Sociology

Who is a Sociologist?

Do you have a curiosity to understand your society and the social behavior of human beings? If yes, then becoming a Sociologist is the right career choice for you. Sociologists examine the diversified groups, cultures, organisations, social institutions, and various processes prevalent in our society.

Sociologists conduct research using a different methodology to gather an understanding of social processes. They investigate both the past and present of human society to gain insight into how societies develop and organize themselves.

But before we go deeper into the role of a Sociologist, it is also important to understand what is Sociology? Sociology is a study of social science that helps us to understand the way our society works. The study of sociology helps a Sociologist to be proficient in knowing and analysing sociological problems and formulating possible solutions and improvements, perhaps by addressing various social challenges, differences relating to multiple factors or parameters such as class, gender, race, and financial status.

Sociology can also be defined as the general science of society that focuses on human beings’ social behavior, relationships pattern, social interaction, and characteristics of culture associated with everyday life. In a nutshell, we can say Sociology is the study of society, culture, and the relationship between various social levels.

What skills are required for a Sociologist?

To be a Sociologist, it is important to have the following specific skills:

Analytical skills	Communication skills	Critical-thinking skills
Problem-solving skills	Writing skills	Project management
Fact-Finding skills	Logical	Avid reader

What is the eligibility to become a Sociologist?

If the various factors of society fascinate you and you are willing to build your career in Sociology, you need to meet the following eligibility criteria:

Programme	Eligibility	Admission Process
Graduation (B.A Sociology)	To pursue B.A. in Sociology or its related fields, the candidate must have passed class 12th with any stream from a recognized board with an aggregate of at least 50% marks.	Merit-Based and Entrance Test Based
Postgraduation (M.A Sociology)	Students who have passed B.A. in Sociology can apply for a Master’s course in Sociology (M.A. Sociology). To be eligible for an M.A. Sociology course, you must complete your graduation from a recognized college or university. The candidates must attain minimum 50% marks to be eligible for this course.	Mostly Merit-based but few colleges also take entrance exams. IPUCET: IPUCET is the entrance test conducted by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University for admission to the various UG and PG courses. TISSNET: TISSNET is the online examination conducted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. PU CET: PU CET is the Punjab University Combined Entrance Test. It is a state-level entrance test for admission to the different colleges under Punjab University. MGU CAT: MGU CAT is the University level admission test for admission to postgraduate courses. AUAT: AUAT is the admission test for admission to Aliah University.
Ph.D.	On completion of a Masters course with a minimum of 55% marks and qualifying for the National level entrance exam or university level entrance exam, candidates can apply for the Ph. D programme.	Both Entrance Exam and Merit-Based.Admission to the Ph.D. in Sociology course is based on an entrance test followed by an interview conducted by the various Universities.Candidates with UGC-NET (including JRF), UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF), SLET, GATE, teacher fellowship holder or have passed M.Phil Program are exempted from Entrance Test but are required to appear for Interview.

Top Colleges Offering Sociology Courses

DU Delhi – University of Delhi
JMI New Delhi – Jamia Millia Islamia
LPU Jalandhar – Lovely Professional University
IGNOU Delhi – Indira Gandhi National Open University
MSU Baroda – Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
Christ University, Bangalore
BHU Varanasi – Banaras Hindu University
University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh
Integral University, Lucknow
Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune
JNU Delhi – Jawaharlal Nehru University
Manipal University (MAHE) – Manipal Academy of Higher Education
Sharda University, Greater Noida
Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida
Banasthali Vidyapith, Banasthali
Panjab University, Chandigarh
Galgotias University, Greater Noida
NIMS University, Jaipur
Gujarat University, Ahmedabad

Job Opportunities And Scope

Sociology, as a career, is exciting, impactful, and very satisfying. Many of us aspire to contribute our bit to society and the career options in sociology provide that opportunity to make an impact in society.

Starting from management level roles in MNCs to administrative level roles in PSUs, the profile of Sociologist can give you ample opportunities to utilize your knowledge and skills for the upliftment of society. With multiple career prospects in the field, you can look forward to a promising future as a sociologist.

Sociology opens up a range of career options with government, non-profit organizations, and corporates in the fields like healthcare, education, marketing, social research, welfare, and public policy, etc. Here are some of the most popular career options in sociology:

Survey Researcher	Policy Analyst	Rehabilitation Counsellor
Journalist	Administrative Support	Social Worker
Administrative Support	Counsellor	Human Resource Officer
International aid/development worker	Life Coach	Charity Officer

Be mindful that these are just a few options to give you an idea about the career prospects in sociology. The field is broad and has lots of opportunities.

Conclusion

If your mind is puzzled by so many questions about society and you are seeking relevant answers then studying sociology is the best field that you can opt. Also, if you are passionate to do research and have an analytical mind, studying sociology will certainly lead you to the path of your dream career.