Sociology Degree Specialties

Sociology degree specialties allow students to tailor their education to specific areas of interest within the broad field of sociology. These specializations offer deeper insights and expertise in focused topics, preparing graduates for specialized careers or advanced academic pursuits. Whether you aim to influence public policy, work in healthcare, or study societal behaviors, a specialization can align your education with your professional goals, increase your potential salary, and open additional job opportunities. Below, we explore a variety of sociology specializations, detailing their structure, curriculum, and career paths.

Sociology degree specialties allow students to tailor their education to specific areas of interest within the broad field of sociology.

Top Sociology Degree Specialties

The list of available sociology degree specialties offered by universities in the United States is extremely long. Here are just a few of the more popular degree specializations available.

Culture

Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
Length/Credits: Varies (typically 30-36 credits for Master’s)
Tuition: $10,000-$30,000 per year, depending on the institution
Online Availability: Limited

Curriculum Details:
This specialization focuses on the study of cultural norms, traditions, and transformations. Courses may include:

  • Cultural Theory and Analysis
  • Media and Society
  • Cross-Cultural Communication

Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in sociology or a related field; some programs require a writing sample or research proposal.
Careers: Museum curator, cultural researcher, community outreach specialist
Employment Areas: Nonprofits, cultural organizations, academia

Economic Sociology

Degree Levels: Master’s, Doctorate
Length/Credits: Typically 30-36 credits
Tuition: $12,000-$25,000 annually
Online Availability: Rare

Curriculum Details:
Explores the intersection of economic systems and societal structures. Key courses may include:

  • Sociology of Markets
  • Labor and Inequality
  • Global Economic Systems

Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s in sociology, economics, or related discipline; GRE may be required.
Careers: Policy analyst, labor economist, market researcher
Employment Areas: Government, think tanks, international development agencie

Gender & Sexuality

Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
Length/Credits: 30-36 credits for graduate-level programs
Tuition: $10,000-$30,000 per year
Online Availability: Available at some institutions

Curriculum Details:
This specialization delves into gender roles, sexuality, and feminist theory. Sample courses:

  • Gender and Power
  • LGBTQ+ Studies
  • Feminist Research Methods

Admissions Requirements: Undergraduate coursework in sociology, women’s studies, or related fields
Careers: Gender policy advisor, diversity consultant, academic researcher
Employment Areas: NGOs, education, corporate diversity programs

Globalization

Degree Levels: Master’s, Doctorate
Length/Credits: 1-2 years (Master’s); 3-5 years (Doctorate)
Tuition: $15,000-$35,000 per year
Online Availability: Rare

Curriculum Details:
Focuses on global interconnectivity and its impact on societies. Core courses:

  • Global Social Movements
  • Migration and Diaspora Studies
  • International Development

Admissions Requirements: Strong academic background; international experience is a plus
Careers: International relations specialist, migration analyst, development officer
Employment Areas: UN agencies, multinational corporations, nonprofits

Health & Population

Degree Levels: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate
Length/Credits: 2 years (Master’s)
Tuition: $10,000-$28,000 annually
Online Availability: Some programs available

Curriculum Details:
Examines population dynamics and health disparities. Example courses:

  • Sociology of Health and Illness
  • Demography and Public Health
  • Epidemiology for Sociologists

Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s in sociology, public health, or related fields
Careers: Public health analyst, demographer, health policy advisor
Employment Areas: Health departments, research institutions, NGOs

Historical Sociology

Degree Levels: Master’s, Doctorate
Length/Credits: 1-2 years (Master’s)
Tuition: $12,000-$25,000 annually
Online Availability: Limited

Curriculum Details:
Explores societal transformations over time. Sample courses:

  • Historical Social Theory
  • Comparative Historical Methods
  • Sociology of Revolutions

Admissions Requirements: Writing sample emphasizing historical analysis
Careers: Historian, archival researcher, policy analyst
Employment Areas: Academia, museums, historical societies

Inequality

Degree Levels: Master’s, Doctorate
Length/Credits: Typically 30-36 credits
Tuition: $12,000-$30,000 annually
Online Availability: Limited

Curriculum Details:
Focuses on systemic inequalities and social justice. Key courses:

  • Poverty and Social Policy
  • Racial and Ethnic Inequality
  • Inequality in Education

Admissions Requirements: Bachelor’s in sociology or related field
Careers: Social justice advocate, public policy consultant, academic researcher
Employment Areas: Nonprofits, advocacy organizations, government

Mathematical Sociology & Quantitative Methods

Degree Levels: Master’s, Doctorate
Length/Credits: 2-3 years (Master’s)
Tuition: $15,000-$35,000 annually
Online Availability: Rare

Curriculum Details:
Combines sociology with advanced quantitative analysis. Courses include:

  • Statistical Modeling in Sociology
  • Social Network Analysis
  • Computational Sociology

Admissions Requirements: Strong quantitative skills; coursework in statistics preferred
Careers: Data scientist, social statistician, policy analyst
Employment Areas: Tech companies, research labs, government agencies

Additional Sociology Degree Specialties (Brief Overview)

  • Organizations, Occupations, and Work: Prepares for roles in HR, organizational consultancy, and workplace studies.
  • Political Sociology:  Explores the relationship between society and politics, leading to careers in policy-making, political consulting, or academia.
  • Race & Ethnicity: Focuses on racial dynamics and societal impacts, ideal for roles in diversity initiatives or advocacy groups.
  • Science & Technology: Examines the social implications of technological advancements.
  • Urban Sociology: Focuses on urban development and city planning, preparing graduates for roles in urban development or policy analysis.

Choosing a sociology degree specialty can open doors to exciting and impactful careers across a wide range of industries. By tailoring your studies to align with your passions and professional goals, you gain both the knowledge and expertise needed to make a meaningful difference in your chosen field.