Sociologists study human behavior and culture through historical and contemporary research. To become a sociologist, one can earn a degree in sociology, gain experience through internships, and pursue a Ph.D. program. Sociologists can work in academia, government, private research institutions, or corporations.
Sociologists study many aspects of human behavior and culture. They conduct extensive historical and contemporary research on individuals, social groups and nations to learn about the elements that make up a society. A person who wants to become a sociologist can earn a university degree in the subject, decide on an area of expertise, and apply for internship and research assistant positions. With the proper education and training, an individual can become a sociologist for a university, a government agency, a private research institution, or a large corporation.
The path to becoming a sociologist usually begins with a bachelor’s degree program in sociology from an accredited four-year institution. Sociology degree courses provide students with a basic understanding of the fundamentals of research and the history of the subject. Many students also take psychology, anthropology, and biology classes to gain a broader understanding of human beings and their behaviors. In addition, advanced communication and statistics courses can help people hone skills that will be essential when they begin conducting research and writing academic papers.
While enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program, a student who wants to become a sociologist can pursue assistantships and internship positions at private institutions and government human service agencies. An internship gives a prospective sociologist the opportunity to learn about research techniques and practical applications from studies with established professionals in the field. Some people choose to pursue entry-level jobs after settling in as interns and earning a bachelor’s degree, although individuals who want to eventually pursue independent research often decide to pursue a doctorate.
A Ph.D. The sociology program generally lasts about four years, during which time a student takes several courses devoted to the study of design and research techniques. To earn a degree, an individual may be required to conduct an actual sociological research project, under the guidance of a mentoring professor. The student chooses a topic to investigate, reviews previous literature on the subject, and undertakes the project. Upon completion, he or she writes a detailed dissertation and presents the results before a panel of professors and practicing sociologists.
After earning a doctorate, an individual is qualified to become a sociologist in many different contexts. Some new sociologists decide to obtain faculty positions at universities, where they can divide their time between conducting research and teaching courses. Others seek government positions to help promote better living conditions for citizens. Many companies employ sociologists to make suggestions for ways to market certain products and maintain a quality workforce. With enough experience, a productive sociologist can devote all of his time to independent study.
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