Occupation AtlasSociology Teachers, Postsecondary

O*NET · 25-1067.00

Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in sociology. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Also called Adjunct Instructor · Adjunct Professor · Adjunct Sociology Professor · Assistant Professor · Associate Professor · College Faculty Member · College Professor · Comparative Sociology Professor
16 more

Faculty Member · Instructor · Lecturer · Marriage and Family Teacher · Professor · Race Relations Professor · Social Organization Professor · Social Science Instructor · Social Science Professor · Sociology Adjunct Instructor · Sociology Adjunct Professor · Sociology Faculty Member · Sociology Instructor · Sociology Lecturer · Sociology Professor · University Faculty Member

Job Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation NeededHolland code SIA35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

SIASocial · Investigative · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • S Social6.70
  • I Investigative5.71
  • A Artistic3.58
  • C Conventional3.27
  • R Realistic2.57
  • E Enterprising2.53

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Master's Degree23%
  • Doctoral Degree77%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (37%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (30%)
On-the-job training
None or short demonstration (29%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • SpeakingbasicImportance 4.6Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Learning StrategiesbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Reading ComprehensionbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • WritingbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • InstructingImportance 4.0Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Active ListeningbasicImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Critical ThinkingbasicImportance 3.8Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • MonitoringbasicImportance 3.8Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Active LearningbasicImportance 3.6Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Social PerceptivenessImportance 3.6Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Time ManagementImportance 3.4Level 3.6Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Judgment and Decision MakingImportance 3.3Level 4.0Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
Show the other 23

Tasks

20 core · 4 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.Importance 4.5
  2. Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.Importance 4.5
  3. 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.Importance 4.4
  4. Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.Importance 4.4
  5. Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.Importance 4.3
  6. Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.Importance 4.3
  7. Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.Importance 4.1
  8. Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.Importance 4.1
  9. Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.Importance 4.1
  10. Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.Importance 3.9
  11. Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.Importance 3.9
  12. Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.Importance 3.8
Show the other 12
  1. Supervise students' laboratory and field work.Importance 3.7
  2. Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.Importance 3.6
  3. Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.Importance 3.4
  4. Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.Importance 3.3
  5. Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.Importance 3.3
  6. Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.Importance 3.3
  7. Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.Importance 3.2
  8. Mentor new faculty.Importance 3.2
  9. Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.Importance 3.3
  10. Participate in campus and community events.Importance 2.7
  11. Act as advisers to student organizations.Importance 2.5
  12. Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.Importance 2.4

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • English LanguageImportance 4.9Level 6.5Level 7 looks like: Teach a college English class
  • Sociology and AnthropologyImportance 4.7Level 6.4Level 7 looks like: Create a new theory about the development of civilizations
  • Education and TrainingImportance 4.5Level 6.3Level 7 looks like: Design a training program for new employees
  • Computers and ElectronicsImportance 3.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • History and ArcheologyImportance 3.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Teach local history to school children
  • PsychologyImportance 3.8Level 5.2Level 4 looks like: Understand the impact of alcohol on human responses
  • Law and GovernmentImportance 3.5Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Prepare documents and title papers for the purchase of a new house
  • MathematicsImportance 3.5Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
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  • Philosophy and TheologyImportance 3.5Level 5.6
  • Communications and MediaImportance 3.4Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Host a music radio show
  • Customer and Personal ServiceImportance 3.4Level 4.3Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • AdministrativeImportance 3.3Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • GeographyImportance 3.1Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Personnel and Human ResourcesImportance 2.9Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • Administration and ManagementImportance 2.7Level 2.8
  • Therapy and CounselingImportance 2.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Provide job counseling to the unemployed
  • Public Safety and SecurityImportance 2.2Level 1.7Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • TelecommunicationsImportance 2.2Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Medicine and DentistryImportance 2.1Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Foreign LanguageImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Economics and AccountingImportance 1.8Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Fine ArtsImportance 1.7Level 1.4Level 1 looks like: Attend a popular music concert
  • Sales and MarketingImportance 1.7Level 1.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • BiologyImportance 1.5Level 1.1Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Engineering and TechnologyImportance 1.5Level —
  • Production and ProcessingImportance 1.5Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
  • TransportationImportance 1.5Level 1.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • PhysicsImportance 1.4Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • MechanicalImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Replace the filters in a furnace
  • Building and ConstructionImportance 1.2Level —
  • ChemistryImportance 1.2Level —
  • DesignImportance 1.2Level —
  • Food ProductionImportance 1.1Level —

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Oral ExpressionImportance 4.5Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Inductive ReasoningImportance 4.0Level 4.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Oral ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Speech ClarityImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Written ComprehensionImportance 4.0Level 4.9Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Written ExpressionImportance 4.0Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Deductive ReasoningImportance 3.9Level 4.1Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Near VisionImportance 3.8Level 3.8
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  • Speech RecognitionImportance 3.4Level 3.9Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Information OrderingImportance 3.3Level 3.3Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Category FlexibilityImportance 3.1Level 3.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Fluency of IdeasImportance 3.1Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • OriginalityImportance 3.0Level 3.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Problem SensitivityImportance 3.0Level 3.5Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Selective AttentionImportance 2.6Level 2.6Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Far VisionImportance 2.5Level 3.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Flexibility of ClosureImportance 2.3Level 2.3Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • MemorizationImportance 2.3Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Recite the first names of the five people you just met
  • Mathematical ReasoningImportance 2.1Level 2.6
  • Number FacilityImportance 2.1Level 2.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Perceptual SpeedImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speed of ClosureImportance 2.1Level 2.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Time SharingImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Trunk StrengthImportance 1.9Level 1.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • VisualizationImportance 1.9Level 1.1Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Visual Color DiscriminationImportance 1.8Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Auditory AttentionImportance 1.6Level 0.6
  • Finger DexterityImportance 1.6Level 0.6
  • Hearing SensitivityImportance 1.5Level 0.5
  • Wrist-Finger SpeedImportance 1.4Level 0.4
  • Dynamic StrengthImportance 1.1Level —
  • Arm-Hand SteadinessImportance 1.0Level —
  • Control PrecisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Depth PerceptionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Dynamic FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Explosive StrengthImportance 1.0Level —
  • Extent FlexibilityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Glare SensitivityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Gross Body EquilibriumImportance 1.0Level —
  • Manual DexterityImportance 1.0Level —
  • Multilimb CoordinationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Night VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Peripheral VisionImportance 1.0Level —
  • Rate ControlImportance 1.0Level —
  • Reaction TimeImportance 1.0Level —
  • Response OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Sound LocalizationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Spatial OrientationImportance 1.0Level —
  • Speed of Limb MovementImportance 1.0Level —
  • StaminaImportance 1.0Level —
  • Static StrengthImportance 1.0Level —

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Processing InformationImportance 4.8Level 6.3Level 7 looks like: Compile data for a complex scientific report
  • Analyzing Data or InformationImportance 4.7Level 6.1Level 7 looks like: Analyze the cost of medical care services for all hospitals in the country
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersImportance 4.6Level 5.6
  • Thinking CreativelyImportance 4.5Level 5.8
  • Training and Teaching OthersImportance 4.5Level 5.7
  • Working with ComputersImportance 4.5Level 4.8Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and EventsImportance 4.4Level 5.6
  • Updating and Using Relevant KnowledgeImportance 4.4Level 5.9
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  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsImportance 4.3Level 5.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesImportance 4.2Level 5.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Getting InformationImportance 4.2Level 5.8
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkImportance 4.2Level 5.9
  • Documenting/Recording InformationImportance 3.9Level 4.4Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleImportance 3.9Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Making Decisions and Solving ProblemsImportance 3.9Level 5.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Scheduling Work and ActivitiesImportance 3.7Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Developing Objectives and StrategiesImportance 3.6Level 4.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Communicating with People Outside the OrganizationImportance 3.5Level 4.6Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsImportance 3.4Level 4.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsImportance 3.0Level 3.4Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to OthersImportance 2.9Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Coaching and Developing OthersImportance 2.8Level 3.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesImportance 2.8Level 3.8Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Performing Administrative ActivitiesImportance 2.8Level 3.0Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersImportance 2.6Level 3.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Assisting and Caring for OthersImportance 2.4Level 2.6
  • Developing and Building TeamsImportance 2.4Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of OthersImportance 2.3Level 2.8
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationImportance 2.3Level 2.4Level 1 looks like: Estimate the size of household furniture to be shipped
  • Selling or Influencing OthersImportance 2.1Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the PublicImportance 2.0Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Monitoring and Controlling ResourcesImportance 1.9Level 2.0Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Performing General Physical ActivitiesImportance 1.6Level 0.6Level 1 looks like: Walk between workstations in a small office
  • Staffing Organizational UnitsImportance 1.6Level 1.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Controlling Machines and ProcessesImportance 1.5Level 0.9Level 1 looks like: Operate a cash register
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsImportance 1.4Level —
  • Handling and Moving ObjectsImportance 1.3Level 0.7Level 1 looks like: Change settings on copy machines
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentImportance 1.1Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentImportance 1.0Level —

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • E-Mail5.0
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.8
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.8
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Contact With Others4.2
  • Public Speaking4.2
  • Spend Time Sitting4.0
  • Level of Competition3.9
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate3.8

Technology

28 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

In demand (2)

  • Microsoft Office softwarehot
  • Learning management system LMS

Hot (9; 1 more marked hot above)

  • Google Docs
  • IBM SPSS Statistics
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
  • R
  • SAS
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
Other tools (17)
  • Blackboard Learn
  • Blackboard software
  • Centre for Multilevel Modeling MLwiN
  • Collaborative editing software
  • Course management system software
  • Desire2Learn LMS software
  • DOC Cop
  • Econometric Software LIMDEP
  • Email software
  • Image scanning software
  • iParadigms Turnitin
  • Muthen & Muthen Mplus
  • Sakai CLE
  • Scientific Software International HLM
  • Social network analysis software
  • StataCorp Stata
  • Web browser software

Related occupations

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ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.