Information for Students

INTERESTED IN A SOCIOLOGY CAREER?

Check the ASA job bank for jobs in Theory. Search for the keyword "theory"

The American Sociological Association has compiled helpful guides for students interested in pursuing a career in sociology, or in exploring the career options available to those with a degree in sociology. 

ASA also has useful teaching & learning resources for graduate students and undergraduates
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"Education is healthy when people themselves are in a healthy state; but it becomes corrupt with them, being unable to modify itself... Education, therefore, can be reformed only if society itself is reformed. To do that, the evil from which it suffers must be attacked at its source."
                     -Emile Durkheim
The section welcomes participation from students at the undergraduate and graduate level interested in the role, use, and value of sociological theory. ASA student membership is relatively cheap and comes with many benefits.

The benefits of joining ASA sections in your interest areas relate to the value of sociological specialties. As sociologists develop their interests in different ways, they pursue diverse specialty subjects within the field as a whole. Sections are also represented at the annual meeting.
  • ASA Sections - Sections offer an excellent opportunity for networking and the gathering of pertinent information in various areas of sociology. Sections welcome student involvement!
  • ASA Student Pages - The Student pages are meant to help students "connect" to the important opportunities and activities of the Association and its specialty sections. Includes the Student Forum. 
Among the most tangible efforts on behalf of the Theory section for students is the annual Edward Shils - James Coleman Memorial Award for the Best Student Paper. This competition is organized by the Section's Graduate Student Prize Committee to recognize distinguished work in theory by a graduate student. Submitted work may take the form of either a paper published or accepted for publication, a paper presented at a professional meeting, or a paper suitable for publication or presentation at a professional meeting. The winner will receive a plaque and reimbursement for up to $500 for travel to attend the annual meetings of the American Sociological Association. Go to the Announcements page for this year's competition and the Awards page for information about previous recipients.