Social psychology studies the connections between individuals and society. Within sociology, social psychology (also called microsociology) uses micro-level social behaviors to illustrate macro-level social structures and processes. This field covers various topics, such as identity, the self, social attitudes, social influence, culture, deviance, and religious beliefs. Analysis of social stratification and inequality is discussed in each of these topics. Training in sociological social psychology helps students develop an analytical toolkit to aid understanding of human behavior and social interaction, which can be applied to a variety of fields such as marketing, education, counseling, public administration, and human service organizations. It also provides an excellent theoretical foundation for graduate work in sociology.
Career Options for Social Psychology Majors:
Social psychology graduates work in a wide variety of occupations, including Human Resources management, social work, school counseling, non-profit organizations, research institutes, project management for corporations, and public services. Many students pursue advanced studies in sociology, psychology, counseling, education, public administration, law schools, and others.