Should I take sociology or philosophy as a major in college?

Question

I have a passion for both subjects, but I can't do a double major since I also want to take French as a minor (I'm not about to do double major and a minor). I've decided I can handle one major and two minors, so it's sort of like doing a double major thing. Can someone give me some good reasons why I should take either sociology or philosophy as a major, aside from the fact that majoring in philosophy might not provide me as much job opportunities as sociology? I don't care how much more money either major can get me. I love them both equally so I need some pros and/or cons to help me decide.

I've taken introductory courses to both philosophy and sociology.

Answer 1

This is just my opinion -- but Philosophy is one of the majors that I respect the most, while Sociology is the major for which I have the least respect.

Sociology is the major that people who aren't good at school choose. I don't know of any jobs where sociology is a good preparation.

Philosophy, on the other hand, is a major that teaches you to think critically and express yourself clearly. WHo wouldn't want to hire someone like that?

Answer 2

I'd do what interests you. Although I've never heard of someone genuinely taking undergrad sociology for the love of it (can't even see how you could love it when you've never taken the classes). Majority "end up there" for whatever reason (i.e. forced out of other programs, easy "A", hence athletes tend to major in it, etc). There is always some kind of ulterior motive for one being in a sociology program for 99% of the enrollment, as let's face it, less than 1% will ever go onto grad school in a sociology program.

Philosophy, on the other hand, isn't the same way. You'll never survive in philosophy if you don't have the interest, time committment, and talent.

Answer 3

You underestimate how bad your career prospects are with a degree in either Sociology or Philosophy. There are far more applicants for law enforcement jobs than openings, and you are very likely to end up as a Mall Cop. A degree in Philosophy today should be followed up with some king of graduate/professional school. It's hard to say what a degree in Sociology is good for. The entire field is corrupted by political correctness.

Answer 4

Philosophy and sociology are both respectable fields. Take either one but if it is job opportunities that concern you most, then sociology would be it. Actually, you make the choice yourself because you are the one who knows where you can excel better. .can you decide which field gives you more pleasure? I, for one would go for sociology, it is more embracing while philosophy is more on logic.

Answer 5

In my opinion, sociology is for slackers. I've taken several sociology classes and they are so easy it's a joke. Between the two, I would choose philosophy, especially if you are interested in or are planning to go on to law school.

Answer 6

It all depends on what your career goals are. To be honest you don't see many job posting for a philosphy major (you may enjoy the classes so take them but there isn't much to do with that degree) Soc will open some doors into grad school if you want to be a counselor or a therapist but you need more education if you want to do more then entry level jobs in the health, crimial fields.