Careers

We live in a world in which human relationships are becoming more complex. Thus, it is important that citizens develop greater awareness of group behavior - their own and others - to better understand the attitudes, values, and beliefs of those around them. The study of sociology helps improve such understanding. Employers increasingly desire employees who understand the social elements in society.

The professions - medecine, law, engineering - urge more students to take undergraduate social science cources, since some understanding of people and society is necessary for success in these professions. Secondary schools present a growing demand for sociology teachers. Civil service positions often accept undergraduate sociology among the acceptable educational qualifications of for a wide variety of positions. Newly emerging careers are to be found in many action programs - local human relations councils, fair employment practice commissions, economic opportunity programs, foreign aid programs, and others.

A master's degree is sufficient to obtain a teaching position at a junior or community college, but promotions and university appointments commonly require a Ph.D. in sociology. Teaching is the major activity of most sociologists.

Sociology at Southeast is an academic rather than a vocational program. Majors are not trained for specific vocations, but in organizational and analytical skills which can be translated into a wide variety of occupations. Recent graduates of our sociology program are employed by Omni Hotels International in management and personnel, by Southwestern Bell in telemarketing, by the State of Missouri - Division of Family Services as caseworkers, by Mercantile Bank as supervisors, and at the Cottonwood Treatment Canter as directors of special projects.