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Department
of Sociology and Social Work
Careers in Sociology
In this time of rapid social change, it is impossible
to anticipate fully what lies ahead. Yet, because Sociology gives
students a broad liberal arts preparation, it is a solid base for
many career paths. Students graduating from the Fort Hays Sociology
Program are very marketable because of the heavy emphasis on skills--research,
advanced research, interviewing, grant writing, mediation and computer
applications. Sociology majors must complete internships as part
of their undergraduate program. Internship experiences are tailored
to help students sample potential careers, build their resumes,
learn new skills, and pave the way for subsequent employment opportunities.
Many students select Sociology as a major because
it provides:
- a broad liberal arts base for professions such
as law, education, social work, and counseling
- a broad liberal arts preparation for entry level
positions throughout the business, government, and human services
areas
- a broad liberal arts preparation for careers
in journalism, politics, public relations, community developement,
non-profit management, and human resources
In this increasingly complex, technological
and global economy, individuals are likely to pursue not one
but a series of careers in their lifetimes. Solid training in
Sociology at the undergraduate level provides students with
a strong foundation for flexible career development.
What is Sociology?
Sociology is the systematic study of social life, and the social causes
and consequences of human behavior. The study of human groups is fascinating,
as each of us is a member of multiple groups. Understanding the dynamic
relationships between groups and the relationships between groups
and individuals is central in sociology. Thus, sociologists study
such important subjects as families, organizations, religion, economy,
human use of the natural environment, racism, population dynamics,
social movements, and social stratification systems. Exposure to sociological
theories (sets of ideas) and research methods (skills of investigation)
provide an individual with a powerful tools in understanding the social
world from events and relationships in their own lives to events and
dynamics between groups at the global level.
Some common occupations held by sociologists show
a diversity of career avenues:
- Survey Researcher
- Case Manager
- Grant Writer
- Marketer
- Teacher
- Planner
- Mediator
- Consultant
- Business Manager
- Non-Profit Manager
- Community Developer
- Writer . . . to name just a few !!
Careers in Social Work
Social workers are professionals who
have many different roles. They provide services to people of any
age, income, race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and sexual orientation.
They help people cope with complex interpersonal and social problems
and assist in obtaining resources for people.
What is Social Work?
The historic mission of Social Work has been to help people who
are disadvantaged. Social workers today work with people from all
walks of life with all kinds of problems in all kinds of settings.
Social workers with a Baccalaureate
of Social Work degree can be found in:
- Nursing Homes
- Mental Health Centers
- Social Welfare Agencies
- Child and Family Services Agencies
- Chemical Addiction Treatment Centers
- Hospitals and Health Care Agencies
- Foster Care and Adoption Agencies
- Residential Treatment Programs
- Community Organizations
- Correctional Settings
Social Workers are also active
in community roles such as social planning, social action, social
policy and program development.
The Social Work Program prepares
students for baccalaureate-level entry jobs and for future graduate
study.
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