As a professor at UCLA, I weave history, music, and storytelling into my lectures, making complex topics come alive. Whether discussing reparations or the power of a smile, I challenge my students to think critically and embrace learning. Beyond the classroom, I research, write, and engage in activism—all fueled by my belief that education is a force for justice.
CAREER
Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$77,980
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+7.6% (as fast as the average)
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary Do
Teach courses in sociology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Other Job Titles Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary May Have
Assistant Professor, Professor, Sociology Instructor, Sociology Professor
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
I work on my dissertation and community organizing. I spend time working on applications for grants and funding opportunities for the community or academic work I do. I take time to email or communicate with others on shared projects or community efforts. I grade papers or work on syllabi for future courses, and I spend a significant amount of time reading materials for my dissertation and community organizing work.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as race and ethnic relations, measurement and data collection, and workplace social relations.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Doctoral degree (77%)
Doctoral degree
Master's degree
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Senior Contributing Faculty ,
Walden University School of Public Policy and Administration
Suggested Path
Bachelor
BA
Graduate
MS
Doctorate
Ph.D.
Suggested Path
Bachelor
Make-Up Artist/Specialist
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
As an Americorps member working in Baltimore with people navigating social services, I learned about the daily emotional and logistical energy needed to access services and live at or below the poverty line, as well as the power of conversation and community building for collective advocacy. As a member of a think tank of incarcerated and non-incarcerated academics, I have learned the power of sharing critical perspectives about inequality from different vantage points within society.
-- Written and verbal communications, especially writing for the general public and public speaking
-- Social media skills
-- Networking, comfort in social interactions
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
College Students
Working in community-based change requires relationships with others who have similar values. Look for those folks in multiple settings from people working in non-profits, people receiving the services of non-profits, academics, activists, students, media, etc. The more community you build and relationships you have with people from different spaces, the "bigger" work you will be able to do and the more informed it will be. Authentic networks also help you move more organically between jobs.
Talk to people and ask for advice. Don't ask for money. Ask for advice, and then for introductions.
Network with your instructors. Seek a graduate teaching assistant position.
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
