Top Master's In Sociology Careers (With Duties And Salaries)

Candidates interested in public activity, social causes, and the social interaction of humans in a society can pursue a master's degree in sociology. There are many job roles that you can get by pursuing this degree course. Gaining a basic understanding of various job roles in the field of sociology can help you determine your career path. In this article, we discuss some popular master's in sociology careers, learn their common responsibilities and find their national average salaries.

Top Master's In Sociology Careers

Master's in sociology careers can prepare candidates to work in various sectors. A master's in sociology is a postgraduate degree of two years. This course may revolve around the detailed study of social behaviour and social groups. After completing your graduation with at least 50% marks from a recognised college or university, you can pursue a master's in sociology.

Candidates can pursue a career depending on their specialisations like religion and society, political sociology, economic sociology, sociology of development and sociological research. Here are some career options for professionals with a master's degree in sociology:

1. Social Worker

National average salary: ₹16,391 per month

Primary duties: Social workers are professionals who advocate for the well-being of individuals with various challenges like disabilities or addiction. They evaluate the requirements of an individual or a community and fulfil them by collaborating with other professionals. Social workers are responsible for evaluating the situations of an individual or a community and planning various plans for improvement.

They may work for nonprofit organisations and address the concerns of people who require help. Many social workers work for causes like the prevention of substance abuse, better education facilities in rural areas, helping disabled children or improvement of health care opportunities. Social workers participate in various training program and meetings.

Related: How To Become A Social Worker: Skills, Salary And Duties

2. Case Manager

National average salary: ₹30,524 per month

Primary duties: A case manager is a professional responsible for organising and evaluating plans and strategies to fulfil health and human services needs. They work in the field of social work and advocate for the requirements of their clients. The day-to-day job of a case manager may involve regular communication with clients, implementing strategies and tracking the progress of clients in achieving their requirements. Case managers often collaborate with various social and human service organisations to provide necessary care options to clients. They also research and gather data on several therapies, resources and program.

3. Policy Analyst

National average salary: ₹40,619 per month

Primary duties: Policy analysts are professionals who analyse existing policies and devise ideas for policy changes. The day-to-day job of a policy analyst may involve organising surveys and studies, analysing the cost of programmes and conveying relevant information through speeches and books. Policy analysts may work with professionals who have the authority to pass bills and create laws.

A policy analyst can work for various organisations such as consulting firms, nonprofit agencies, government organisations and businesses. These professionals can gain expertise in specific topics including finance, health services, defence, education, criminal law and urban planning. Policy analysts are mainly responsible for analysing the effectiveness of existing policies and presenting reports to legislators, politicians or government executives.

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4. Urban Planner

National average salary: ₹39,724 per month

Primary duties: Urban planners are responsible for implementing land development plans and strategies for better usage of land in urban areas. They work with the goal of promoting growth in towns and cities. The day-to-day job of urban planners includes researching local trends, developing plans and then introducing them to stakeholders. Urban planners also conduct on-site investigations and examine the land.

They determine the requirement of parks, schools or other amenities in a community. Urban planners collaborate with other public professionals, vendors, architects and community leaders. They may use various tools like geographic information system (GIS) software to research, collect and display data.

Related: What Is an Urban Planner? Definition and Career Advice

5. HR Manager

National average salary: ₹28,126 per month

Primary duties: Human resources (HR) manager is a professional who oversees the human resource department of an organisation. Their primary duties involve creating job descriptions, conducting interviews and orientations and recruiting new employees. HR managers also manage the salary budget of an organisation and resolve challenges with the payroll system. They explain perks and benefits to new employees.

HR managers may also develop plans and procedures for the better coordination of the administrative functions of an organisation. They develop goals and objectives for the human resource department. The job of an HR manager may require them to use technical skills in operating computers and other office equipment. They may use various tools and software to manage recruiting and employee records.

Related: How Much Does An MBA In HR Make? (With Skills And Job Roles)

6. Public Affairs Specialist

National average salary: ₹33,046 per month

Primary duties: Public affairs specialists represent an organisation and develop good relations of the organisation with stakeholders. They may specialise in various fields including regulatory affairs, government relations, corporate communications, stakeholder management and political research. Public affairs specialists assist organisations with media communication, corporate and social responsibility and strategic communications advice.

They collaborate with new people and work in public policy. Public affairs specialists also develop various resources and materials to promote the services or products of their organisation. They may respond to the media on behalf of the organisation. Other duties of public affairs specialists include preparing press releases, writing speeches, developing promotional campaigns and organising interviews.

Related: What Is An MPA Degree? Plus Courses, Jobs And Pros And Cons

7. Probation Officer

National average salary: ₹33,238 per month

Primary duties: The day-to-day job of probation officers includes working with violators of the law or individuals under probation. They may work as a part of the judicial branch and help probationers adjust back to the civil society. Probation officers often interact with their clients and prepare progress reports. They may also recommend treatment plans to the clients and maintain their case files.

Probation officers use their observational and critical thinking skills to analyse if their clients can transition into society safely. They also suggest some adjustments to probation requirements when necessary. Probation officers conduct training sessions, job interviews and rehabilitation programmes for their clients.

Related: What Is A Probation Officer? (With Duties And Skills)

8. Data Analyst

National average salary: ₹35,925 per month

Primary duties: Data analysts are professionals who interpret and translate large amounts of data so that others can easily understand. They assist clients and stakeholders in making decisions about their business strategies. A data analyst often collaborates with other professionals from technology and management teams. Their daily job involves researching trends and patterns appearing in the data and maintaining databases to use.

Data analysts may also implement various statistical tests to research and gather data related to the services of their organisation. Their primary duty is to translate data into easy-to-read reports. Data analysts regularly monitor industry changes and find necessary trends that may influence the business decisions of organisations. Data analysts can advance their careers and become data scientists, data engineers or business intelligence analysts.

Related: How Much Do Data Analysts Make? (Plus How To Become One)

Tips For Choosing A Career In The Field Of Sociology

Here are some helpful tips for choosing the right career that you can pursue with a master's degree in sociology:

• Identify your interest. Before selecting the right job role in the field of sociology, identify your personal and professional interests.

• Improve your skills. Depending on the job role you are applying for, work on your skills. For example, candidates who want to become data analysts can improve their research and critical thinking skills.

• Choose academic or social work. Decide whether you want to work in the academic field or contribute to the social work field.

• Consider location. Candidates can also choose a job role depending on the location they want to reside. There are also some job roles that require frequent travelling.

Related: What Are The Sociology Careers Available To Candidates?

Salary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate's experience, academic background and location.