EIU Department of Sociology, Anthropology & Criminology

CAREER PATHS

Sociology

As a broad social science, an undergraduate degree in sociology provides you with the technical and analytical skills as well as the global perspective you need to confidently navigate the 21st century and succeed in many careers fields. As society evolves, you as a sociology major will have the tools to critically analyze the world and your place within it. Imagine having the ability to analyze the dynamics of a hostile mob, track patterns in corporate downsizing, explore how people express emotions, or study the effects of cultural differences on problems of peace and war. Sociologists study a broad array of topics, including the intimate family, organized crime, politics, race, gender, and social class. Sociology is relevant to many career paths such as social or public service, program support, management, education, sales marketing, and social science research. The sociology journey often begins with posing a question or hypothesis which is then answered or tested using theoretical frameworks and scientific research methods.

Anthropology

A minor in anthropology shows increasingly high popularity with EIU students. Anthropologists work in many different sectors, including universities, government, agencies, corporations, museums, and the nonprofit sector. They teach, conduct research, work as independent consultants, and communicate their findings to the general public as well as to specialized audiences. Adding an anthropology minor to your degree program can enhance both your major and your employment opportunities. For example, adding anthropology to a business major can support your interest in an international business career. Likewise, if you are planning a career in social science education, an anthropology minor can give you the skills to develop your curriculum to its fullest potential.

Criminology 

Due to social, political, and policy trends, employment in criminology/law enforcement is a growing field and will remain so for the foreseeable future. Venues for employment occur in both the private sector (e.g., corporate security) and the public sector (e.g., government departments and agencies at all levels, including municipal, county, state, and federal). Moreover, law enforcement has expanded beyond shift patrol and now encompasses such specialties as juvenile and parole supervision, enforcement of conservation and fish and game laws administered by departments of natural resources, public health and safety statutes administered by county and state health departments, and even forensic investigation both in the field and in the lab. As departments of law enforcement expand, so do their demands for budget analysis, planning, data analysis, technology, public relations, human resources, and personnel administration. Employment in law enforcement does not always mean carrying a firearm. Hence, Criminology is relevant to a wide array of majors, including Biology, Business, Computer Information Systems, Health, the Social Sciences, and many more.