Sociology and Social Services Frequently Asked Questions

Most sociology programs emphasize sociological theory and research methods with the goal of preparing students for graduate studies. We recognize that most of our students are seeking employment after graduation and do not immediately plan to enroll in a graduate program. Our program provides students with the fundamentals of sociological theory and research while connecting them to the practical elements of human services and social policy. Our students will be ready for a career in the social service field or with a nonprofit agency.

Most of our students are interested in helping people and/or working to address social inequities. Our graduates often seek employment in either a governmental or nonprofit social service agency, but the truth is you can do just about anything. Check out this undergraduate employment study from the American Sociological Association to see the fields where most sociology graduates find employment.

You may also be interested in furthering your studies by seeking a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at Clayton State. This degree will allow you to work in more advanced administrative type jobs within the public and nonprofit sector.

Absolutely! Check out the advising sheet chart to see class recommendations based on the type of position or population you plan on working with after graduation. 

While you can certainly work in a social service position after graduation, to achieve licensure in Georgia, you will need a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree. A Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Social Services, especially when paired with a Social Work Minor, will prepare you to apply for admission to a Masters of Social Work graduate program.

This is a great question! Sociology and psychology can be thought of as end points on a continuum that are connected in the middle. Psychology is the study of the brain and mental processes including how we, as individuals, think, learn, and behave. Sociology, on the other hand, studies how humans interact in groups and social institutions like families, schools, religion, etc. Sociologists also attempt to understand how various social statuses like race, gender, and social class affect our experiences in these groups and social institutions.

Students who are interested in focusing on the individual who hope to become a counselor often choose psychology. Students interested in working in public, social service, and/or nonprofits to address social inequalities and other social problems often choose sociology.