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Job outlook for instructors of sociology in the United States
Are instructor of sociology jobs in demand?
Instructor of sociology job and salary trends over time
Instructor of sociology jobs over time
Instructor of sociology job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3,484 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 3,726 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 3,845 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 3,851 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 3,784 | 0.00% |
Average instructor of sociology salary over time
Instructor of sociology salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $51,701 | $24.86 | +0.4% |
| 2024 | $51,483 | $24.75 | +1.6% |
| 2023 | $50,696 | $24.37 | +1.5% |
| 2022 | $49,971 | $24.02 | +1.7% |
| 2021 | $49,124 | $23.62 | +3.8% |
Instructor of sociology jobs by state
Most common states for instructors of sociology
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 494 | 9% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 52 | 9% |
| 3 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 378 | 8% |
| 4 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 79 | 8% |
| 5 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 726 | 7% |
| 6 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 612 | 7% |
| 7 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 277 | 7% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 66 | 7% |
| 9 | Alaska | 739,795 | 51 | 7% |
| 10 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 661 | 6% |
| 11 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 468 | 5% |
| 12 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 313 | 5% |
| 13 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 281 | 5% |
| 14 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 162 | 5% |
| 15 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 37 | 5% |
| 16 | Vermont | 623,657 | 31 | 5% |
| 17 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,671 | 4% |
| 18 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 133 | 4% |
| 19 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 129 | 4% |
| 20 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 46 | 4% |
Most common cities for instructors of sociology
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alhambra | 1 | 1% | $62,216 |
| 2 | Fort Collins | 1 | 1% | $37,217 |
| 3 | Anaheim | 1 | 0% | $62,042 |
Instructor Of Sociology job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of instructor of sociology experts
Tiffin University
Xavier University of Louisiana
Brandeis University
Ithaca College
Southeastern Louisiana University
University of Mount Union
Cal State LA
Southeastern Louisiana University
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Siena College
Andrews University
Illinois State University
Grambling State University
Skidmore College
College of Charleston
Shaw University
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
The University of Tennessee Knoxville
Oakland University
Franklin and Marshall College
Dr. Stephanie Opfer
Associate Professor of English, Assistant Dean of the School of Creative and Media ArtsTiffin University
Visual And Performing Arts
What general advice would you give to an Instructor Of Sociology?
Dr. Stephanie Opfer: Because of the state of higher education in our country today, teaching in higher education can be a difficult field to break into. However, most colleges and universities still hire adjunct instructors (part-time instructors). Students shouldn't be afraid to teach as an adjunct for a while to get some experience and decide if teaching is for them.
What Instructor Of Sociology skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Stephanie Opfer: Flexibility and adaptability will be the biggest skills instructors will need. The state of higher education is changing, and the 'ivory tower' is going away. Colleges and universities are starting to focus more on career-oriented programs, which include practical and application skill sets. In order to stay relevant, the focus of humanities classes like art and film should be on teaching students analysis, synthesis, and other critical-thinking skills. The content becomes less important and becomes only the vehicle for teaching these skills.
What will help Instructors Of Sociology increase their earning potential?
Dr. Stephanie Opfer: Unfortunately, teaching as an adjunct does not pay well. Students should keep their full-time jobs and teach part-time until they find a full-time job at a college or university. That part-time teaching provides them valuable experience and connections that make them more competitive candidates for full-time positions because they'd also be competing with candidates who have PhDs. So adjunct work is more of a long-term investment rather than an immediate return. Also, even full-time teaching jobs don't pay particularly well, so they'll really need to love teaching if they want to do it full-time. If they don't like teaching as an adjunct, they won't like doing it full-time.
Dr. Charity Clay
Assistant ProfessorXavier University of Louisiana
Department of Sociology
What skills stand out on Instructor Of Sociology resumes?
Dr. Charity Clay: Sociology instructor positions generally DO NOT take resumes. In our field, we use CVs. Additionally, sociology majors with an undergraduate degree are not eligible to be instructors (that requires at least a master's degree and a Ph.D. for any full-time positions), so sociology majors entering the job market aren't seeking "instructor" positions.
What soft skills should all Instructors Of Sociology possess?
Dr. Charity Clay: The hard and soft skills for an "instructor of sociology" are specific to the institution and often explicitly displayed in the advertisement placed by that institution.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Instructors Of Sociology?
Dr. Charity Clay: The hard and soft skills for an "instructor of sociology" are specific to the institution and often explicitly displayed in the advertisement placed by that institution.
What skills will help Instructors Of Sociology earn the most?
Dr. Charity Clay: In most sociology instructor positions, the "earning" is not flexible. Most positions have EITHER a grid that sets earnings based on years of experience X level of education OR instructors are not eligible for raises (besides COLA) until they achieve "rank and tenure," which takes 4-6 years depending on the institution.
What skills stand out on Instructor Of Sociology resumes?
Michael Strand: I would say knowledge, methodological acumen, compassion, and a sense of justice.
What soft skills should all Instructors Of Sociology possess?
Michael Strand: Compassion, empathy, curiosity.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Instructors Of Sociology?
Michael Strand: Interview methods, observational techniques, ethnographic training, statistical analysis acumen.
What skills will help Instructors Of Sociology earn the most?
Michael Strand: Hard to say. Employers seem to find a variety of things valuable in those with a sociology BA. I would say knowledge of society, awareness of diversity, and using methods to produce social knowledge.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Instructors Of Sociology?
Stephen Sweet Ph.D.: I believe one of the enduring impacts will be an increased divide between those landing good jobs and those landing into positions that offer more limited opportunities for growth. These patterns existed before the pandemic, but likely the pandemic has sped up and exacerbated economic divides and opportunity chasms.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Instructors Of Sociology?
Stephen Sweet Ph.D.: Undergraduate sociology programs do not normally provide certificates or licenses beyond the undergraduate degree that might earned in a liberal arts education. Sociology graduates should leave their programs with a robust understanding of issues concerning inequality, social justice, and diversity-equity-inclusion. They should also leave with solid analytic skills, adept at understanding quantitative and qualitative data, and be effective communicators.
What will help Instructors Of Sociology increase their earning potential?
Stephen Sweet Ph.D.: Relatively few sociology majors enter their degree programs with financial concerns being a paramount consideration. However, as part of their education students learn many marketable skills. These skills enable graduates to present themselves as interpersonally sensitive and creative problem solvers who can understand and shape cultural and structural arrangements that promote workplace effectiveness.
Dr. Rebecca Tuxhorn
Instructor of SociologySoutheastern Louisiana University
Sociology Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Instructors Of Sociology?
Dr. Rebecca Tuxhorn: I cannot see how there will not be an enduring impact of the pandemic on anyone, and especially graduates. The job market is in a bit of a flux with remote work in many jobs (among other changes happening) and I believe that will require even more flexibility and the need to focus on adaptability as we move forward. Graduates will want to emphasize their ability to work independently while remaining reliable and dependable, particularly for potential jobs where a 'boss' will not be ever-present in a physical space. If I were a graduate applying for jobs, I would want to highlight my experience that supports this. Due to the movement of so many aspects of work environments to online formats, graduates will also want to emphasize their tech-savvy strengths (and work on their tech weaknesses)!
What's a day at work look like for an Instructor Of Sociology?
Dr. Rebecca Tuxhorn: If a graduate accepts a job working remotely, I think it will be helpful to make sure they have a space carved out of their living space that is devoted to work - as separate as possible in the space they have. Research prior to the pandemic has revealed that work fatigue for those carrying their work into their home space was becoming more detrimental to mental health, and now we do not have that physical separation which makes the carry-over that much more prevalent! It will be even more important to remain disciplined and focused without the physical space of the work environment to keep you on track. Being in the home may seem like an invitation to take work responsibilities less seriously, but especially for graduates starting new jobs this attitude would be very detrimental to the perception of how talented and capable you really are! If you are a sociology graduate moving into teaching and you are teaching remotely, you'll need to put in some extra time making yourself familiar with the learning management system being utilized by your university. Due to many of the restrictions in place, training may not be as available as it was prior to the pandemic. Whatever your situation, network with others as much as you can to get the lay of the land, and be sure to ask questions if you are unsure about exactly what is expected of you in your new work environment!
What will help Instructors Of Sociology increase their earning potential?
Dr. Rebecca Tuxhorn: I believe demonstrating the ability to be flexible, adaptable, and somewhat tech-savvy will be a real boost when competing for higher earnings. Communication skills are key as well, especially in the absence of face-to-face physical interaction in many workplaces. Be prompt in returning emails and other forms of communication, as that will indicate that you are responsive and paying attention. Overall, practice self-care as well to avoid burnout and a negative attitude. It's definitely a new balancing act to maintain, but networking with others can help. Be sure to 'plug-in' to positive networks and avoid the negative ones that can drain you.
Aaron Howell Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of SociologyUniversity of Mount Union
Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Instructors Of Sociology?
Aaron Howell Ph.D.: Yes, it will have an enduring impact. Some of this will be social psychological and shared with all the other generations that lived through the pandemic. There will be much to be written and said, for many years, on the consequences for everyone, regardless of age. As far as graduates and their prospects in the labor market, it may be uneven. A characteristic of the economy has been to increasingly deliver stratified outcomes for people in adulthood, some being more comfortable, others being more of struggle. The good thing is, the college degree dramatically increases someone's ability to end up more on the comfortable side, than the struggling side (at least in a narrow economic sense). The specific challenge for graduates, in any field, that they don't have much control over is that some may begin their careers with lower starting salaries, having consequences on long term earnings. Your starting salary is the beginning point and becomes what you 'argue against' when asking for a raise. It's also important when getting a more across the board raise. For example, a 6% raise on 90k is a lot more than it is on 75k. This is all speculation at this point. Economic forecasting is a very difficult thing to do with precision. The reality of the labor market is that it is varied, so for graduates some of the outcomes will depend on discipline or field of study. The value of the degree from a small liberal arts university, such as the one I work at, remains the same. It provides a broad set of skills that give students the writing experience to excel in work worlds that require it, delivers opportunities for training in research if it suits one's field of study, and more broadly trains students to think critically by asking questions, gathering evidence, and forming conclusions. In addition, many college graduates get experience in service learning or community-based collaboration that gives them 'real world' experiences that can be helpful in positions that require these types of relationships.
What's a day at work look like for an Instructor Of Sociology?
Aaron Howell Ph.D.: This largely depends on the job, but certainly there are a few shared characteristics across most jobs. First, written and oral communication are essential. The ability to communicate effectively has become even more important for the workforce, as the US labor market has shifted away from production-based work of past generations and into service sector positions. Many college graduates end up as 'knowledge workers', these positions require collaboration and communication to create the innovative outcomes the companies and organizations they are working for desire -- this holds in all kinds of fields, like health care, information technologies, scientific and research based jobs, to name a few. Second, technological skills are essential. Machines -- whether it be a computer or some new robot -- still require human labor, in their creation obviously, but also in their application. Algorithms don't write themselves. That new technology revolutionizing elder care needs a human mediator. Put simply, there will always be human mediation in any field being affected by new technologies. Given that all fields are impacted by technological transformation, to a certain extent, the day at work for a recent graduate will involve some form of interaction with technology.
What will help Instructors Of Sociology increase their earning potential?
Aaron Howell Ph.D.: A few things, after earning an undergraduate degree, can be done to increase earning potential. Other than the obvious advice to find a job in your field, it is important to develop relationships with people in your field. Mobility within any labor market requires relationships. It requires people that assist you along the way. Put simply, you have to have people that vouch for you. It goes a long way when some more experienced person in your field vouches for you. This can be formal -- like a letter of recommendation. But it can also be informal, through email introductions or invitations to interact in non-work settings. It's also the way you learn new information. College graduates find themselves in careers where learning does not stop, so many of the skills acquired as an undergraduate are continually deployed on the job. Finally, always be looking for new opportunities. In many fields, taking on new opportunities at other companies or organizations is a way to increase earnings. Sometimes to get that next job will require taking on a new position (or maybe even graduate school). Of course, much of this is in generalizations, so any one person's case could wildly vary, but these are a few pieces of information I'd give to any graduate.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Instructor Of Sociology job market given the pandemic?
Charity Perry Ph.D.: I think one of the most significant trends we will see continue will be the ability to work more remotely. An important issue that should be highlighted though, is the rate that women were forced to leave the job market in light of the pandemic. So much of the progress women have fought for seems to have been lost at a significant rate when compared to men. In the fall of 2020, nearly 900,000 women left the labor force, more than four times the rate of men who left the labor force. Women are still viewed as 'caretakers.' So, the duties to their care for family (i.e., young children at home, aging parents) rose to incredibly high levels, and could potentially set the gender equity back an entire generation due to the loss of supervision during school hours that were provided, and the economic security held by some families prior to the pandemic. This could have long-term consequences which include women re-entering the workforce in lower than desired numbers.
What soft skills should all Instructors Of Sociology possess?
Charity Perry Ph.D.: The ability to thrive with others, Teamwork! To grow even more, an important skill that graduates should possess upon transitioning out of higher education, is empathy. Empathy is crucial to not only a person individually, but those around. One must be able to develop social behaviors that enrich their lives and the lives of individuals who interact together. Having empathy enables us to consider where another person is coming from (another's perspective), plays a role in the self-regulation of one's own behavior and emotions and being able to identify the emotions of others. Another soft skill that graduates should possess is work ethic. If an individual is not committed to their work, or their work doesn't engage them in any way, there's room for bad habits and laziness to appear. I am constantly reminding my students that I want them to choose a career that they love (not what their parents want them to do). It's so important to love what you do every day. If you love what you do, you never work a day in your life! Certainly, critical thinking and problem-solving skills are fairly crucial in any line of work, and lastly, the ability to communicate with others is paramount. Not just over Zoom, but face to face as well.
How have salaries changed over time for Instructors Of Sociology?
Charity Perry Ph.D.: Salaries have leveled out in terms of averages in the field of sociology. The median annual wage for sociologists is about $83,000. This can certainly be higher or lower. Many individuals who begin their careers as sociology majors typically segue into other areas. Most sociology majors desire to “help people.” This can lead them on to graduate school to gain licensure in fields such as marriage and family therapy, counseling, social work, or professors. Within the careers I just mentioned, one can make anywhere between $35,000-150,000 per year.
David Burley Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorSoutheastern Louisiana University
Department of Sociology
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Instructors Of Sociology?
David Burley Ph.D.: Yes, I believe there will be, but it could be positive in that we may see an economic boom as we begin to come out of the pandemic. All sorts of services that have been shuttered on minimized to COVID-19 may see a boom as people are eager to re-engage. Certainly, for liberal arts and particularly sociology students this may be pronounced as the creative economy returns and employers again look for folks who can build coalitions, problem solve, troubleshoot, research, etc.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Instructors Of Sociology?
David Burley Ph.D.: I am biased of course, but some specific sociology courses are essential. The biggest thing I would recommend is to build a rounded degree that covers many topic but one that also has a concentration in a certain area. For example, courses in social problems, social theory, race, gender, and class are all essential but maybe build a concentration in environmental sociology with classes in environmental sociology, urban sociology, globalization, food systems, etc. All of these give students history and context and the ability to come at problems from multiple standpoints. Oh, and study abroad is obviously very important too.
What will help Instructors Of Sociology increase their earning potential?
David Burley Ph.D.: Of course, all of this needs to be highlighted in students' resumes, their letters of interest, etc. Students need to be able to comfortably talk about the skills they are acquiring. In interviews, students need to be able to articulate the specific skills that they bring to the table. One piece of advice, don't ever say, "I'm good with people." Everybody says that.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Instructors Of Sociology?
Quan Mai Ph.D.: There is little doubt that it is challenging to graduate into this market - one filled with uncertainty and wrecked by the pandemic. Employers are still feeling the COVID squeeze, professional career fairs are postponed, and internships are either canceled or conducted virtually. Even in slow hiring times, college graduates should continue applying and casting a wider net: you differentiate yourself and boost your chance by being persistent in the job search. Since the beginning of 2021, the labor market sees an uptick in hiring and a slight decrease in unemployment. The professional and business service sectors have shown notable job gains in the last few months. As the economy shifts into recovery mode and vaccination become more widespread, I expect these trends to continue.
What's a day at work look like for an Instructor Of Sociology?
Quan Mai Ph.D.: The pandemic is forcing employers to reimagine the workplace in a post-pandemic world. Commuting to the office five days a week might be less of a norm going forward. Recent graduates would likely need to be comfortable operating away from the office - either fully remote or in a hybrid model. A lot of mentoring meetings and happy hours will take place digitally. More projects will be done via workplace chat, meetings, and collaboration software such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or Slack. Recent graduates would do well to familiarize themselves with these tools as companies continue to reconstruct their operating models.
What will help Instructors Of Sociology increase their earning potential?
Quan Mai Ph.D.: The market places a premium on workers with critical thinking, communication, and technical skills. This is true both pre-and post-pandemic. As the "data-fication" of the workplace becomes more widespread, graduates in the social sciences can increase their earnings by being knowledgeable in the data domain. Data literacy - specifically the ability to manage, analyze, work with, and form arguments based on data - will become a must-have skill in the modern workplace. If you are not a Python or SQL whiz, make sure you are capable of presenting a compelling story based on data visualization outputs. These skills will continue to be in demand in the foreseeable future.
What technical skills for an Instructor Of Sociology stand out to employers?
Cynthia Bott Ph.D.: Skills that are an asset include good communication skills, the ability to exercise cultural humility, a willingness to accept and utilize supervision, an ability to articulate their understanding of social and economic justice and how to implement the ideals in their work. Many will be working in interdisciplinary teams so the ability to get along with others and valuing good teamwork is essential. Those who are familiar and experienced with electronic service delivery may have a step-up over others for work delivered remotely.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Instructor Of Sociology job market given the pandemic?
Cynthia Bott Ph.D.: Despite the pandemic and the recent loss of employment due to a scaling back of the economy, social work continues to grow as a field. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of social workers is expected to grow by 13% between 2019 and 2029 (2020). Areas that will have substantive growth include child, family, and school social workers; healthcare social workers, and mental health and substance abuse social workers. While many of these will require an MSW, all of these fields have entry-level positions that can be staffed by someone with a BSW.
During the pandemic, much of the micro and mezzo level work switched from face to face to telecommunication and social work is not an exception. According to the Pew Research Center (2020) approximately 20% of the population worked from home prior to the pandemic with that number currently standing at 71%. Many of these will want to continue working from home (54%) when the pandemic ends. This has changed the nature of service delivery and raised important discussions about confidentiality, client privacy, IT security, and access to technology for both workers and clients. The question about access to technology is a question about equity for many professions including social work.
Despite the increase in telecommunication, social workers in many settings are now considered essential workers. This includes social workers who are in settings where services cannot be delivered remotely due to the nature of the work including hospital emergency rooms, homeless shelters, nursing homes, etc.
What's a good job out of college for Instructors Of Sociology?
Cynthia Bott Ph.D.: Many BSW social workers find employment with government agencies on the local, county, or government level as caseworkers. In the private non-profit sector there are BSW graduates working with group homes, schools, and a variety of agencies providing services to individuals and families. Other options include nonprofit management, community organizing, research, and policy work. It should be noted that the BSW degree provides flexibility in terms of further education. Many BSW students choose advance study in other areas besides social work including the law, public health, or counseling.
Duane McBride Ph.D.
Research Professor of Sociology, School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Executive Director, Institute for Prevention of Addictions Andrews UniversityAndrews University
School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Instructor Of Sociology job market given the pandemic?
Duane McBride Ph.D.: Remote work - While there will be some return to in-office work, employers have learned that productivity can be maintained with remote work and that considerable overhead can be saved with less office rental space. Employers will be looking for employees who are self-motivated and can work on our own.
Remote work may open up opportunities for those who live in rural areas, and for those who desire a more flexible schedule to manage childcare.
Early career remote employees will need to be more intentional in developing their professional network and in seeking mentorship than in-office employees.
Limited comeback for the service industry given more remote work.
What technical skills for an Instructor Of Sociology stand out to employers?
Duane McBride Ph.D.: Cognitive, human relations, and cultural skills stand out to employers? We have modified it with what I think are real world issues. Employers have realized that technical skills are not enough and can be taught easier than the skills we have added
a. Computer skills - computer skills that allow remote work.
b. Diversity - the ability to understand the value of diversity in the workplace and work toward its achievement - Opentextbc
c. the experience and cultural competence to deal with diversity in the workplace - importance-to-employers">Employtest
e. Critical thinking - In this conspiracy, junk science age, employers value the ability to think critically about business opportunities and how to develop processes to meet those opportunities - Ziprecruiter
A Preparation of any job out of college - Any undergraduate Sociology curriculum has courses on diversity, gender issues and race and ethnic relations. In addition, in Sociology methods courses there is a strong emphasis on data analysis and critical thinking on how to interpret data. In our experience at Andrews University, Sociology majors score high on critical thinking on standardized tests. Our student evaluations show that students believe that we have been successful at teaching the value of diversity and critical thinking. Positions that our majors have obtained include:
Law enforcement (probation, parole, FBI, Police) - in this age of reimagining the police, there is an increased need for those who have diversity and critical thinking skills.
Marketing and Data analysis - because of training in statistics and data analysis sociology graduates have found jobs in market survey and data analysis.
Research Assistant - Sociology majors, because of their training in statistics, research, and data analysis, find many opportunities to work as a research assistant for a wide variety of research projects.
Community Development
Human Relations
Guidance Counselor
Preparation for many professions - Sociology is an ideal undergraduate major for those who plan to go on for a graduate degree in:
Law - Sociology has a track that focuses on criminal justice. Students from that track/courses have been admitted to Harvard University, Northwestern University, Notre Dame, the University of California (Davis). It should be noted that Michelle Obama was a Sociology Major.
Medicine - One of the major ways that medicine has changed is the recognition that physicians must have skills to work with a wide variety of cultures. On the current MCAT, there are more questions from Sociology than from Chemistry. The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences teaches a Principles of Sociology Course for Pre-Meds. We have had several pre-med students over the years who have majored in Sociology and have been admitted to such medical schools as Loma Linda University.
MBA - We have had several graduates go on for advanced degrees in business management.
Social Work - The number one MSW program at the University of Michigan does not offer an undergraduate degree in social work. They want their students to have an undergraduate degree in another field. Sociology provides an excellent undergraduate degree for an MSW.
International Development - Sociology provides excellent training for those who go on to advanced degrees in humanitarian studies and development.
Sociology PhD - And an undergraduate major in Sociology offers a great entry into a PhD program in Sociology. Those with PhD's in Sociology have the following opportunities.
a. College/University teaching - The opportunity to engage with great young minds.
b. Research to advance our understanding of society structure, function, changes, and equality - the opportunity to do research on the major issues that face our society today.
c. Leadership roles - Sociologists serve on many national grant review committees with the National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Justice, and major foundations such as the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Sociologists also serve on such major policy boards as the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Sociologists have the opportunity to change social policy and support the research to make those needed changes.
Dr. Frank Beck
Associate ProfessorIllinois State University
Department of Sociology and Anthropology
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Instructors Of Sociology?
Dr. Frank Beck: It’s clear that those graduating with a degree this May are entering a difficult labor market. Many lower wage workers are without work and cannot easily find it. Many middle wage workers were laid off and have not yet returned to work. This depresses further economic activity that would normally be spurred by regular employment, wages, and consumption. Further, if someone does find gainful employment, it may be part-time or the wage might be depressed; and when unemployment is high, workers feel less secure in negotiating increased wages.
Specific to Sociology, recent graduates have found employment in marketing, human resources, sales, at non-profits, and with government agencies. Though corporations see the value of a social science degree because graduates know how to write and analyze data, we know corporate work is hard to find. Budgets at non-profits and in government agencies have been affected by the pandemic. At my own program, there are increased applications to the graduate school; this could be due to decreased employment opportunities for those with bachelor’s degrees.
As the economy recovers, the labor market will improve for those graduating at that time, and hopefully those that graduated now. However, the research is clear that one’s initial wage from one’s first professional job are carried into subsequent jobs, persist for as much as a decade, and can affect lifetime earnings.
Yet, increasingly employers know graduates with Sociology degrees bring experience with advanced methodologies and data analytical abilities…plus an understanding of diversity and inclusion. This latter point is highly central to building a just economy in the 21st century. Sociologists are poised to contribute their understanding of social justice to all willing to listen.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Instructor Of Sociology job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Cheyrl Ensley: The demand for teachers is still prevalent. Virtual job fairs and interviews are the current trends. Additionally, employees are looking more at the candidate's knowledge and comfort level with online teaching and using technology to impact student learning.
What Instructor Of Sociology skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Cheyrl Ensley: Training to be essential is critical. Increasing skills in using technology are necessary. Keeping students engaged and actively learning through technology is a crucial tool that will be extremely important to a teacher, whether teaching in person or virtually. Additionally, the gap year should be used to identify an area of interest for work. Once the site is specified, the graduate should build professional relationships and learn the site's culture.
What general advice would you give to an Instructor Of Sociology?
Dr. Cheyrl Ensley: Flexibility is important. The graduate must be prepared and flexible! The graduate must be prepared to teach effectively and efficiently, regardless of the delivery method and flexibility regarding reporting to the school or working from home. Be prepared and accepting of the fact that what is required of you may change unexpectedly. In this age of uncertainty, the graduate must be flexible enough to perform as needed and remain focused on student growth.
What experience really stands out on Instructor Of Sociology resumes?
Tillman W. Nechtman Ph.D.: In my home department, we've tried to stress that students need to ask themselves how they plan to tell their own story - how they want to present themselves - when they leave the college and head out on the job market. That's a personal question, one only the student can answer, and the answer shapes the things that a particular student will want to put on a resume. For instance, if you wanted to go to graduate school, we'd all suggest that you take the Thesis in History and put in the full-year work on a single research project.
That way, in your cover letter (and never underestimate the value of the cover letter as a tool for guiding potential employers through your CV and your other materials), you can narrate the work you did there. If you think your goal is to work in a museum setting, you should consider taking our class in Public History. That is a course that does a lot of directed research too, and it can span a year as well. But, it's a course that partners students with local public history institutions so that students get first-hand experience mobilizing historical research within a museum or institution of that sort. The key is for students to think about the story; they will tell potential employers. What are the things you did - that unique combination of courses and experiences - that make you stand out against the broader pool of applicants? How will you write that story in a cover letter so strong that nobody reading it will miss that you are the one candidate for the position? Be bold here. Make it clear. You stand out from the pack. Yes, perhaps other have taken a more traditional path to a specific job, but if that employer or graduate program wants somebody who can think outside the box or who brings in a different set of skills that just might shake things up in a positive way, well, make sure they know you're their candidate.
What type of skills will young Instructors Of Sociology need?
Tillman W. Nechtman Ph.D.: When it comes to skills young graduates need, I will speak specifically to the field of History. It's always been the case that History Majors do well in the job market. Now, to be sure, there is the temptation to limit the scope of what jobs we imagine a historian can do. Career Service Offices sometimes think that History Majors teach, work in libraries, and archives, maybe a museum, and that is about it. The fact is that it's not uncommon to find CEO at Fortune 500 companies who were History Majors as undergraduates.
Presidents. Media personalities. Lawyers. Judges. You name it. History Majors are everywhere, and I think I know the reason. History Majors learn to take lots of data - and we're omnivorous about what we call data - and we synthesize it. We give it two frames. First, we weave it into a narrative form, a story, if you will. Second, we give that narrative analytical meaning. We offer a thesis or an argument about the content we're sharing. Those are vital skills. The ability to walk people through data and to help them understand your analysis of that material. What field wouldn't appreciate that set of capabilities? And, I think that explains why History Majors tend to do so well in a host of fields and professions. I don't foresee that that will change in the future.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Instructors Of Sociology?
Tillman W. Nechtman Ph.D.: I do think that we'd be mistaken to think that there won't be a lasting impact from this pandemic on those who graduate while it is ongoing. Economically, there will be ripples for some time. That seems obvious. But, there are other issues to consider too-psychology, for instance. Seniors in the graduating class of 2019 did not get a graduation ceremony to mark that pivotal moment in their lives and in their learning. That's a loss. It needs to be recognized as such. And, it's but one example of the kind of losses we're all experiencing and which we all need to recognize. There is grieving that will need to be done once we've passed through the emergency of this pandemic.
For those who can make a comparison, the pandemic is not unlike getting a dramatic and life-altering medical diagnosis. It changes you. You don't just go back to being who you were before. Of course, History teaches us to appreciate that - the way life is an ongoing journey. Each step makes us a different person than we were before. To reflect more on the economics of this and the specifics of the job market, though, I would say that the pandemic has pushed a number of graduates that I know from last year back home to their parents' houses. Even those who have been fortunate enough to secure work have jobs that are remote right now, and rather than settle in near their jobs, and folks have opted to go home, hunker down with the family, and work from their old bedrooms. Those are the fortunate ones. I know many graduates from last year who did not secure work, and, in that way, I compare the class of 2019 to those who graduated during the Great Recession and struggled through that economic turmoil. Within the academy, hiring freezes will certainly hurt those with Ph.D.'s who are on the market. There simply aren't jobs right now. At my institution, we're still not even certain we can hire people on a temporary basis to replace colleagues going on sabbatical next year. Those sorts of decisions would have been made months ago in normal times. It's hard for me to imagine that that sort of dislocation won't cause economic and career ripples across time.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Instructors Of Sociology?
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice: It's hard to imagine that there WON'T be an enduring impact of the pandemic. For History graduates, the worst of it is likely to be that two graduating classes will essentially be entering the job market at the same time---the 2020 graduates as well as the 2021 graduates---increasing competition. Many graduates, especially people coming out of a strong public history program like CofC's, have had many of their typical entry-level jobs essentially vanish for the better part of a year (coming back soon, I hope!)---museum work, park service work, historical societies, and so on. For non-history-specific jobs, where History majors are at an advantage (jobs that require good critical thinking and people skills), the market seems likely to bounce back more quickly.
What type of skills will young Instructors Of Sociology need?
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice: The most important skill a History degree teaches has is critical thinking and writing, and those are skills that remain valuable for most of the white-collar workforce in this country.
What experience really stands out on Instructor Of Sociology resumes?
Dr. Phyllis G. Jestice: The experience that most stands out on resumés, to my mind, is definitely internships or anything where the applicant has had to show initiative and exercise independent thought.
What type of skills will young Instructors Of Sociology need?
TaVshea Smith: As a professor of education, I have noticed that there are a variety of skills that young graduates will need to enter the workforce. Young graduates should collaborate with others by building collaborative relationships that represent diverse cultures, lifestyles, races, genders, religions, and viewpoints. It is essential for young graduates, who enter the teaching profession, to be able to work in a team structure and know-how to manage conflict. The pandemic has shown us that technology is critical in education. As teachers, young graduates should know existing digital technologies and demonstrate significant adaptability to new technologies to integrate into their design of lessons and curriculum content. Young graduates must have a strong work ethic, demonstrate personal accountability, and establish effective work habits.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Instructors Of Sociology to find work opportunities?
TaVshea Smith: As an educator, graduates should be able to find many work opportunities to teach. The pandemic has highlighted the need for educators to share their immense talent with students and key stakeholders.
How do you envision technology impacting Instructors Of Sociology in the next 5 years?
TaVshea Smith: Technology will play a vital role in education in the next five years. The pandemic has changed the way educators think about teaching learners and interacting with families and colleagues. Educators will need to learn various instructional methods of engaging with learners, enhancing instructional practices, and using digital tools ethically and efficiently to create assignments, complete tasks, solve problems, and effectively teach students.
What experience really stands out on Instructor Of Sociology resumes?
Suzanne Kemp Ph.D.: Any work or volunteer experiences that they have had with students with disabilities. All of the graduates will have the same school experiences, and if they don't have anything else, they don't stand out from their peers. Additionally, they have to know that principals and professional school talk, so they have to do a great job in their in-school experiences, so their names are remembered and shared.
What Instructor Of Sociology skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Suzanne Kemp Ph.D.: They need to stay engaged in some level of working with people with disabilities. If they do something that isn't relevant to the field, they won't be as marketable as a new graduate.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Instructors Of Sociology in the next 3-5 years?
Suzanne Kemp Ph.D.: All of the apps that assist with online learning. These change all of the time, and they have to be adapted to finding new apps that engage the student who may be learning at a distance, and hopefully, they can be integrated into in-person learning. Students graduate knowing how to use computers and now Zoom, but learning all of the available apps doesn't occur to the level it is now needed.
Dr. Misty Anderson Ph.D
Department Head, English, Affiliate Professor of Theatre and Religious Studies, President, Tennessee University Faculty SenatesThe University of Tennessee Knoxville
College of Arts and Sciences
What type of skills will young Instructors Of Sociology need?
Dr. Misty Anderson Ph.D: When they tell us, we believe businesses are looking for people who can write well, think critically, be creative, and research ideas. That's precisely what English majors do. But they also bring a strong sense of empathy that comes from reading literature and from thinking about point of view when they write. Our ability to understand one another is crucial to democracy and the success of various fields, from medicine to marketing, to entrepreneurship, and honestly, everything.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Instructors Of Sociology to find work opportunities?
Dr. Misty Anderson Ph.D: And as long as Tennessee continues to expand broadband access, those jobs can be anywhere. We're incredibly excited when we hear about young people returning home or moving into small towns where they can run businesses and work remotely.
How do you envision technology impacting Instructors Of Sociology in the next 5 years?
Dr. Misty Anderson Ph.D: No one knows precisely what the future jobs will look like, but every indication is that the best ones will involve writing and communicating at a distance. We talk about how English majors have "robot-proof" futures. That human touch, through sound, honest communication, is irreplaceable.
Robert Anderson
Associate Professor & Department ChairOakland University
Department of English
Will there be an increase or decrease in demand for Instructors Of Sociology in the next 5 years?
Robert Anderson: Contrary to what many media reports say, the demand for graduates in English is pretty high. Like most degrees in the liberal arts, a degree in English can take a graduate to almost any field. English is not a professional program designed to prepare students for a specific career. In contrast, English majors learn skills that will transfer to almost every field. English majors learn to write carefully and read critically. Several years ago, we had a student graduate who got a job with a firm that manufactures parts for companies that supply parts to automakers. He got the job because of an internship he had as an undergraduate. His career was to take in reports from their client companies, about the parts they made, read them, and produce digested reports for the company's engineers. It may be surprising to hear that engineering and manufacturing firms would value the skills an English major would have, but most companies need people who can write clearly. He was so effective at his job that the companies he worked with wanted him to come work for them.
I tell my students that studying poetry can help them be critical thinkers in other contexts. Learning to work with metaphors, for example, develops students' abilities to find similarities between things where most people see only differences-and differences, where others find only differences (this is an idea I got from the British Romantic poet William Wordsworth). This kind of critical thinking can be beneficial. What is more, English majors learn how to research. They have to find sources relevant to a particular project, read and digest their findings, and integrate them into their writing.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Instructors Of Sociology to find work opportunities?
Robert Anderson: We have had graduates find work in a wide range of places-running social media for radio stations, working with the Detroit Pistons, the FBI, libraries, advertising agencies, large multinational corporations, editing and publishing, teachers, and law firms-indeed, I think it would be hard to come up with an industry where an English degree couldn't take you. Sometimes, the biggest obstacle facing English graduates is that their degree opens so many paths that they don't know which way to go. When students come to me to ask for career advice, I tell them to think about the kind of environment they want to work in-the sort of physical workplace, the environment, the sector-and then, do some research to find what employers in those places look for, and find ways to show that the things they have learned can meet those expectations.
What general advice would you give to an Instructor Of Sociology?
David McMahan Ph.D.: Keep open to possibilities beyond the narrow range of what your diploma lists as your major or minor. Whatever job you get trained for today, in 10-20 years, it may be very different. Or it may not exist. Focus on obtaining and maintaining flexibility, critical thinking, creativity, and passion for learning. Being an interesting person is as vital as any credential.