Download Sociology - University of Northern Colorado

Sociology
Emphases: Applied Sociology, Family Studies, or Social Issues
Degree: Bachelor of Arts
Introduction
Sociology is the study of social life, social change, and the social causes and consequences of human behavior. It is
focused on human society, specifically focusing on the group rather than the individual. Sociologists employ various
methods of gathering data from the social world. Theories provide explanations which account for social phenomena;
together, methods and theory provide the foundation for a Sociological study of society. Sociological research on topics
about social processes and institutions include social networks, markets, families, communities, education, crime, health,
race, etc.
The Applied Sociology Emphasis teaches students basic theories and methods in sociology and the application of
sociological knowledge to a specific concentration. The Family Studies Emphasis focuses on recent issues in the family and about how social policies affect the modern family. The Social Issues Emphasis combines basic principles,
theories, and methods and applies them to society.
Sociology is a broad and diverse field bound by a fundamental insight regarding social matters: our lives are affected not
only by our individual characteristics but by our place in the social world, not only by natural forces but by their social
dimension.
What are some potential
occupations?
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Caseworker
City Manager
College/University Instructor
Consultant
Correctional Officer
Counselor/Therapist
Demographer/Census Bureau
Educator
Government Aid
Labor Relations Specialist
Market Analyst/Researcher
Medical Administrator
Police Officer
Politician
Probation/Parole Officer
Program Director
Researcher
Social Worker
Note: For information regarding level of education trends
for the above occupations, please visit: www.onetonline.org
What are some of the job tasks?
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Analyze influence of group activities on individual
members
Collect, research, and evaluate data via surveys
and trends
Consult in business and education
Engage in direct observation
Examine groups and social institutions
Examine human interaction
Study human behavior
Teach
Work with individuals and families
What are some desirable personal
qualities?
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Effective communication skills
Enjoy working with people
Have concern and care for people and their problems
Interest in research
Objectivity and sensitivity
Responsibility and reliability
Work well independently
Who hires?
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Adoption/Childcare Agencies
Advertising Agencies
Business/Industry
Civil Rights Agencies
Clinics/Hospitals
Courts/Correctional Institutions
Department of Human Service Agencies
Government Agencies
Labor Unions
Market Research Firms
Personnel Departments
Religious Organizations
Retirement Agencies
Veteran’s Administration
Youth Organizations
Whom should I contact for further
information?
University of Northern Colorado
College of Humanities and Social Sciences
School of Social Sciences
Department of Sociology
Candelaria 2285
Greeley, CO 80639
970-351-2315
www.unco.edu/sociology
American Sociological Association
www.asanet.org
Association for Applied and Clinical Sociology
www.aacsnet.net
Society for Applied Sociology
www.appliedsoc.org
Additional Information
Experience acquired through internships or cooperative
education programs can prove valuable in obtaining fulltime employment after graduation.
Specialized training in statistics, research methods, and
computer technology may provide additional advantages
in obtaining job opportunities in business or research
firms and government agencies.
Those interested in the clinical application of Sociology
may consider additional coursework in Psychology or a
similar human relations area to enhance job placement
opportunities.
Online Internship Information
A Woman’s Place
www.awpdv.org
Career Services/Bears Career Connection
www.unco.edu/careers
- Click on the BCC link, log-in using your Ursa username, and go to Jobs & Internships
Juvenile Assessment Center
www.youthandfamilyconnections.org/
announcements/employment.html
Public Defenders Service
www.pdsdc.org
Weld County Human Services
www.co.weld.co.us/apps/jobs