Careers in Medical Sociology

by Scott Thompson

Medical sociologists study the impact of social and cultural factors on health care. This work includes studying the access to medical care of different ethnic groups and social classes and the ways that broader socioeconomic factors shape the organizational structures used by healthcare providers. Medical sociology can be a stepping stone to several different careers, or an academic career in its own right.

Undergraduate Studies

Undergrads who study medical sociology often go on to become social workers, nurses, psychologists or some other type of healthcare professional. Because medical sociology is a specialized subset of sociology, it can be difficult to find a school that offers a major in medical sociology specifically. The University of Alabama at Birmingham offers a minor in medical sociology, and North Dakota State University lets students majoring in sociology do a concentration in medical sociology, including an internship. Students of the NDSU program have interned at MeritCare hospital and Lutheran Social Services. Graduates with an interest in medical sociology can go on to a graduate program in the field.

Graduate Studies

UAB offers a master's degree program in sociology leading to a PhD in medical sociology. Students of this program study sociological theory, research methods, program evaluation, healthcare delivery, disparities in healthcare, social psychology, death and dying, patient care and qualitative methods. Graduates who leave the program with a master's degree pursue careers in teaching, government, business or non-profit work. Those who go on to earn a PhD can become medical sociologists.


Although an educational background in medical sociology can be useful in a number of different careers, medical sociologists typically pursue careers as research scientists. For example, they might work for a college or other institution conducting research on the effect of socioeconomic factors on healthcare outcomes across different populations. They might also research how to redesign weight loss or asthma treatment programs so they will be more effective with the members of different ethnic groups or religious backgrounds. The goal of medical sociology research is to narrow the differences in healthcare outcomes between different groups in society.

Career Outlook

Medical sociology is a very specialized career option. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, sociologists need to have a master's degree for entry-level work, but many medical sociologist positions require a PhD. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists a 2010 median pay of $72,360 a year for sociologists in general and notes that some sociologists specialize in healthcare issues, but does not provide separate data for medical sociologists. The projected growth rate for all sociologist positions is 18 percent from 2010 to 2020, above the average for all occupations.

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