INSTITUTIONS OFFERING SOCIOLOGY LISTED AT THE BOTTOM
WHAT IS SOCIOLOGY AND WHO IS A SOCIOLOGIST?
Sociology is the study of human social relationships and institutions. It is an exciting field of study that analyzes and explains important matters in our personal lives, our communities, and the world. At the personal level, sociology investigates the social causes and consequences of such things as romantic love, racial and gender identity, family conflict, deviant behavior, aging and religious faith. At the societal level, sociology examines and explains matters like crime and law, poverty and wealth, prejudice and discrimination, schools and education, business firms, urban community and social movements. At the global level, sociology studies such phenomena as population growth and migration, war and peace and economic development.
A sociologist is someone who has studied and graduated with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in sociology from a well-recognized learning institution.
WHERE DO SOCIOLOGISTS WORK?
They work in most learning institutions as Guidance counselors where they use knowledge of the sociology of learning to help students navigate the academic world. They work in all companies or organizations and government departments as Human Resources (HR) managers where they must be able to analyze work roles and assess the suitability of candidates for jobs. Sociology majors learn interviewing skills, which are essential for such evaluation. They can also work for law firms where they use critical thinking and analytical skills to research and litigate their cases. Many areas of legal practice, such as divorce, child custody, adoption, criminal law, personal injury, worker compensation, and employment law benefit, are related to sociology.
They can also work for consultancy companies as Management Consultants where they analyze business issues, research possible remedies or enhancements and present solutions to clients. New graduates often start out in positions like research analyst, research assistant, or junior consultant, where they support the work of more senior staff. They also work for NGOs and other organizations as Social Workers/activists, where they apply the knowledge of social dynamics and social institutions learned as a sociology major to assess client issues and help to resolve problems. They work for research companies as Market Research Analysts, where they test products and services and evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. They utilize social science research techniques, including interviews, surveys, and focus groups, to gather data. Market researchers employ statistical methods mastered by sociology majors to analyze data.
WHAT TASKS ARE INVOLVED IN THE WORK?
Sociologists typically do the following tasks:
Design research projects to test theories about social issues, Collect data through surveys, observations, interviews and other sources, Analyze and draw conclusions from data, Prepare reports, articles, or presentations detailing their research findings, collaborate with and advise other social scientists, policymakers, or other groups on research findings and sociological issues.
They observe the activity of social, religious, political, and economic groups, organizations, and institutions. They examine the effect of social influences, including organizations and institutions, on different individuals and groups. They also trace the origin and growth of these groups and interactions. For example, they may research the impact of a new law or policy on a specific demographic.
Their research may help administrators, educators, lawmakers and social workers to solve social problems and formulate public policy. Sociologists may specialize in a wide range of social topics, including but not limited to: education and health, crime and poverty, families and population and gender, racial and ethnic relations. Sociologists who specialize in crime may be called criminologists or penologists. These workers apply their sociological knowledge to conduct research and analyze penal systems and populations and to study the causes and effects of crime.
WHAT IS THE WORK SCHEDULE OF A SOCIOLOGY GRADUATE?
If one is working for government departments they typically follow the normal 08hrs to 17hrs work schedule Monday to Friday. Sociologists typically work in an office. They may work outside of an office setting when conducting research through interviews or observations or presenting research results.
WHAT DOES THE JOB MARKET LOOK LIKE?
The job market for sociology graduates is readily available both in the private and public sector. They are employed as Human Resource Managers in all government departments and all companies and organizations. They are employed by most companies as Public Relations (PR) Specialist to work as ultimate communicators. As such, they must have the sociology major’s ability to understand an audience and its attitudes, needs and preferences. Most others find work in related jobs outside the sociologist profession such as policy analysts, demographers, survey researchers, bankers and statisticians. Some sociology jobs require a master’s degree or Ph.D. Many bachelor’s degree holders find positions in related fields, such as social services, education, public policy or banks. Candidates with a bachelor’s degree may benefit from internships or volunteer work when looking for entry-level positions in sociology or a related field. These types of opportunities give students a chance to apply their academic knowledge in a professional setting and develop skills needed for the field.
WHAT SORT OF CAREER-PERSONALITY MATCH IS REQUIRED?
Sociologists typically have an interest in the thinking, creating and helping interest areas. The thinking interest area indicates a focus on researching, investigating and increasing the understanding of natural laws. The helping interest area indicates a focus on assisting, serving, counselling or teaching other people. If you are not sure whether you have a thinking or creating or helping interest which might fit with a career as a sociologist, you can take a career test online to measure your interests.
Sociologists should also possess the following specific qualities:
Analytical skills. Sociologists must be able to carefully analyse data and other information, often utilizing statistical processes to test their theories. Communication skills. Sociologists need strong communication skills when they conduct interviews, collaborate with colleagues, and present research results. Critical-thinking skills. Sociologists must be able to think critically when doing research. They must design research projects and collect, process and analyse information in order to draw logical conclusions about society and the groups it comprises. Problem-solving skills. Sociologists’ research typically is focused on identifying, studying, and solving sociological problems. Writing skills. Sociologists frequently write reports detailing their findings. Therefore to enjoy learning sociology or working as a sociologist you must have such kind of personality.
INSTITUTIONS OFFERING SOCIOLOGY LISTED AT THE BOTTOM
WHAT SUBJECTS WILL THE PROGRAM COVER?
Sociology falls in the category of Bachelor of Arts non-quota at UNZA. This means that at first year you will have to do a course combination that includes Introduction to sociology and other three social sciences like psychology, development studies and history or any other available courses. Then at second year you become a sociology major and you have to take up sociology subjects up to fourth year that include, contemporary problems, research methods in sociology, urban sociology, social theory, industrial sociology, research methods in sociology, participatory planning monitoring and evaluation, policy, projects and programmes for development and socio impact assessment.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS?
Entry depends on the levels of competition in the University. Typically, they look for 12 points in 5 subjects and below which should include Mathematics, English and any three social Science subjects.
WHAT OTHER PROGRAMS OF STUDY CAN MAKE SOMEONE A SOCIOLOGIST?
To work as a sociologist you can also study social work or other courses like Development studies, psychology, and demography, public relations, public administration and any other course from among the social science can make you work as a sociologist. Sociologists often use both quantitative and qualitative methods when conducting research and they frequently use statistical analysis programs during the research process this means even statistics, economics and mathematics are all alternative courses.
WHAT ARE THE FUTURE ADVANCED QUALIFICATIONS AVAILABLE AND WHY?
There are two types of sociology master’s degree programs: traditional programs and applied, clinical, and professional programs. Traditional programs prepare students to enter a Ph.D. program. Applied, clinical, and professional programs prepare students to enter the workplace, teaching them the necessary analytical skills to perform sociological research in a professional setting.
A master’s degree or Ph.D., gives you an upper hand when it comes to finding new jobs in competitive environments especially abroad. It’s a sign that apart from general skills, you have taken keen interest to master one area of your job more than other people. With a master’s degree one would become a university lecturer as well.
INSTITUTIONS THAT OFFER SOCIOLOGY
UNIVERSITY OF ZAMBIA
Programme duration: 4 years (Degree) / 2 years (Master’s)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Intakes: January
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 211 293348
E-mail: dean-hss@unza.zm or sds.hod@unza.zm
Website: www.unza.zm/schools/humanities/departments/social-work
ZAMBIA OPEN UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Intakes: May/June
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 211 427600 or +26 0969 672965 or +26 0976 123055
E-mail: admissions@zaou.ac.zm / gervase.maipose@zaou.ac.zm
Website: www.zaou.ac.zm/school-of-humanities-and-social-sciences/
TRINITY UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Intakes: January and July
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260 977 501 896 or +260 954 118 414
E-mail: trinityuniversityzambia@gmail.com
Website: www.trinityuniversity.edu.zm/tuition-fees
COPPERSTONE UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 3 years (Diploma) / 4 years (Degree)
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Social Sciences
Intakes: January and July
Location: Kitwe
Contacts
Tel: +260 967 499161 / +260 967 499149 / +260 967 499292
E-mail: copperstonecustomercare@gmail.com
Website: www.copperstone.education
GIDEON ROBERT UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Intakes: January and July
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260969899875
E-mail: vc@gideonrobertyuniversity.com
Website: www.gideonrobert.education
RUSANGU UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Intakes: January and August
Location: Monze
Contacts
Tel: (+260) 21-3-255471 or (+260) 976271138
E-mail: info@ru.edu.zm
Website: ru.edu.zm.dedi542.jnb1.host-h.net/downloads/
SUPERSHINE UNIVERSITY
Programme duration: 4 years (degree)
Mode of study: Full-time, Part-time and Distance
Admitting school: Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
Intakes: January and July
Location: Lusaka
Contacts
Tel: +260211234053 or +260966791120 or +260977982447
E-mail: registrar@supershineuniversity.net
Facebook: Supershine University
UNIVERSITY OF BAROTSELAND
Programme duration: 3 years (Diploma)
Mode of study: Full-time and Distance
Admitting school: School of Social Sciences
Intakes: January and July
Location: Mongu
Contacts
Tel: +260 217 221153 or +260 977 129730 or +260 977 430928
E-mail: admissions@ubl.edu.zm
Facebook: University of Barotseland