First, some facts. Of the Sociology graduates from Ashford University we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 20 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Bad. Overall, with an average relevance score of 41%, Sociology graduates from Ashford University have a substantially lower likelihood (-26%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 50% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Sociology graduate.
See the details:
Relevance score: 50%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from Ashford University with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONPresidentBrentwood Pest Control Inc. Apr 2015 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
After analyzing the roles of individuals who graduated with a Sociology degree from Ashford University, it seems that the most common job types they engage in range from various managerial and administrative jobs to teaching positions. A significant number of graduates found themselves in roles like sales and management at companies such as U.S. Cellular and Ace Hardware, or in technical trades like plumbing. Although some of these jobs, such as those in management, could utilize some soft skills or insights connected to sociology—like understanding team dynamics or client interactions—they are primarily centered around operations and do not make the most of sociological principles. The same goes for administrative roles, which might touch on organization and behavior but lack a direct application of sociological knowledge.
On the flip side, there are definitely examples of roles that are more directly aligned with a Sociology background, particularly in education, social services, and healthcare. Positions like CTE Teacher, Residential Counselor, or Crisis Intervention Specialist showcase a clear connection to the field, applying sociological insights to real-world issues such as social dynamics, cultural differences, and community engagement. While a number of the jobs held by Sociology graduates do not directly utilize the skills or knowledge from their degrees, those who ventured into teaching or social services tend to find their education significantly relevant to their work. Overall, it seems like a mixed bag—some went on to roles that utilize their degree well, while many ended up in positions where their sociology background plays a minimal role. It’s an interesting mix, reflecting both the versatility of sociology as a degree and the varying paths that graduates can take!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Sociology graduates (this is across all Sociology graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Ashford University):
Graduates from Ashford University's Sociology program seem to have taken a rather mixed bag of career paths after completing their degrees. When looking at their first jobs, a lot of them went into roles that aren't directly related to sociology, like sales, warehouse supervision, or even plumbing, which might not immediately scream “sociology.” However, a notable number of graduates have found their way into positions within education or community services, showcasing that some of them have managed to align their careers with their academic backgrounds. For example, several graduates became teachers or took roles as crisis intervention specialists, suggesting a commitment to social betterment and support which is greatly tied to sociological principles.
Fast forward 5 to 10 years after graduation, many alumni have found themselves climbing up the corporate ladder or shifting into roles that, while they may not be specifically tied to sociology, leverage skills hard-earned during their studies. A few have moved into managerial or analytical positions in both educational and government sectors. Others still working within human services or education have expanded their roles, like becoming program coordinators or working as administrative officers in various organizations. Still, there are quite a few who seem to have taken detours into unrelated fields, suggesting that a sociology degree can lead to diverse opportunities, but it doesn't guarantee a direct career trajectory in sociology itself. Overall, it seems that while some graduates have stayed connected to their sociology roots, others have carved out varied professions, highlighting the degree's versatility in the job market.
Honestly, a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, whether at Ashford University or elsewhere, can be a mix of manageable and challenging, depending on your interests and study habits. If you're passionate about understanding people and society, you might find the coursework pretty engaging, like exploring social issues and trends. The classes often involve a lot of reading and writing, so if you enjoy those activities, it could feel easier for you. That said, like any degree, it has its tougher moments, especially when it comes to research projects or theoretical concepts that can get a bit complicated. On the whole, many students find it to be a reasonably approachable degree compared to some more technical fields, but it really depends on your strengths and how much effort you’re willing to put in.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Sociology.
It looks like the Sociology grads from Ashford University have landed themselves a pretty mixed bag when it comes to salaries. Some, like the ones working in leadership roles at the Air Force or managing their own plumbing business, probably rake in decent pay, especially compared to the typical starting salary for new grads. On the flip side, a few are in jobs like teaching or food service, which typically don’t pay as well, especially in the early years. Overall, while they’ve found jobs in various fields, the income seems to vary widely, so it’s tough to say everyone is making "decent" money—it really depends on the specific role and sector they’re in!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Sociology (this is across all Sociology graduates we've analyzed, not just those who went to Ashford University). This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Sociology (ordered by the average relevance score of their Sociology graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates: