If you want a career where you can use your public engagement acuity, communication skills, empathy, openness to diversity and ethical awareness, a sociology degree program might be the perfect fit. A bachelor’s degree in sociology leads to careers in social services, research, human resources, public policy, teaching or any field that requires an understanding of human behavior, societal structures, social life and social change.
If you’re considering a career that allows you to work with people in today’s complex social landscape, Northwest Missouri State University’s online Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Sociology program is an ideal choice. Northwest’s program helps students think critically and analytically while developing a deeper understanding of social behaviors, interpersonal intelligence and social institutions.
Job Options for Bachelor of Science in Sociology Graduates
Graduates of Northwest’s online B.S. in Sociology program can expect to find success in a number of roles, including the following. The below list is not comprehensive, as graduates can apply their skills to many positions beyond these select few. Note that salary information is current as of February 2025 and vary depending on factors such as location and work experience:
Social Work Case Manager
A case manager’s primary responsibility is to advocate for clients. As the bridge between clients and the resources they need, you coordinate the care and services that will improve their quality of life. You work with service providers, monitor progress and create care plans that match each client’s unique needs.
Other duties include facilitating communication between clients and service providers, conducting regular follow-up meetings with clients and providing crisis intervention when necessary. The average salary for a social work case manager is $51,073 per year.
Legislative Aide
Legislative aides play a key role in shaping policy while ensuring legislators are informed on all matters. Legislative aides or assistants provide critical support to legislators which includes conducting research, drafting bills and proposals, meeting with constituents, lobbyists and other stakeholders, and responding to inquiries.
Other responsibilities include assisting with media and public relations, attending meetings, helping prepare speeches and presentations — all of which require excellent research, writing and communication. The average annual salary for a legislative aide is $53,985.
Urban Planner
Urban planners create and implement land and community development. This includes plans for neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties, with some projects specializing in public transportation or historic preservation.
This job requires an understanding of community needs, researching local trends and working with stakeholders. The role also involves understanding legal regulations and collaborating with teams to develop plans. The average salary for an urban planner is $75,033 per year.
Data Analyst
A data analyst collects data from multiple sources and designs and maintains databases and data systems. They analyze and interpret the collected data to identify trends and patterns.
Data analysts use this information to prepare reports and determine areas of improvement. The average annual salary for a data analyst is $81,273.
Foreign Services Officer
Foreign service officers represent the U.S. abroad, working on matters of diplomacy, politics, economics and culture. This often means working in U.S. Embassies or Consulates in other countries.
Job duties include issuing visas to foreigners, protecting and assisting U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad, keeping U.S. officials informed about current events and trends in host countries, public diplomacy activities and more. The average salary for a foreign services officer representing the U.S. is $56,584 per year.
Community Health Worker
A community health worker is the liaison between healthcare providers and the community. This vital role contributes to improving overall health outcomes by addressing the unique needs and challenges of their community.
The job involves education, social work, advocacy and administrative duties. Community health workers may work for nonprofits, social service agencies, local and state health departments, healthcare facilities or home care settings. The average annual salary for a community health worker is $44,925.
Child Welfare Specialist
A child welfare specialist works on behalf of children to ensure they grow in a safe and nurturing environment. To do so, these specialists provide necessary interventions and resources to vulnerable families.
This includes conducting assessments of children and families, creating individualized service plans, maintaining case records, collaborating with other professionals like teachers, healthcare providers and law enforcement, advocating for children and families in court proceedings, and educating families about their rights and responsibilities. The average salary for a child welfare specialist is $51,758 per year.
Prepare for Public, Private and Nonprofit Sector Jobs With a Sociology Degree
For those aspiring to a broad range of career options in the public and private sectors, finding the right degree program is essential. With many potential students working and looking for opportunities to lower expenses, there is a demand for programs that offer affordability and flexibility, in addition to strong coursework designed to prepare students for careers in the field.
Luckily, the fully online format of Northwest’s B.S. in Sociology program offers a flexible avenue for students to begin their professional journey. Northwest has the added benefit of being accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, so students in this program benefit from convenience without sacrificing quality.
Learn more about Northwest’s online B.S. in Sociology program.
