Did you ever want to be a detective as a child? Does solving mysteries thrill you? Sociology could help you scratch that itch. Pierre Bourdieu, a titan in the field, once wrote: “The function of sociology, as of every science, is to reveal that which is hidden.” So many of us will see some odd trend or startling inequality in society and wonder, “how did this happen, why are things like this,” and then go on with our day. If you’re the kind of person who wants and tries to answer those questions, Rio Salado College’s Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Sociology degree program may be right for you.
What You’ll Learn
We all live in the same world, but how we perceive that world- and how that world treats us, depending on our backgrounds- can vary quite sharply. Sociology is about understanding this kaleidoscopic array of different perspectives, recognizing patterns of inequalities and privilege that appear in our society and institutions, and how these larger forces can influence and shape our lives and identities. You’ll learn about how to critically evaluate data in the sociology program, present convincing arguments using evidence-based data and logic, develop communication skills and emotional intelligence, and gain a deeper understanding of diversity.
What Can I Do With a Sociology Degree?
Studying sociology can sharpen and hone a set of skills that can be useful to many different lines of work. With its emphasis on developing critical thinking, analytical skills, communication, and pattern recognition, sociology gives you a toolkit that helps you better understand how institutions work and how individuals are impacted by their environment (and how they, in turn, shape it as well). Sociology can help you see the forest as well as the individual trees, and it is precisely that perceptive power that can make you a valuable asset in careers like:
- Marketing research analyst
- Case manager
- Human resources
- Labor organizer
- Public relations specialist
- Urban and regional planner
- Community service manager
- Education administrator
- Teacher
- Grant writer
- Data scientist
- Social researcher
- Academic/Career counselor
What Does a Future in Sociology Look Like?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the social sciences are projected to have 4 percent job growth from now through 2034. That keeps pace with the average for all occupations, which is a signpost for the field’s stability. While no field is 100 percent “AI proof,” sociology is a field that especially requires a human mind to parse data and make inferences and insights that a computer cannot because a computer can’t know what it’s like to live in a society. It’s also important to note that having a foundation in sociology can help you pivot into a new career outside the social sciences because the analytical, perceptive, and interpersonal skills you’ll cultivate throughout the program are evergreen.
Save Time And Money
Are you thinking of pursuing a bachelor’s or master’s degree at a four-year institution? Getting an associate at Rio Salado can be a great way to get a jump start on this academic journey. Rio’s credits are transferable and can be applied to Arizona’s state colleges, along with many other universities across the U.S. A two-year degree can satisfy the general education requirements for a four-year program while providing you with new skills and an accomplishment to include on your resume. Not only can you hit the ground running to get your degree you can do it at a much, much, much lower tuition rate than what you’d pay at a four-year school.
This emphasis is intended to align with the degree requirements for the following transfer partners:
- ASU (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Sociology, BS
- ASU (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), Sociology, BS
- ASU (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), Sociology, BA
- NAU, Sociology, BS
Learn More
Interested in learning more about our sociology program? Check out our program page and complete the request for information at the bottom of the page.
Article by Austin Brietta