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Department of Sociology

Faculty of Social Sciences

COVID-19 information and updates

Find the most recent updates here, as well as FAQs and information for students, faculty and staff.

Sociology Undergraduate Programs

Study Sociology

Sociology Programs at McMaster

Compare the Honours BA and the Honours Specialist Option programs.

Skills Development

Employers are looking for employees with not only the ability to perform a particular job, but with the strategies to adapt to a changing workplace. 

Sociology students have the opportunity to develop a variety of skills that are transferable to the world of work.

  • clear and logical thinking, analytical skills
  • compiling ideas and facts in a clear, organized and concise manner
  • planning and organizing work leading to the solution of a problem
  • identifying and locating sources of information
  • managing time in order to meet multiple demands
  • negotiation and group work
  • interviewing techniques, statistical analysis using software packages
  • supporting arguments and decisions with facts and statistics
  • writing and presenting reports and essays, expressing ideas clearly and logically

Careers in Sociology

A degree in sociology can prepare students for a wide range of jobs and careers, as well as specialized graduate studies. A list of possible employment and educational avenues is presented below.

Fields of Employment and Further Study

  • Advertising Consultant
  • Business Consultant
  • Career Counsellor
  • Community Activism/support
  • Counseling
  • Criminal justice
  • Early childhood education
  • Education/Teacher
  • Health Care Coordinator
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Media Consultant
  • Pre-law Preparation
  • Probation/Parole Officer
  • Social Worker
  • System Analyst

Challenges currently taken up by sociologists.

Challenges and Fields of Inquiry

  • Aboriginal rights
  • Anti-racism
  • Community development
  • Consumer advocacy
  • Environmentalism
  • Family policy
  • Gay and lesbian rights
  • Editorial work
  • Gerontology

Challenges and Fields of Inquiry

  • Labour unionism
  • Industrial relations
  • Journalism
  • Labour consulting
  • Law and legal studies
  • Marketing
  • Media consulting
  • Policy analysis
  • Public relations

Challenges and Fields of Inquiry

  • Publishing
  • Recreation
  • Research (academic, government, labour market)
  • School teaching
  • Social work
  • Statistical analysis
  • Urban planning
  • Gender discrimination and feminist struggles
  • Globalization
  • Human resources
  • Health care
  • Homelessness
  • Human rights
  • New information technologies
  • Racial discrimination
  • Representation and popular culture
  • Social policy
  • Social welfare
  • Violence against women
  • Workplace health and safety
  • Workplace restructuring
  • Youth and age discrimination