After Graduation

Whether you choose to start work in your field directly after graduating or pursue a graduate degree, our programs give you the tools and knowledge to do well.

Sociology

CAREERS

With a sociology degree, you’ll have the option to go into an applied discipline or specialize in criminal justice. Popular job titles include (but are not limited to):

• Caseworkers
• Community resources coordinator
• Gerontologist
• Labor relations specialist
• Law enforcement (through the criminal justice emphasis)
• Missionary
• Psychotherapist
• Sociologists
• Urban/regional planner
• Youth services worker

GRADUATE SCHOOL

Some sociology graduates choose to continue their education, pursuing degrees in sociology, law, criminal justice, public policy, social work and more.

Recent sociology majors have been admitted to graduate programs at:

• University of North Carolina
• Vanderbilt University
• University of New Mexico
• Pennsylvania State University

Social Work

CAREERS

Our social work program offers a professional degree, accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Accreditation means that our graduates are prepared for entry-level social work practice. Most of our students will go on to graduate school to achieve their MSW, but you might work for a couple of years before doing so. With Hope’s accredited program, graduates are eligible to pursue their LBSW licensure.

Popular career options include (but are not limited to):

• Adoption services
• Children’s services worker
• Congressional aide
• Drug rehabilitation counselor
• Geriatric case worker
• International social work
• Lobbyist
• Prison social worker
• School social worker

By going into social work, you’re preparing to work in the following style of disciplines:

Micro Practice

This involves both designing and delivering interventions with individuals, families and groups who are also often members of diverse or marginalized populations.

Macro Practice

In macro practice, you’re working on larger scale programs, helping to design change and help from the top. This might include working on public policy, at the community level and with diverse populations (many of whom experience marginalization).

Graduates of Hope's Social Work Program have been involved in a variety of satisfying careers such as:

• Social workers in a variety of practice settings
• Graduate programs in social work
• Ministers and church workers
• Legal aid lawyers
• Directors of drug clinics
• Professional counselors
• Supervisors in counseling centers
• Urban planners
• Teachers of social work
• Community organizers
• Director of social welfare programs

GRADUATE SCHOOL

Most of our Social Work students will go on to graduate school to achieve their Master of Social Work (MSW), whether it’s right away or after some time in the field. Because of Hope’s accreditation, students who graduate from our program at advanced standing (if your GPA is high enough) can go on to an accelerated program and graduate with an MSW in one calendar year (3 or 3.5 semesters). The standard MSW is usually earned in four semesters over two calendar years. Many of our students have gone on to the University of Michigan, the highest-rated MSW program in the country.

Alumni

We love to hear from our sociology and social work alumni. Let us know what you’re up to! Email Lisa Eding to share new jobs and tales from grad school.

Visit Hope's alumni page for information on resources and services