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First, some facts. Of the Sociology graduates from San Jose 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 23 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 52%, Sociology graduates from San Jose State University have a much lower likelihood (-15%) 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 17% 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:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2023 from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONPeer Mentor San Jose State University Aug 2023 - May 2024 Behavioral Health Technician Kyo Dec 2023 - Present ABOUTAs a first-generation college student, building and being part of a community is core to my family values as well as being a part of PUENTE at my community college. Puente is an organization intended to help first-generation college students focus on the future and transfer to a four-year institution. Engaging in community events helped me perfect my communication and active listening skills. Now at San Jose State, I work as a peer mentor providing leadership for incoming freshmen as well as an active member of MECHA developing a network of political activists on campus and in the community. Being a sociology major and Chicana/o/x studies minor gives me a dual lens to think critically about the world and conduct qualitative and quantitative research on various social injustices. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at the types of jobs that people with a Sociology degree from San Jose State University have landed, there’s a mix of roles spanning various fields. Many have ended up in positions like Diversity and Inclusion Specialists, Behavior Technicians, or roles that involve community engagement and social services. These jobs typically require an understanding of social dynamics, human behavior, and sometimes the political and economic structures that affect communities. It's clear that some graduates do directly apply their sociology background to their jobs, especially in areas like mental health, community coordination, and social policy. For example, positions like Disaster Case Managers or Drug and Alcohol Coordinators are very relevant as they align closely with the skills gained from studying sociology.
However, many of the jobs listed are not heavily reliant on sociology knowledge. Roles in administration, customer service, or even positions like sales representatives and banker's primarily focus on skills unrelated to sociology. While there might be a thin connection where interpersonal skills from sociology play a role, the core sociological theories and methods are not necessarily required in day-to-day operations. Overall, it seems that while some graduates have certainly found their education useful in their careers, a significant number have drifted into jobs where sociology isn't at the forefront of their work responsibilities. So, if you're considering a sociology degree, it's worth thinking about how you want to apply that knowledge in the real world since the actual job market can be quite diverse—sometimes leading you away from traditional sociological pathways.
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 Jose State University):
Looking at the career trajectories of Sociology graduates from San Jose State University, it's interesting to see a mix of paths influenced by their degree. Right after graduation, many seem to find roles in administrative support, education, and community services. For instance, some took up positions as administrative assistants, teachers, or coordinators in social services. These jobs indicate that graduates are leveraging their sociological knowledge to work in environments focused on support and inclusion, which is a natural extension of their studies. However, it's also clear that not all graduates dive directly into sociology-related fields; some end up in banking or retail jobs, which might not seem particularly relevant to their degree at first glance.
Fast forward about five years, many graduates have managed to either establish a solid foothold in fields related to sociology—like mental health coordination or diversity and inclusion roles—or transitioned into different sectors entirely. Some have found themselves in managerial or specialized roles within larger organizations, such as Amazon and Kaiser Permanente. Others have taken the entrepreneurial route, starting their own ventures. While there are some successes tied directly to sociology, like program coordinators and researchers, there are also graduates who have shifted towards more general business or tech roles, including customer support and product management. So, while some graduates land good careers relevant to their major, others seem to find themselves spreading their wings into diverse fields, which doesn't necessarily scream sociology but still allows for personal and professional growth. It’s a mixed bag, but it shows how flexible a sociology degree can be in today’s job market!
A Bachelor’s degree in Sociology at San Jose State University isn't typically considered super hard, but like any degree, it really depends on your interests and study habits. If you're into understanding society, people, and cultural issues, you'll probably find it interesting and engaging, which can make it feel easier. The coursework will involve a mix of reading, writing, and maybe some research, but nothing that's usually too overwhelming. Some students find it less intense compared to degrees like engineering or biology. Overall, if you put in the effort and enjoy the subject, you can definitely handle it!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 2 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Sociology.
Looking at these Sociology grads from San Jose State University, it seems like their earnings are pretty hit-or-miss. Some have worked in stable positions at places like Kaiser Permanente and Amazon, which typically pay decent salaries, while others are in roles that probably don’t pull in much cash, like teaching at a YMCA or working as a Behavioral Health Technician. Overall, it appears that while some have landed in more lucrative career paths, others are still grinding it out in lower-paying gigs, especially early in their careers. So, it’s a mixed bag, but it seems like more of them have the potential to earn decent money if they keep moving up the ladder!
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 Jose 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:
