What Careers Are Based on Sociology & Social Work?
Sociology and social work are interrelated fields in the social sciences that investigate human behavior and social groups. Both social workers and sociologists rely on theoretical models that explain human interactions and the causes of social and cultural change. Social workers are trained to study human behavior to help people reach their full potential; they provide counseling or advocacy services.
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Mental Health and Clinical Social Work
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According to the National Association of Social Workers, clinical social workers are the largest group of professionally trained mental health providers in the U.S. Clinical social workers provide counseling and therapy services to their clients. Mental health and clinical social workers are trained to work alongside other professionals and assist their patients with problems like stress-related illnesses or severe mental problems. They work in fields like alcohol and drug abuse treatment, grief counseling, child welfare and group therapy. In 2008, the average salary for medical and public health social workers ranged between $31,000 and 52,000.
Community Organization
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Sociologists and social workers are ideal candidates for careers in community organizing. Relevant fields in community organization include consumer advocacy, grass-roots organizing, politics and social planning. Advocacy organizations, development corporations, settlement houses and community action agencies also recruit qualified candidates with community organizing skills. Community organizers work for a variety of social causes such as neighborhood development, senior programs, corporate responsibility and workplace issues. Most community organizers go on to work in politics or become elected as public officials and are key players in social reform. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2008 the average annual salary for community organizers was $34,000.
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Criminal Justice
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Criminal justice is a broad field that offers numerous career opportunities for sociologists and social workers. Criminal justice professionals have a solid understanding of social organization; they investigate factors like socioeconomic status, ethnicity or age to explain or understand criminal behavior. Criminal justice professionals can work in law enforcement, government agencies, juvenile facilities or at academic institutions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the median annual salary for criminal justice professionals is $57,000.
Business
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Individuals who work in business related fields must have effective communication skills and a solid understanding of human relationships. Business fields that are ideal for sociologists or social workers include sales, management, human resources and banking. A background in sociology or social work and practical work experience can lead to lucrative professions in fields like sports management or sales representative. A career in business also offers entrepreneurial opportunities in small business. The annual salary for sales representatives in 2009 was $52,000 and $68,000 for managers.
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