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 2020: IPUCET is the entrance test conducted by Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University for admission to the various UG and PG courses. TISSNET 2020: TISSNET is the online examination conducted by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences. PU CET 2020: 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 2020: MGU CAT is the University level admission test for admission to postgraduate courses. AUAT 2020: AUAT is the admission test for admission to Aliah University. |
| M.Phil | Candidates who have completed a Masters course in Sociology from any recognised institutes can apply for the course. The candidate should have secured a minimum of 55% marks. | Admission to the course is entirely based on an entrance exam. Some of the important Entrance Exams for M.Phil in Sociology are: BU aptitude Test: Banasthali University conducts an aptitude test for entrance to M.Phil Sociology. JNUEE: The “Centre for Study of Social Systems” of JNU conducts an Entrance Exam. Department of Sociology of Delhi University also conducts examinations for entrance to the M.Phil Sociology programme. |
| 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. |
Also Read: Top Engineering Colleges in India
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
Also Read: Top Engineering Colleges in India
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.