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First, some facts. Of the Sociology graduates from University of Massachusetts Amherst 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 14 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 53%, Sociology graduates from University of Massachusetts Amherst have a much lower likelihood (-14%) 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, 42% 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:
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Relevance score: 33% We think this person has NOT gone into a career related to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2015 from University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONPerishables Associate Target Nov 2015 - Sep 2018 Technical Support Representative  EBSCO Information Services Oct 2018 - Present ABOUTNo information provided. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When looking at job profiles of Sociology graduates from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, a clear trend emerges: many of them have landed roles in social services, community engagement, and healthcare. Positions like Clinical Social Work Interns, Community Health Workers, and Aging Life Care Managers suggest that these graduates often apply their sociological knowledge directly in their careers. For example, working within organizations that advocate for individuals—especially in vulnerable populations—highlights a significant connection between their academic training and their current responsibilities.
However, not all roles taken by these graduates are directly linked to sociology. Some students have pursued careers in fields like management, sales, and various technical positions, where they may draw on soft skills like communication or understanding group dynamics but don't necessarily employ sociological theories in their daily tasks. Overall, while many graduates engage in roles that align well with their Sociology education, there's a notable split. Some carve out relevant and meaningful positions within social services, while others veer into areas where their degree might not be as directly applicable. This indicates a broad scope of possibilities ahead after obtaining a Sociology degree, showing both the value and versatility of the field in various job markets.
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 University of Massachusetts Amherst):
Graduates from the Sociology program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst seem to follow a mix of career paths after finishing school, but there’s a noticeable trend toward roles that are community-focused or related to social services. For many, the first job out of college often involves positions such as program coordinator, analyst, or various support roles within social justice and health services. Jobs like these reflect a societal impact mentality, with many grads working in nonprofits or government positions aimed at helping vulnerable populations. This is especially true for those who entered fields like social work or health care, suggesting that many graduates leverage their degrees in meaningful ways right from the start.
As we look at the trajectories five to ten years later, it appears that while some individuals stick with roles tied more closely to their Sociology background, like social work or community health, others begin to shift into different realms, such as business or tech-related positions. For instance, some grads opt for jobs in operations, account management, or consulting—fields not directly related to Sociology but that may benefit from their skills in analysis and understanding of human behavior. However, it’s clear that not everyone stays in the field of Sociology long-term, with many graduates transitioning into roles that can seem detached from their studies. Ultimately, while there are definitely successful paths rooted in social change and community, the landscape also reveals many who take their Sociology degree into more diverse and sometimes unrelated sectors.
Honestly, getting a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology can be a mixed bag—it really depends on your interests and how you approach the coursework. At a place like the University of Massachusetts Amherst, you’ll dive into topics like social behavior, cultures, and inequalities, which can be super fascinating if you’re into understanding how society works. Some classes might be more challenging, especially if they involve heavy reading or research projects, but many students find the material relatable and engaging, so it doesn’t feel like a slog. Overall, it might be a bit easier than degrees in the hard sciences or math, but it definitely has its own set of challenges. Just keep up with your readings and participate in discussions, and you’ll probably find it manageable and even enjoyable!
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Sociology.
Alright, so looking at these UMass Amherst Sociology grads and their job trajectories, it seems like some of them are doing pretty decent, while others might be scraping by a bit. For instance, the ones who went into more corporate roles, like the Chargeback Analyst or those working in the payments industry, probably racked up some solid salaries, especially as they moved up to senior consultant positions—those roles typically pay well. On the flip side, folks who stuck with social work and community services often start off on the lower end of the pay scale, especially since internships and entry-level positions in that field don't usually come with hefty paychecks. So, it’s a mixed bag: some seem to have hit the financial jackpot, while others are likely just making ends meet.
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 University of Massachusetts Amherst). 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:
