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Career Profile

Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary

What they do:

Teach courses in sociology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Also Called:

Adjunct Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Faculty Member, Instructor, Lecturer, Professor, Social Science Instructor, Sociology Instructor, Sociology Professor, Adjunct Instructor, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Faculty Member, Instructor, Lecturer, Professor, Social Science Instructor, Sociology Instructor, Sociology Professor

Job Data & Employment

*National data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$49,930
Starting Salary (2025)
$84,290
Median Salary (2025)
2.1%
Projected Job Growth
11,850
Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Social
Working with people
Investigative
Studying, Research based work
Artistic
Conceptual, Creative Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Analytical Thinking
Dependability
Achievement/Effort
Self-Control
Independence

What key skills are needed for this job?

Speaking
Instructing
Reading Comprehension
Learning Strategies
Writing
Active Listening

Expected Knowledge

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Sociology and Anthropology

Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.

Education and Training

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Common Activities

Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 5

Extensive Preparation Needed

Education

Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Experience

Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience.

Training

Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • Doctoral degree 77%
  • Master's degree 23%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Anthropology and Archeology Teachers, Postsecondary
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary
Social Work Teachers, Postsecondary
Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.