You want a career that helps others, and one of the best ways to get started on that path is to really understand the people you’re trying to help. But with so many people-focused majors available, which one should you choose? Should I proceed? Do sociologists do social work? Keep calm and read. we are about to tell you!
psychology
If you’re interested in how the brain works, whether that brain is human or animal, you might be a budding psychologist. In this major, you’ll learn about the biology of the brain and why people fear clowns (and the effects clowns can have on the human condition). From the behavior of single brain cells to human interactions within large communities, psychology is a broad field that helps us understand what drives individuals. As you can imagine, that skill is in demand in many different areas.
A psychology major could lead to a career in…
- academia
- work
- counseling
- law
- psychotherapy
- social services
- more!
UIUC Psychology
If you’re interested in studying psychology at UIUC’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, there are many different areas to choose from. Your many options are:
- behavioral neuroscience
- Clinical/community psychology
- cognitive psychology
- cognitive neuroscience
- developmental psychology
- diversity science
- interdisciplinary psychology
- organizational psychology
- personality psychology
- social psychology
Human Development and Family Studies
Similar to psychology, Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS) also focuses on how people think and behave, but from a family, community, and developmental perspective. If you have a particular interest in how children and adolescents navigate the world, or how family units function and change within society, this is the place for you. Learn about the impact of biology and human health on communities, and access cutting-edge research on marriage, divorce, diverse families, and community resilience. It has the potential to improve society from every angle!
Majoring in HDFS can lead to a career in
- Children, Family and Community Services
- clinical psychology
- counseling
- research
- Pediatrics
- public health
- more!
HDFS in UIUC
If you choose to study HDFS through UIUC’s Faculty of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, you can choose from two dynamic concentrations:
- Childhood and Adolescent Development
- family study
social enterprise
Social work empowers students to address social issues and improve the lives of those in their communities. Social work isn’t as focused on how the brain works as some of the majors on this list. Instead, it focuses on how best to interact with and support people living with disability, poverty, mental illness, substance abuse, domestic or sexual violence, and more. If you want hands-on experience helping others deal with difficult situations, social work may be your calling.
Majoring in social work can lead to careers in…
- child welfare
- fix
- government
- non-profit activities
- rehabilitation
- treatment
- more!
Social work at UIUC
Our Social Work major does not have a specific concentration, but it offers a two-year program called social work iBSW For transfer students. It’s a college on campus, and a college of its own. Find a School of Social Work!
Sociology
While psychology is the study of the individual mind, sociology is the study of society as a whole. How do specific societies develop values? What are the common characteristics of healthy, positive societies? Learn the answers to these broad questions and use practical knowledge in the communities around you Opportunities are available. Whether you’re interested in research, hands-on work, or the overlap of the two, you’ll have the opportunity to develop the skills you need to improve your community through your sociology major.
A sociology major could lead to a career in…
- academia
- human resources
- law
- medicine
- non-profit activities
- social enterprise
- more!
Sociology at UIUC
Sociology is offered through an on-campus liberal arts and sciences college. Sociology majors do not have a specific concentration, but sociology departments offer minors. Criminology, Law, Society.
The bottom line is…
Now that you’ve learned a little more about these majors, have you decided to become a psychologist or a sociologist? A little bit of both? something completely different? If you’re still not sure, don’t worry. No matter what major you choose, you can make a difference in your community and your career.
