Sociology Professor

Your Fit

Income

$82K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

3.7%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Sociology Professor?

A Sociology Professor is an academic professional specializing in the study of social behavior, institutions, and human society. They are responsible for teaching sociology courses at the post-secondary level and conducting scholarly research.

Sample job titles:

Assistant Professor, Professor, Sociology Instructor, Sociology Professor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Sociology Professor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Sociology Professor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$49K per year	$64K per year	$82K per year	$113K per year	$167K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $33K above the national average.

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What does a Sociology Professor do?

Work environment

Sociology Professors typically work in colleges and universities, where they divide their time between classrooms, offices, and research environments. Their roles may also involve attending academic conferences and conducting field research in diverse settings.

Quick task list

Develops and teaches sociology courses to undergraduate and graduate students.
Conducts research and publishes findings in academic journals.
Guides and mentors students in their academic and research endeavors.
Designs and updates curricula for sociology programs.
Serves on academic and administrative committees.
Participates in academic conferences and seminars.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Social Theory: Analyzing the theoretical foundations of social structures and behaviors.
Criminology: Studying the social aspects of crime and criminal behavior.
Urban Sociology: Examining the sociological aspects of urban life and urbanization.
Medical Sociology: Focusing on the social dimensions of health and healthcare.
Environmental Sociology: Exploring the interactions between societies and their natural environments.

Description

Sociology Professors play a crucial role in advancing our understanding of social structures, relationships, and institutions. They research and teach on various aspects of human society, from family dynamics to organizational behaviors, and contribute to the development of sociological theories. Their research often informs public policy, social programs, and contributes to a broader understanding of societal issues.

In the classroom, they inspire and educate the next generation of sociologists, social workers, and policymakers. Sociology Professors must be adept at communicating complex concepts, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering an environment conducive to learning and inquiry.

This career requires a balance of research, teaching, and administrative duties, and provides opportunities for collaboration with professionals in related fields, such as psychology, political science, and economics.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to the understanding and betterment of society.
Intellectual stimulation from researching and teaching diverse sociological topics.
Influencing and shaping the minds of future social scientists.

You might make a good Sociology Professor if you are...

Intrigued by human behavior and social structures.
A critical thinker with strong analytical skills.
An effective communicator, capable of engaging and educating diverse audiences.
Passionate about research and contributing to sociological knowledge.
Interested in societal issues and their solutions.

Pros:

Engaging in a field that is constantly evolving with societal changes.
Opportunities for diverse research areas and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Impacting the next generation of sociologists and social scientists.

Cons:

The academic job market can be competitive and demanding.
Pressure to publish and secure research funding.
Balancing teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities.

How to become a Sociology Professor

Typical education

This position usually requires a Ph.D. in Sociology, which, following a bachelor's degree, takes approximately 5-7 years to complete.

High school preparation

Courses:

Sociology and Psychology to understand basic social science concepts.
History and Government to gain context on societal development.
Statistics and Mathematics for research methodology.
Communication and Writing to develop presentation and writing skills.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in debate clubs or social science clubs.
Volunteering in community services to understand societal issues.
Engaging in student government or community activism.

Preparation after high school

Pursue a bachelor's degree in Sociology or a related field.
Engage in research projects, internships, or fieldwork to gain practical experience.
Consider pursuing a master's degree before a Ph.D. in Sociology.
Develop teaching skills through assistantships or tutoring.

More resources

American Sociological Association (ASA) - Provides resources, publications, and networking opportunities for sociologists.
International Sociological Association (ISA) - Offers a global perspective on sociological research and practice.
The Sociological Review - An academic journal presenting leading sociological research.
Social Science Research Network (SSRN) - A platform for sharing social science research papers and publications.
Society for the Study of Social Problems (SSSP) - A society for sociologists focused on addressing social problems.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.