professor or as a freelance researcher at a university or an institute, or if you want to enter the workforce before continuing your studies. Candidates who study sociology have a wide range of transferable skills, including the ability to develop research projects, gather and analyze data, and work with data analysis software. These abilities could be used in a variety of occupations, including those in:

• Business
• Higher education, both in teaching or student services
• Social services
• Government agencies
• Nonprofits
• Scientific research and development services
• Management, scientific and technical consulting services

3. Obtain a master’s degree

When you graduate, you have the option to enrol in either a traditional or an applied program. Traditional master’s programs prepare students for doctoral study and are the appropriate educational route for people who desire to work independently or teach in higher education institutions. Candidates should choose an applied master’s degree if they intend to enter the workforce. While the criteria and areas of concentration of master’s programs vary, the majority of them include a core set of foundational courses and a thesis or independent research component. Research technique, statistical analysis, and classical and modern theory are frequently covered in the basic training. Two years of full-time study are normally required to earn a master’s degree.

3. Gain practical experience

Internships are a common way for students with master’s degrees to get real-world experience. While a candidate doing an applied master’s degree might conduct interviews for a marketing firm, a student enrolled in a standard master’s program might work as an assistant for a research sociologist.

4. Opt for a PhD.

A doctoral degree may be required of applicants who want to work in academia as lecturers or researchers. Typically, a PhD degree concentrates on sociological theories, research techniques, and getting to know the theories and sociologists of note. Students produce a dissertation that must include original research after finishing their education and proving their understanding in a test. Typically, it takes three to four years to obtain a PhD.

5. Get certified

By enhancing your credentials with certification, you can advance your career. Two distinct certificates are given out by the Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology, including:

• Certified Sociological Practitioner: Candidates who have proven their proficiency as sociological practitioners in the disciplines of practical, clinical, or involved public sociology are awarded this certification.
• Certified Clinical Sociologist: Sociologists who have used sociological insights and analysis to bring about constructive social change are given this classification.

Both certifications need master’s or doctoral degrees, and candidates must submit a portfolio detailing their professional history, current conduct, views on ethical issues, and letters of support from colleagues. Before final approval, chosen applicants must make a presentation. If the application is accepted by the panel, the applicant can add the designation to their list of qualifications and become a certified member.

What Skills do Sociologists Need?

For sociologists, the following abilities are advantageous:

• Communication and interpersonal skills are essential for sociologists because their work frequently involves working with people. They must be able to communicate effectively with all racial and socioeconomic groups.
• Curiosity: Sociologists should typically be naturally curious about people and their social interactions.
• Ability to think critically and creatively: Sociologists who conduct effective research also need to possess excellent analytical, quantitative, and statistical skills.
• Writing abilities: These specialists must be proficient writers since they must also document their research and produce reports.

Top Colleges Abroad to Study Sociology

Harvard University

Harvard University’s Sociology Department has a lengthy and interesting history. The department has been named the top sociology department in the country. Sociologists with a strong commitment to the advancement of sociological theory in the service of answering fundamental sociological queries about the empirical world have traditionally called the department home.

The undergraduate curriculum is distinctive. It aids pupils in developing a variety of inquiry techniques. Students receive instruction in comparative-historical analysis, ethnography, and in-depth interviews. 

The graduate program in sociology strives to benefit society by giving students the skills they need to improve and change it.

The curriculum also aspires to generate researchers who are imaginative and intellectually autonomous, who read widely across subjects, and who are excellent teachers and communicators.

Oxford University

The Department of Sociology is the finest department in the UK and the second-best institution for sociology programs. Students from all over the world attend the school, where they have access to top-notch learning resources and opportunities to develop their fields of study.

One of the best sociology departments in the world is at Oxford University, which has up to three sociology programs available. Bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate programs are available to students.

Sociology is a subject covered in three interdisciplinary undergraduate programs: Human Sciences, Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE), and History & Politics.

The master’s degree trains students for professions in social research and gets them ready for sociology doctoral work. Sociological Analysis, Research Methods, Optional Papers, and Thesis are the four main sections of the course. Oxford University also offers a PhD program for students.

Stanford University

The department is ranked third among the finest universities for sociology by U.S. News and World Report, placing it among the top five sociology departments nationwide.

The sociology department at Stanford has a long and illustrious history of research and instruction. In addition to their well-established expertise in politics, sex, gender, social psychology, and inequality.

In sociology, Stanford University offers three-degree options. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees.

University of Cambridge

A premier location for sociology teaching and research worldwide is the Department of Sociology at the University of Cambridge. The institution is listed as having the fourth-best sociology programs among universities.

Three sociology programs and students are available from the Department of Sociology at the University of Cambridge.

London School Of Economics and Political Science

One of the top five sociology departments with the strongest course offerings in the Department of Sociology at LSE. Both undergraduate and graduate degrees are available at the institution.

The Department offers a BSc program in sociology as well as MSc programs in sociology, political sociology, culture and society, economy, risk, and society, inequalities and social science, as well as MSc programs in human rights, human rights and politics, city design and social science, international migration and public policy, and human rights and social science. A thriving PhD program in sociology is also available.

There are about 380 students in the department, including 130 undergraduates, 200 taught postgraduates who are graduates of our MSc programs, and 50 postgraduate researchers.

Top Colleges in India to Study Sociology

Jamia Millia Islamia

The sociology programs offered by Jamia Millia Islamia University include undergraduate, master’s, and PhD programs. There are approximately 40 seats for BA and 32 seats for MA (Hons). Three-year on-campus PhD programs are available.

Anyone who passed their 10+12 exams with at least a 50 per cent grade may apply for the BA program. The results of the interview and the entrance exam administered by the JMI will determine who is chosen. Candidates for the master’s program must have earned at least a 50 per cent grade point average in their undergraduate studies. An interview will come after the admission test, and it will serve as the basis for choosing candidates. It is one of the top universities for sociology.

Jawahar Lal Nehru University

Students who want to enrol in liberal arts and applied science courses frequently choose JNU as their school of choice. JNU charges a pittance for a top-notch sociology course. Candidates can apply for the university entrance exam if they have earned a minimum of 45% overall in all of their graduate-level courses. For the MA program, there are a total of 25 places. You have the option of paying the application cost online or offline. It is one of the top universities for sociology.

Tata Institute of Social Sciences

Public research university TISS Mumbai is one of the oldest respected institutions and is highly known for its professional social work education. TISS offers courses that are cross-disciplinary rather than strictly academic. There are master’s degree programs offered in social entrepreneurship, social work (in a variety of combinations), urban policy, etc. The majority of course prices are over one lakh rupees, but scholarships are available for those who qualify. Candidates who have earned a graduate degree after three or four years may apply. (naltrexone) The basis for admission will be the results of the entrance exam. It is one of the top universities for sociology.

Loyola College

An independent Jesuit university connected to Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University is Loyola College. In addition to a two-year master’s program in sociology, Loyola provides a three-year bachelor’s degree in sociology. MA programs in sociology and social work are both offered as master’s degrees.

Through the college’s online application system, interested students can submit their applications. Shortlisted candidates for UG Courses will be chosen based on merit. The final list of selected candidates will be made public following the interview phase. Candidates for advanced degrees must take the college’s entrance exam. The examination comes after the interview. Any candidate with a UG degree from any field is eligible to apply for a PG program at Loyola. It is one of the top universities for sociology.

Lady Shri Ram College

Sociology undergrad programs are available for 6 semesters at Lady Shri Ram College. Students may apply for the course if they received at least a 45 per cent in their class 12 assessment. For the course, there are 39 seats.

FAQs

Want to study sociology but not sure which college to choose? Don’t worry! Our Leverage Edu experts will provide you with end-to-end assistance starting from your university application to the time you reach your university and commence your studies. Call us at 1800 57 2000 to book a FREE 30-minutes counselling session today.