First, some facts. Of the Sociology graduates from California State University-Sacramento 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 37 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 55%, Sociology graduates from California State University-Sacramento have a much lower likelihood (-12%) 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, only 29% 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:
Relevance score: 50%We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2013 from California State University-Sacramento with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAssistant Freshman Basketball CoachLodi High School Jul 2014 - Jan 2018 Project / Program Administrator Metcon-Ti Inc. Dec 2015 - Feb 2024 ABOUTI am creative thinker and self starter with significant interpersonal skills that will help promote effective communication between other team members and agencies.-Knowledge of issues related to project planning and governmental policies.-Experience in collecting, documenting, and analyzing data, budgets and resource needs.-Experience in monitoring and scheduling planning activities.-Able to execute planning changes and costs as they are presented.-Proficient in Microsoft Excel spreadsheet applications as well as Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.-Advance skills in Plan Grid and Google drive programs.-Able to independently conduct research-Able to prepare reports and develop solutions to help improve projects based on the research.-Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
From the LinkedIn profiles of graduates from California State University-Sacramento with a Sociology degree, a clear trend emerges in the types of jobs they pursued. Many individuals found their path in education and counseling roles, such as school counselors, college advisors, and various positions in mental health services, which directly leverage their sociological knowledge and skills. These roles often require understanding social dynamics, student behavior, community needs, and the various factors influencing family and individual developments. It's evident that individuals in these positions apply their sociology education in meaningful ways, helping to support and shape the lives of others through their work.
On the flip side, there are quite a few graduates who ended up in positions that don't directly relate to sociological principles, like bartending, management in retail, or various administrative roles. While some of these jobs might use basic interpersonal skills or involve teamwork, they generally don't necessitate a thorough understanding of social structures or apply sociological concepts in any significant way. So, it seems that while many graduates successfully found roles relevant to their degree, a good number also ventured into areas where their sociology background might not have had a strong impact. It’s a mixed bag, but those sticking close to education and mental health tend to make the most of their sociology training!
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-Sacramento):
Graduates from California State University-Sacramento with degrees in Sociology tend to have a diverse career trajectory, but many of them gravitate toward roles that intersect with social services, education, and mental health. For many, their first job after graduation often revolves around support roles in educational settings or community service. For example, several graduates began their careers as counselors, program coordinators, or support staff, reflecting a desire to engage with their communities and assist individuals facing various challenges. This initial focus on social support and community involvement shows a strong alignment with their academic background in Sociology, which is primarily about understanding social behavior and structures.
As we look further down the line—about 5 to 10 years after graduation—it becomes clear that many alumni continue to build on the foundations laid during their early careers. It’s common to see graduates moving into more advanced roles in mental health, education, and community services, such as becoming licensed therapists, school counselors, or program directors for non-profits. Though some individuals branch out into unrelated fields or take on roles in corporate environments, many sustain a connection to social issues and advocacy in their careers. Overall, the trajectory shows that while some have faced challenges in aligning closely with their Sociology degree, a significant number have indeed carved out successful and relevant careers, leveraging their educational background to make a positive impact in society.
Getting a Bachelor's degree in Sociology at California State University-Sacramento is generally considered to be on the easier side compared to some other majors, but that doesn’t mean it’s a walk in the park. You’ll definitely have to put in the effort, especially when it comes to understanding theories and doing research projects. Classes often involve a lot of reading and writing, so if you enjoy that, you’ll probably find it manageable. Plus, the professors are usually pretty supportive, which can make the whole experience less stressful. Overall, while it's not as tough as some STEM fields, you’ll still need to stay engaged and do the work to make the most of it.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Sociology.
Based on the job titles and career paths of these Sociology graduates from California State University-Sacramento, it seems like they’re earning a decent living; however, the salary levels can vary quite a bit depending on the specific role and industry. Many of the positions they've taken, especially in education, counseling, and government roles, often offer stable salaries but might not lead to huge paychecks. For instance, roles like school counselors and administrative assistants typically start on the lower end of the spectrum. But then you have some who have progressed into managerial or specialized roles in government agencies, which can definitely pay better. So, overall, while none are likely rolling in it, they’re generally doing okay and building steady careers, especially if they continue to move up in their fields. It's all about those first few steps after graduation, right?
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-Sacramento). 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: