Careers with a Sociology, Criminology or Pre-Law Major

What Are Sociology Students Doing with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology?

Sociology is a unique, highly applicable major. A degree in sociology from OHIO prepares students for a wide range of careers and is very transferable to a variety of professions. For example, a student with a Sociology-Criminology degree is perfectly suited for a career in law-related fields.

The career paths for sociology majors can include work in community justice organizations, corrections, courts, data analysis, domestic terrorism, education, federal law enforcement, fraud prevention, homeland security, juvenile justice, law enforcement, legal research, neighborhood organizing, offender rehabilitation, parole, prisoner reentry programs, private security, probation offices, restorative justice, substance abuse counseling, and victim advocate agencies.

Graduates with sociology degree a also can pursue advanced degrees in criminology and criminal justice, law, sociology, and other social science disciplines, which opens up even more career opportunities. Students completing the major receive a degree in sociology with the specialty in criminology listed on the transcript, making it a broad degree suitable for a wide range of careers.

Meanwhile, a Sociology Pre-Law degree is ideal for students with their minds set on law school. Students can also use the skills they learn from our sociology programs to become paralegals, court navigators, and more.

Many dip their feet into sociology as an experiment, only to find the subject matter fascinating, awakening and inspiring for their future career trajectories.

Which Sociology Degree Best Fits Your Career Plans?

Sociology B.A.

A Sociology B.A. degree provides students with a comprehensive understanding of society and the human experience. Students learn about diverse cultures, social norms and values, and historical and contemporary social trends, which can deepen their empathy, appreciation, and understanding of the world around them. This knowledge and perspective is valuable for students interested in pursuing careers in public service, education, advocacy, social work, law, or any field where understanding people and society is essential.

Those with degrees in sociology find meaningful and rewarding employment as consultants to business and government, social change agents (e.g., community organizers), politicians, and educators. An undergraduate major in sociology is excellent preparation for those anticipating graduate study in law, social welfare, business administration, journalism, and many technical and scientific fields.

Sociology-Criminology B.A.

Sociology-criminology graduates are qualified for a wide range of careers in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, including community justice organizations, corrections, courts, data analysis, education, federal law enforcement, fraud prevention, homeland security, juvenile justice, offender rehabilitation, and victim advocate agencies. This major provides a solid foundation for successful careers in fields that are crucial for maintaining a safe and just society.

The career paths available to graduates of this major are numerous and include work in community justice organizations, corrections, courts, data analysis, domestic terrorism, education, federal law enforcement, fraud prevention, homeland security, juvenile justice, law enforcement, legal research, neighborhood organizing, offender rehabilitation, parole, prisoner reentry programs, private security, probation offices, restorative justice, substance abuse counseling, and victim advocate agencies. Moreover, graduates can pursue advanced degrees in criminology and criminal justice, law, sociology, and other social science disciplines, which opens up even more career opportunities. Students completing the major receive a degree in sociology with the specialty in criminology listed on the transcript, making it a broad degree suitable for a wide range of careers.

Sociology Pre-Law B.A.

The Sociology Pre-Law degree offers a range of career opportunities for students who are interested in law and law-related fields. Students who graduate from this program can choose to attend law school, but they also have the option to pursue careers in government, public service professions, non-governmental organizations, community justice navigation, mediation, social justice organizations, public policy institutes, criminal justice organizations, court administration, offender rehabilitation, prisoner reentry programs, and restorative justice.

This degree offers numerous career paths in the legal field and beyond. The sociology pre-law degree brings together the sociology program’s strengths in social inequality, law and society, and criminology, and it is an ideal degree for students interested in attending law school, as well as students interested in careers in other law-related fields.

Moreover, the online sociology pre-law degree is an innovative program that provides students with new opportunities to access a pre-law curriculum, helping to close the gap in underrepresented students in law schools and legal careers. Online courses provide students with a flexible learning environment, which is ideal for students who may be located in remote areas or have other commitments that make traditional, in-person classes difficult to pursue. The sociology pre-law program’s focus on access to justice, working with diverse populations, and its excellent preparation for both law and law-related fields, makes it an excellent choice for students interested in pursuing a career in these areas. For students who wish to continue their study past the B.A., the online Sociology Pre-Law program provides students with the opportunity to access other online options for advanced study. Law schools are increasingly providing online options for legal education. The Online Sociology Pre-Law BA program is an excellent foundation for students who wish to pursue an online law degree or other advanced online legal studies.

Get to Graduate School Faster with our Early Assurance Program

Students in any of these undergraduate sociology programs can pursue admission to OHIO's Early Assurance Program with the M.A. in Law, Justice & Culture.

Complete a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in an accelerated program by taking graduate courses your senior year.
Guarantee a seat in the master’s program by earning conditional admission when you enter as a freshman.
Prepare for careers in research and policy, public agencies, advocacy organizations, private companies, and nonprofits.
Prepare for law school and Ph.D. programs.

Individualized Career Coaching for Arts & Sciences Students

College of Arts & Sciences students can take advantage of individualized career coaching, with many resources to help them prepare for successful lives. Students with liberal arts degrees are highly sought after because they are educated to think critically and become problem solvers for 21st century issues.

Juniors, seniors and graduate students should be working to establish a resume that details their academic and professional accomplishments. Many students will find it helpful to establish prominent and easily searchable online profiles including services like Linked in and Handshake

Make an appointment with OHIO's Career Services, by logging into Handshake!

Meet with the Sociology Career Adviser

Dr. Amanda Cox serves as the career adviser for sociology students.

Career Assistance and Questions She Can Help With

Career exploration resources
Identification of career skills and values
Job Searching
Resume, CV and cover letter preparation and revisions
Interviewing tips and strategies
Graduate school information and materials preparation

Schedule a Meeting!

Schedule a meeting with Dr. Cox through “You Can Book Me!”

If you plan to work in the fields of sociology or criminology and aren’t sure of your options or need assistance with preparation, I am here to help you! I can guide you through identifying career skills and values; exploring career options; writing and updating resumes, CVs, and cover letters; job search and interviewing strategies; and answer your questions about careers and graduate school. Stop by my office in 109 Bentley Annex or set up an appointment with me using my ‘You Can Book Me’ link! — Dr. Amanda Cox

Career & Employment Resources

What can you do with a sociology degree? Explore the ASA guides

Academic Employment

Corporate Employment

Government Employment

USA Jobs

Examples of Criminology Careers

These are some of the jobs that sociology-criminology graduates have taken in recent years. Because criminology students also have a sociology degree, they may compete for any job that is open to sociology graduates. Some of the following jobs may require additional education, training or experience.

Adult Parole/Probation Officer
Child Abuse Investigator
Child Support Enforcement Agency
City Police Officer
Community Corrections Facility Administrator
Community Outreach, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention
Community Policing
Counselor, Community Corrections Facility
Counselor, Residential Facility for Juvenile Drug & Alcohol
County Prosecutor's Office Investigator
Domestic Mediator
Domestic Violence Investigator, County Law Enforcement
Drug Enforcement Administration Agent
Federal Bureau of Investigation Agent
Fraud Investigator, Bank
Highway Patrol Officer
Homeland Security Agent
Human Rights Advocate
Immigration and Naturalization Service Agent
Intake Officer, Halfway House
International Conflict Mediation
Intensive Probation Coordinator, County Juvenile Court
Inventory Control Director, Department Store
Juvenile Detention Facility Administrator
Juvenile Diversion Program Administrator
Juvenile Parole, Department of Youth Services
Juvenile Probation Officer
Lawyer
Mediator
Mental Health Division Investigator, Office of Public Defender
Paralegal
Police Officer, U.S. Capitol
Private Security Firm Investigator
Program Director, Juvenile Detention Facility
Research and Statistics, County Court
Restorative Justice
Secret Service Agent
Security, U.S. State Department
Sexual Abuse Investigator, County Court
State Board of Pharmacy Investigator
State Bureau of Criminal Investigation Agent
U.S. Customs Agent
U.S. Department of Justice; Office of Justice Programs
Unit Manager, Adult Correctional Institution
University Professor
Victim Assistance Program Director
Victim-Offender Reconciliation Programs

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