What can you do with a Sociology degree from California State University-Los Angeles?

First, some facts. Of the Sociology graduates from California State University-Los Angeles 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 12 LinkedIn profiles (see below).

The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 61%, Sociology graduates from California State University-Los Angeles have a lower likelihood (-6%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:

Average score: 61%
Average relevance score across all fields: 67%

And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.

× Chart

Also, after graduating, only 25% 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 a Bachelors degree is enough for most Sociology graduates, and it's normal to look for work straight after graduation.

See the details:

View a random Sociology graduate from California State University-Los Angeles and our analysis:


Relevance score: 100%

We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.

DEGREE INFO

Graduated in 2011 from California State University-Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Sociology. No other secondary education since.

JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATION
Human Resources Manager
Sierra Madre Learning Center TOTAL Programs
Nov 2011 - Mar 2023
As a Human Resources Manager, this role directly employs knowledge of sociology, particularly in understanding social dynamics and workplace behavior, aligning well with the skills gained from the Bachelor of Science in Sociology.

Human Resources Manager
Biological Laboratory Inc
Nov 2022 - Jan 2024
The Human Resources Manager position at Biological Laboratory Inc requires a solid understanding of workplace culture and personnel management, which are core themes in sociology, making this job highly relevant to the degree.

Human Resources Manager
ChromoLogic LLC
Jan 2024 - Mar 2024
In the role of Human Resources Manager at ChromoLogic LLC, the candidate would utilize sociological insights into organizational behavior and employee relations, ensuring the job aligns closely with their educational background in sociology.

ABOUT

Human Resources Manager with 9+ years of experience assisting with and fulfilling organization staffing needs and requirements. A proven track record of using my excellent personal, communication, and organization skills to lead and improve HR departments, recruit excellent personnel, and improve department efficiencies. Team player with excellent communication skills, high quality of work, driven, and highly self-motivated. Strong negotiating skills and business acumen and ability to work independently.

What jobs can you get with a Sociology degree from California State University-Los Angeles?

The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:


After analyzing the job profiles of Sociology graduates from California State University-Los Angeles, it seems like many have gravitated towards roles in human resources, social work, and healthcare. These positions, such as Human Resources Manager or Senior Social Worker, generally align well with the principles of sociology, as they require an understanding of social dynamics, organizational behavior, and community engagement. For instance, those working as group counselors or behavioral therapists heavily rely on the sociological insights they learned during their studies, making their roles quite relevant. It's clear that these graduates often find themselves in jobs where their sociology background helps them navigate complex social interactions and structures.

On the flip side, there’s a noticeable number of graduates who ended up in jobs that don’t make full use of their sociology knowledge. Roles in retail management, finance, and even coaching soccer seem to be more focused on practical business or athletic skills rather than sociological theories or practices. For example, positions like Administrative Assistant or Marketing Manager might involve some level of social insight but aren’t centered on the core teachings of sociology. Overall, while many sociology graduates find fulfilling careers that use their degree well, a significant portion ends up in fields that may not fully take advantage of their sociological expertise.

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 California State University-Los Angeles):

What kind of career trajectories do Sociology graduates from California State University-Los Angeles have? What do they do 1, 5 or 10 years out?

Looking at the career trajectories of Sociology graduates from California State University-Los Angeles, it seems like there's quite a mix of experiences. Right out of college, many of these grads are landing jobs that are somewhat related to their studies, particularly in human resources, counseling, and social services. For instance, the Human Resources Manager role and various positions in behavioral therapy show that some are utilizing their skills in understanding human behavior and social dynamics to secure relevant positions pretty quickly after graduation.

However, as you look five to ten years down the line, things get a bit more varied. While some folks solidify their paths in social work or human resources, others have drifted into seemingly unrelated areas like marketing, sales, or even sports coaching. It’s impressive to see some alumni climb the ladder in organizations like hospitals and counseling services, but equally, there are those who seem to have moved into jobs that don’t necessarily align with their degree. Overall, it looks like a mixed bag—some are doing well in Sociology-related fields, while others have taken a different route entirely, perhaps seeking stability or interest in new areas. So, it’s a real testament to the versatility of a Sociology degree, but also a reminder that it doesn’t always mean landing in a traditionally relevant career right off the bat!

How hard is a Sociology degree from California State University-Los Angeles?

A Bachelor's degree in Sociology at California State University-Los Angeles is generally considered to be on the more manageable side compared to some other majors, but that doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park! You’ll dive into interesting topics about society, culture, and human behavior, which can be super engaging. The workload typically includes a mix of readings, research projects, and essays, so if you enjoy writing and thinking critically about social issues, you might find it pretty enjoyable. However, like any degree, it does require dedication and effort, especially when it comes to understanding theories and conducting research. Overall, it’s definitely doable if you stay on top of your assignments and engage with the material!

How long does it take?

Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Sociology.

Do Sociology graduates from California State University-Los Angeles tend to make good money?

Looking at the job paths of these California State University-Los Angeles Sociology grads, it seems like some are doing pretty well, while others might be struggling a bit more. For instance, the HR Manager who worked at various places since 2011 probably made a decent income, especially since HR roles can be pretty lucrative. But you have folks in entry-level jobs like the Behavioral Therapists who might not be raking in as much cash, and the positions in child care and support services also suggest a less impressive salary. The Business Analysts and Managers seem to be climbing the ladder pretty well, so they could be earning some good money too. Overall, it looks like there's a mix—some of these grads might be enjoying a comfortable lifestyle, but others could be facing financial challenges depending on their specific roles in the job market.

What buzzwords do Sociology graduates use to describe themselves?

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 California State University-Los Angeles). This may or may not be useful:

What are the best colleges for Sociology?

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:

College Score Count
Hunter College 79 12
California State University, Long Beach 76 25
Boston College 76 12
California State University-San Bernardino 75 25
Grand Canyon University 74 17
University of Massachusetts, Amherst 72 12
Montclair State University 71 10
DePaul University 70 11
University of California, Davis 69 14
Illinois State University 69 17
University of North Carolina at Greensboro 69 15
California State University San Marcos 69 16
San Francisco State University 68 16
University of North Florida 68 11
Stony Brook University 68 12
California State University, Fullerton 67 22
University of California, Riverside 67 53
University of West Georgia 67 13
Brigham Young University 65 19
San Diego State University 65 12
University of California, Santa Cruz 65 23
University of Maryland College Park 65 14
University of Central Florida 64 22
University of Wisconsin-Madison 64 13
California State University, Northridge 64 24
UC Irvine 64 15
Colorado College 64 11
University of Colorado Boulder 63 17
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona 63 16
University of Virginia 63 16
California State University-Northridge 63 16
City University of New York-Herbert H. Lehman College 63 12
California State University - East Bay 62 17
Norfolk State University 62 10
California State University-Los Angeles 61 12
Texas A&M University 60 37
University of California, Berkeley 60 33
Louisiana State University 60 14
The University of Texas at San Antonio 60 12
The University of Texas at Austin 59 23
University of California, Santa Barbara 58 23
California State University-Dominguez Hills 58 21
University of Florida 57 24
Florida International University 57 10
University of California, Los Angeles 57 48
University of Tennessee, Knoxville 57 10
Sonoma State University 57 16
University of Michigan 56 11
California State University-Sacramento 55 37
North Carolina State University 54 10
California State University-Long Beach 54 14
California State University, Chico 54 13
University of Arizona 53 15
University of Utah 53 14
University of Massachusetts Amherst 53 14
Queens College 53 22
University at Albany, SUNY 53 23
The Ohio State University 52 13
San Jose State University 52 23
Texas Tech University 52 10
Kennesaw State University 52 15
Florida State University 51 22
Georgia State University 51 30
Arizona State University 50 29
University of North Texas 50 22
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities 50 11
California State University, Los Angeles 50 17
Indiana University Bloomington 49 11
Florida Atlantic University 49 19
University of Oregon 49 22
Brigham Young University - Idaho 48 11
James Madison University 47 11
University of Oklahoma 47 12
Western Washington University 46 16
UC Santa Barbara 46 40
Christopher Newport University 46 11
University of Washington 45 30
UCLA 43 11
Towson University 42 16
University of North Carolina at Charlotte 42 14
Ashford University 41 20
The University of Georgia 39 10