First, some facts. Of the Sociology graduates from Sonoma 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? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 57%, Sociology graduates from Sonoma State University have a lower likelihood (-10%) 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, 37% 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: 85%We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2014 from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor of Arts - BA in Sociology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONGeniusApple May 2014 - Feb 2017 Project Facilitator Apple Aug 2017 - Mar 2018 Human Factors Associate Apple Mar 2018 - Nov 2019 Human Factors Engineer Apple Nov 2019 - Feb 2023 Research Operations Engineer Apple Feb 2023 - Present ABOUTIn my role as Research Operations Engineer at Apple, with over five years of dedicated experience in human factors and research, I've honed a unique blend of technical expertise and operations acumen. My journey began in human factors, evolving into research operations where my competencies in moderation have been pivotal. At the core, my mission is to foster a culture of innovation; leveraging my skills to enrich user experiences and streamline research processes. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When taking a look at the job paths of people who graduated with a Sociology degree from Sonoma State University, it seems like they have ventured into a wide array of professions. A significant chunk of graduates ended up in teaching and counseling roles, especially in educational settings, where they can apply their understanding of social dynamics and human behavior. For instance, positions like ESL Instructor, Physical Education Teacher, and even Marriage and Family Therapist Trainee reflect an inclination toward helping others and understanding complex social issues. These jobs often require a grasp of interpersonal skills and social awareness, which are foundational aspects of a sociology education.
However, there's also a notable trend where many graduates found themselves in roles that seem only loosely tied to sociology. Jobs like Project Manager or Operations Manager primarily focus on administrative or technical aspects and don't really leverage sociological principles. While there's some relevance in areas like human resources or customer service, the direct application of sociology frequently feels minimal. So, although many have secured jobs that resonate with their educational background, there are plenty who have drifted into roles where sociology isn't at the forefront of their day-to-day work. Overall, while there are exceptions, it appears that the connection to sociology in many careers isn't always as strong as one might hope.
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 Sonoma State University):
Graduates from Sonoma State University who majored in Sociology seem to have taken a variety of career paths after graduation. For many, their first jobs were often rooted in education, counseling, or social services, reflecting the skills and knowledge they gained during their studies. Positions like teaching, counseling, and community outreach roles appear to be common entry points. Over the first few years post-graduation, many of these graduates transitioned into roles such as mental health counselors, case managers, and educators, which align well with Sociology's focus on human behavior and societal structures. There are also individuals who ventured into corporate roles, especially in tech companies like Apple, showing that some graduates may leverage their sociology background in environments focused on user experience and social implications of technology.
Looking further down the line—around five to ten years after graduation—many of these professionals tend to be in positions that are not only stable but also demonstrate growth within relevant fields. For instance, several have maintained careers in mental health and education, demonstrating a commitment to roles that directly engage with communities and address social issues. However, it's worth noting that a significant number also moved into unrelated fields such as project management or sales, which could be viewed as a divergence from their Sociology roots. While some graduates indeed found successful paths that align with their academic background, others appear to have drifted into roles that may not fully utilize their Sociology degree, which can be a common experience for many graduates across various disciplines. So, while there are success stories, there are also those who may have had less favorable or relevant career trajectories.
Hey there! So, getting a Bachelor's degree in Sociology at Sonoma State University—or really anywhere—can be a mix of fun and challenging. It’s generally not considered one of the hardest degrees out there, especially compared to something like engineering or the sciences. You’ll dive into some interesting topics about society, culture, and human behavior, which can be pretty captivating. The workload can vary, but a lot of it involves reading, writing papers, and participating in discussions, so if you enjoy engaging with ideas and concepts, you'll probably find it manageable. Just be ready for some critical thinking and a fair amount of writing, but overall, it tends to be easier than average, especially if you're passionate about the subject!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Sociology.
So, looking at these Sociology grads from Sonoma State University, it seems like their earnings might be a bit hit-or-miss. A lot of them have landed in education, counseling, or administrative roles, which generally don’t pay super high salaries compared to other fields. For example, teachers and counselors usually start off making decent, but not spectacular, money, while positions like project management or anything at Apple seem to pay way better. Those working at tech companies or in specialized roles like human factors engineering probably have a solid income, but others in teaching or entry-level positions might be scraping by a bit more. Overall, it looks like they’re doing okay, but it really varies based on the specific path they took.
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 Sonoma 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: