CAREERS FOR SOCIOLOGY STUDENTS

The Sociology program at Rider University equips students for a wide variety of career options. A Sociology major develops analytical skills and supplies knowledge about human behavior and group dynamics. Consequently, it is an excellent preparation for careers in management or personnel relations. Indeed, much management theory is based on sociological research. Another business career available to Sociology majors is marketing research, a field developed by applied sociologists.

Undergraduates from past years are successfully employed in business, government, research and social services. Over one-third of our graduates have obtained advanced degrees in fields such as sociology, law, business administration, social work, health care administration, and urban planning. Here are just some of the careers and graduate programs in which our recent graduates are successfully engaged:

Sociology and Business Careers
Contrary to popular belief, successful careers in business do not require a degree in business. In an interview for the New York Times, the chairman of AT&T observed that among his employees, "humanities and social science majors achieved the best overall performance. They also demonstrated strong interpersonal skills and were similar to business majors in administrative ability and motivation for advancement." He concluded that liberal arts graduates were the "most suited for change, which is the leading feature of the high-speed, high-pressure, high-tech worlds we now occupy."

Pre-Law in Sociology
The Sociology program is an excellent choice for those planning careers in law and law enforcement. Because law schools prefer students to take courses that will enhance critical thinking and social understanding, sociology provides good preparation for training and careers in law. The variety of courses on law, legal institutions, and the criminal justice system offered in our program provide students with knowledge about the institutions and behaviors relevant to law and its administration in our complex society. The curriculum also stresses the acquisition of those analytical, research, and communications skills which will be advantageous to the student for law school entrance, in law school, and as a practicing legal professional. We stress the value of supervised internships in local law firms, public defenders and prosecutors offices, and government agencies for future careers and training.