First, some facts. Of the Sociology graduates from San Francisco State 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 16 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Slightly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 68%, Sociology graduates from San Francisco State University have a slightly higher likelihood (+1%) 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: 88%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from San Francisco State University with a Bachelors Degree in Sociology. Also pursued further education since (see below). JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONPeer InternThe LGBTQ Youth Space Sep 2015 - Jun 2016 Behavior Therapist The Center for Autism and Related Disorders, LLC. (CARD) Oct 2017 - Apr 2021 Behavioral Therapist Los Altos School District May 2021 - Nov 2022 Program Supervisor Maxim Healthcare Services (Home Care) Dec 2022 - Present FURTHER DEGREES DONE SINCE GRADUATINGMaster of Special Education (Applied Behavior Analysis)Arizona State University 2021 - 2022 ABOUT4+ years of experience providing ABA therapy to a multitude of clients and students. Experience in data entry, excel, word, customer service, and behavioral skills training. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the job trajectories of folks who studied Sociology at San Francisco State University, it looks like a mix of fields and roles emerged, with many either directly or indirectly related to their degree. A lot of graduates ended up in fields like social services, healthcare, and education, where skills from their sociology background are put to good use. For example, positions such as School Counseling Interns, Mental Health Practitioners, and Crisis Intervention Counselors show a solid application of sociological principles, focusing on community needs and social dynamics.
However, there's also a noticeable trend toward jobs where sociology isn't the primary focus. Many graduates took on roles in operations management, administration, or customer service, which don’t necessarily leverage the sociological knowledge they gained. These positions—like general managers in the hospitality industry or roles involving legal assistance—sometimes tap into skills like teamwork or understanding client needs, but they don't dive deep into the core sociology concepts. Overall, while some paths taken by sociology graduates reflect a strong connection to their academic training, many move into roles that simply utilize a broader set of skills not specific to the discipline.
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 San Francisco State University):
From looking at these LinkedIn profiles of Sociology graduates from San Francisco State University, it seems like many of them have started their careers in fields relevant to their degree, especially in social services, counseling, and healthcare roles. Right after graduation, many took entry-level positions that closely align with the principles of sociology, like medical receptionists, youth mentors, and roles in community health. These types of jobs often emphasize skills in communication, empathy, and an understanding of diverse populations—qualities that are central to studying sociology.
Fast forward five to ten years, and while some have shifted careers or taken on roles that might seem far removed from sociology (like working in legal services or as a realtor), a significant number have maintained a solid connection to social work and mental health. Several have advanced into higher-level positions in these sectors, such as licensed clinical social workers and program supervisors. So, overall, it's a mixed bag; while some have ventured beyond typical sociology paths, many continue to thrive in careers that utilize the skills and knowledge they gained during their studies, contributing positively to communities and advocating for social change.
Getting a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at San Francisco State University—or really anywhere—can be a mixed bag in terms of difficulty. On one hand, the coursework isn’t typically super intense like some science or engineering majors; you’ll dig into interesting stuff about society, cultures, and social behaviors, which can be pretty engaging. Classes often involve discussions, group work, and writing papers, so if you enjoy that kind of learning, it can feel pretty manageable. However, if essays and theory aren’t your strong suits, it might feel a bit challenging at times. Overall, it’s generally considered to be on the easier side compared to more demanding majors, but it still requires commitment and effort like any degree. So, if you're passionate about the subject, you’ll likely find it rewarding without it being too overwhelming!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Sociology.
Looking at the job trajectories of these Sociology grads from San Francisco State University, it seems like their earnings might be a mixed bag. Some have steadily climbed the ladder into roles like Licensed Vocational Nurse or Legal and Compliance Manager, which usually pay decent salaries, particularly in places like California. Others, like those in social or community services, might earn less, especially starting out with positions like Medical Receptionist or Crisis Counselor, which often offer lower pay. Overall, while some have likely landed solid-paying jobs, others may be struggling a bit more financially, as many of these roles are in nonprofit or entry-level positions where pay can be lower. So, it really depends on the path they chose!
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 San Francisco State 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: