Though similar in many respects, students who pursue studies in sociology or psychology will develop somewhat differing skills and career prospects. Both fields involve understanding human behavior, and both teach the skills necessary to enter a wide range of career paths. Pending your individual tastes, intellectual curiosity, and career goals, you might find one field better suited to you than the other.
But what are the most important differences? What kind of careers in sociology and psychology can you find, and how can you make an informed decision when choosing? Understanding the nuanced differences between the two can help. Psychology is the study of mental processes and behavior. It answers questions about what people do and understanding why — such as, the mental processes behind their behavior.
Psychology is oriented towards understanding the individual and how the individual relates to the group. By contrast, sociology is a study of systems and society. It investigates macro-level issues like poverty, food deserts, and unemployment. How do these structures behave within society, and what perpetuates them? Sociology studies the anthill; psychology studies the ants. But what does that mean in practice?
Education for psychologists and sociologists depends largely on the type of work the student wants to do. However, psychology and sociology similarities include the frequent need for a graduate degree. If an aspiring psychologist plans to work in research or treat patients, he needs to earn his doctoral degree, according to the BLS. The majority of those earning their doctorates in sociology enter teaching or research.
When comparing the typical sociology vs psychology salary, you'll find that sociologists tend to make more. Psychologists did not fare quite as well, financially. The great thing about both sociology and psychology is that each one offers a variety of career options.
So, regardless of which one you choose, you have a host of career paths you can ultimately take. According to the American Sociological Association ASA , a majority of sociology grads work in the social services or act as counselors. Some are even working as psychologists, which shows just how closely these two career tracks are related.
The ASA adds that many other individuals with degrees in sociology are also employed as teachers and librarians, in sales and marketing positions, or as researchers in the field. Essentially, any position that benefits from a greater understanding of the factors that somehow impact groups of people can be held by a sociology major. What else can you do with this type of degree? Here are a few titles people are able to hold when choosing a sociology career path:.
Again, psychology careers are different in that individuals who follow these types of career paths typically work more one-on-one with others to help identify their own individual issues, providing guidance in how to overcome them so they can live a higher quality of life. Whether you feel more compelled to work in sociology or psychology is the field that piques your interest most, Saint Leo University offers degree programs in both.
Skip to main content. Online Degrees Blog Degree in Sociology vs. Psychology: Choosing a Career to Promote Change. Apply Program Guide. Degree in Sociology vs. Degree in Sociology Overview Sociologists study human society and interactions, the institutions we form, and the way societies impact one another and change over time. What Do Sociology Graduates Do?
What Do Psychology Graduates Do? Differences Between Degrees in Sociology and Psychology Though the undergraduate programs and general interest in human behavior cause some overlap between the fields of sociology and psychology, there are some key differences that set them apart. Field of Study Sociology is in some ways applied psychology. Job Options Upon graduation, there are different career options for sociology vs. Psychology : Which Is Right for You?
Learn more about the online psychology bachelor's program. Get Program Details.
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