Psychology and Sociology Department

The Department of Psychology and Sociology is the host department for the psychology and sociology degree programs, the women’s studies minor and the anthropology minor. If you are interested in pursuing work in the helping professions or in graduate study in psychology or sociology, you will find the curricula here designed to prepare you for continued scholarship and for careers in the public and private sector.

At the end of 2012, the US Bureau of Labor statistics reported that "employment of psychologists is expected to grow 22 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than average for all occupations. Job prospects should be best for thos who have a doctoral degree in an applied specialty and those with a specialist or doctoral degree in school psychology. The world of psychologists includes the study of mental processes and human behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people and other animals relate to one another and the environment. Some psychologists work independently, doing research or working with patients or clients. Others work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with physicians, social workers, and others to treat illness and promote overall wellness. Those in private practice have their own offices and set their own schedules, often working evenings and weekends."

Students who complete a bachelor’s degree in psychology or sociology will find many career opportunities related to their major. They may be assistants in rehabilitation centers, or work as psych technicians in clinical settings or case managers in social services agencies. If they meet state certification requirements, they may be able to teach social sciences in high school. But, a bachelor's degree is also fine preparation for many other professions.

Students in the Department of Psychology and Sociology often possess good research and writing skills. They are good problem solvers and have well-developed, higher-level thinking ability when it comes to analyzing, synthesizing and evaluating information. Most find jobs in administrative support, public affairs, education, business, sales, service industries, health, the biological sciences and computer programming. They work as employment counselors, correction counselor trainees, interviewers, personnel analysts, probation officers and writers. Two thirds believe their job is closely or somewhat related to their psychology or sociology background and that their jobs hold career potential (APA, 2003).

Are you serious about ethics in science?

The Psychology and Sociology Department at Columbia College is. We have a course specifically designed to look at the issues related to research with human and animal subjects. PSYC 430: Ethics for Behavioral and Social Sciences is a philosophy course and a behavioral and social science course rolled into one. During the 2012 Spring Semester, the inaugural class of behavioral and social science ethicists completed their semester study as the groundbreaking for the new science center began. What an awesome way to begin the new sciences programs at Columbia College. A world class science center is under construction, and the ethics course that will guide scholars to the highest standards for research practice is underway. Students from the inaugural class of PSYC 430 are pictured here in front of the excavation site.

More information about careers in psychology and sociology can be found at the following websites: