Is an Online PhD in Sociology Worth Your Time and Money?

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Are you wondering whether an online PhD in sociology worth it or not? If yes, this article is exclusively for you!

Sociology is the science of human societies, their interactions, and the means of processes that initiate changes and what preserves them utilizing the data collected by examining the dynamics of society’s integral parts such as communities, institutions and gender, age, and racial groups.

Sociologists play an essential role in helping others understand people in large groups and how they work in various situations. This understanding allows researchers, mass media, products and service providers, medical professionals, environmentalists, NGOs, rehabilitators, lawmakers, and planners to tune their offerings to serve and aid the masses more effectively.

Sociology also examines stratification, social status, social movements, and social change in great detail and a standard and niche societal disorder in the form of deviance, crime, and even revolution.

While many tend to believe that a bachelor’s or a postgraduate course on sociology would equip graduates with all the knowledge, they might be surprised to learn that a PhD would open up a new door of academic and research opportunities. If you are one of those who wondered if a PhD in sociology is worth pursuing, you should keep reading.

So, Why Should One Pursue a PhD in Sociology Degree?

Gaining a PhD in sociology allows professionals to expand upon their knowledge of the human mind and society in general and gives them access to courses that help them understand the best ways to analyze and collect data. The human mind is one of the leases known about in our modern age. Learning advanced concepts and conduction research would allow PhD in sociology graduates to find critical data that would further deepen our understanding of society.

Unlike a UG and PG degree, a PhD in sociology offers better opportunities for becoming a sociologist, social care worker, or sociology professor due to their advanced knowledge and expertise in the human psyche area. Having advanced experience in both the societal structures, laws, and the human mind will enable graduates of sociology degree courses to offer their unique expertise while working with lawmakers, probation offices, and correctional treatment specialists to better their understanding and offerings.

Sociology in African Countries

Sociology in African countries has been a mixed bag as the continent is home to many urban and rural areas. There is so much one can discover as the continent offers a broad yet diverse set of communities with unique traditions and societal practices that will add more to the sociology community’s collective understanding.

Organizations such as the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) and the Organization for Social Science Research in Eastern and Southern Africa (OSSREA) take on various research and analyses of the social structure growth across multiple countries of the continent.

They have provided opportunities for local researchers and other organizations to compile groundbreaking data and improve the overall understanding of the society in which they live. These insights have brought many positive changes and provided much-needed clarity to professionals from other sectors to better themselves and their offerings to their audience.

Benefits of a PhD in Sociology Degree

Many sociology graduates wonder if pursuing a PhD in sociology makes sense for them as there is no definitive career progression on offer similar to medicine, law, or engineering. Though vocational orientation in many universities is few and far between, there is much to gain with a sociology degree. Professionals should not get discouraged from pursuing a PhD in sociology.

Pursuing a PhD in sociology equips scholars with tangible and intangible skills in advanced research and data analysis. As the modern world is now increasingly digitized, the job landscape and its requirements have evolved, with its careers involving data analysis has become a significant part of sociologists. This skill set on research and analysis could be the most valuable skill that scholars could acquire.

Some benefits of studying a PhD in sociology are as follows:

• Quantitative literacy critical thinking and statistical reasoning skills
• Research skills (e.g., data collection, literature review, and data analysis)
• Academic-level research and dissertation capacity
• Social skills (e.g., ability to interact with people from various social backgrounds, communication skills, cultural competence, and empathy)

Should You Consider an Online PhD in Sociology?

Online learning has become the norm for many years. The recent pandemic has only familiarized it with the broader audience. This opportunity is especially beneficial for PhD scholars who wish to keep their job while pursuing a higher degree.

Utilizing the latest advances in communication tech, an online PhD in sociology also helps professionals save on time, fees, and money compared to a traditional program. It is also a great way to build your professional network as you will be among highly qualified professionals worldwide.

Pursuing an online PhD in sociology will require scholars to conduct extensive original research on their chosen topic scholars will do this online, which might sound to be limiting. However, many would soon realize the abundance of data on offer, combined with their advanced skills, and produce something groundbreaking.

The PhD in sociology program will predominantly focus its study on psychology, family and relationships, social work, and demography. The doctoral programs will allow scholars to pursue a unique specialization in their careers and make new academic discoveries.

Benefits of Sociology Degree

There are lots of benefits personally and professionally by pursuing a sociology degree:

• An Interdisciplinary Approach to Holistic Understanding
  Sociology is an interdisciplinary study of society and it’s inner workings. Scholars who undertake a PhD in sociology learn and work with society’s complex understandings to build qualities to identify interconnections between different parameters and identify patterns that could better understand and predict human culture.
  They learn to comprehend the social structure as a whole, unlike any other study area—this one of the most genuinely understated benefits of a sociology degree.

• Unique Opportunity to Specialize and Develop an Indispensable Skill Set
  PhD in sociology allows candidates to learn and develop advanced emotional intelligence and finetune their soft skills; this aids them personally and professionally in the long term. This development also gives us a unique opportunity to specialize and sub-specialize in particular areas of interest and benefit your career. This will be inimitable, which will add more value to you and your profession.

• Field-Oriented Education That Leads to Creative Thinking
  Benefits of sociology degree include a field-oriented education that helps scholars develop creative thinking, which is a crucial aspect required to succeed as a sociologist and in day-to-day life.
  Unlike any other discipline, sociology is allowing one to explore the fundamentals of human nature and grow enormously.

Is a Sociology Degree Only Limited to Academia and Research?

One might assume that a PhD in sociology may limit professionals to academia and research; however, that’s not the case as there are also various other career paths one can opt for which would make use of

• Consulting
  As specialists of a particular field, consultation roles are among the most valuable yet effective jobs that one can undertake. As a consultant, you will be providing expert advice on matters pertaining to the goals of the company or organization, be it education, finance, human resources, marketing, or management; a sociology degree graduate will be able to provide valuable insights to develop, implement and improve a product or service.
  A consultant’s role can also open up opportunities for more prominent roles with the company or organization if the need arises. In a sea of professionals with various background degrees duking it out in job interviews, you will be able to waltz in with your proven track record from your previous interactions and score a C-level position in the company.

• Nonprofit Organizations
  Sociology is one of those roles that can serve as a benefactor for many nonprofit organizations focusing on sociological issues and developments. The diverse set of talents of a sociology degree course graduate is suitable for various roles ranging from a lead researcher to a fundraiser in a nonprofit organization.

• The Local or Federal Government
  Government offices are always on the lookout for certified sociology professionals who can contribute to gaining research-supported insights on society to improve public services and offerings.
  Professionals from various sectors also collaborate to meet goals, so apart from a thriving environment, there is an excellent opportunity to test and expand your skills.

• Professional Research
  Research is the bread and butter of a sociology PhD scholar. Pursuing a researcher role is an effortless jump for any graduate. Research positions are available in various industry publishing sectors, think tank organizations, banking, government agencies, education, and many others. All industry areas are interested in hiring highly skilled PhD scholars, who have some exposure in the industry, and readily have the valuable research skills required for the job.
  Research careers offer a supportive environment, structured promotion systems, and more generous pay are just a few reasons to pursue a research career. It’s now increasingly appealing to be a researcher outside of academia due to these advantages. Additionally, expert industry researchers are usually rewarded, not penalized, for going out of their path and taking innovative initiatives.

• Entrepreneurship
  Many PhD graduates have transformed themselves into successful entrepreneurs with their skills and resourcefulness. PhD graduates are known and sought after for their transferable skills; this effectively makes them good teachers and good leaders. Entrepreneurship is a great area that will allow PhD graduates to shine with their skills and ability to create.

Taksha Smartlabz in association with the University of Central Nicaragua’s and Its Online PhD in Sociology

In an academic partnership with the University of Central Nicaragua, Taksha Smartlabz (TSL) offers an acclaimed online PhD in sociology degree. It is one of the most coveted sociology programs in Africa. TSL-UCN’s sociology course blends the flexibility of online learning with superior learning methodologies coupled with a state-of-the-art learning management system. It offers one of the best learning experiences one can hope to get. Earning a PhD in sociology will get you a more significant opportunity in the social sector.

PhD in Sociology Degree Requirements

To meet the sociology degree requirements, one has to have graduated from a recognized university with a master’s degree and have a few years of relevant sociology experience.

Why Choose TSL-UCN?

TSL-UCN’s sociology doctoral program is taught by a diverse and highly experienced global faculty with extensive experience and knowledge in their specific field. TSL-UCN’s program has a well-established global reputation, and it is also affordable for international aspirants. Other salient reasons are as below:

• Upon graduation, candidates develop a deeper understanding of how families operate within cultural, social, ethical, and economic frameworks.
• Graduates will also grow as a better human by working with at-risk and oppressed populations.
• Scholars gain skills relating to research analysis and evidence-based social work.
• Scholars develop advanced observation and self-awareness by learning how past experiences push their behavior.

With that, we hope you can now understand if a Sociology PhD Worth It or not and maybe even inclined to pursue the discipline yourself.