Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Sociology |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years, then NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Social Sciences |
| Career field / body | Social research, development, HR, public sector and social services |
| UTME subjects | Use of English plus three relevant Arts or Social-Science subjects |
| Competitiveness | Moderately competitive |
On this page
- What Sociology is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Sociology & who it suits
- Careers & where graduates work
- Salary outlook in Nigeria
- Where it’s offered
- Is it a good course?
- Skills you’ll gain
- Licensing, professional bodies & further study
- How to get in (UTME requirements)
- Practise the UTME subjects free
- Related & alternative courses
- Frequently asked questions
What Sociology is about
Sociology is the study of human society — social behaviour, institutions, culture and social change — and how groups, structures and society shape the way people live and act.
A brief history of the discipline
It emerged to make sense of the huge social changes of the modern era and remains essential for understanding communities, inequality, crime, family and development.
What you will study
You study sociological theory, social research methods, social institutions, the sociology of development and change, criminology basics, and urban, rural and industrial sociology — with a project.
Why study Sociology & who it suits
This course suits analytical, curious students interested in people, society and how the world works, with good reading and writing skills. A curiosity about people, culture and social issues is a great fit.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work in social research, NGOs and development, human resources, the public sector, community development, journalism, social services and academia.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Sociology pay depends on the path — research, NGOs, HR or the public sector — and grows with specialisation.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (graduate) | ₦80,000 – ₦200,000 |
| Mid-level | ₦200,000 – ₦500,000 |
| Senior | ₦600,000 – ₦1,200,000+ |
Figures are rough approximations (monthly gross) as of 2026, drawn from Nigerian salary aggregators. Actual pay varies widely by sector (oil & gas, fintech and multinationals pay far above the public service), employer, location (Lagos and Abuja pay more) and experience — treat these as a guide, not a guarantee.
Where it’s offered: notable universities
Sociology is offered at most Nigerian universities, including the University of Ibadan, University of Lagos, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Nigeria, Ahmadu Bello University and the University of Benin.
This is not a ranked or exhaustive list — always confirm the current institutions and their requirements in the official JAMB brochure, or use our subject combination checker and the Sociology admission guide.
Is Sociology a good course to study in Nigeria?
Sociology is a versatile social science leading into research, NGOs, human resources and the public sector — its value grows with specialisation and added skills.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Versatile — research, NGOs, HR, development and the public sector.
- A broad foundation and a base for further study.
- Real insight into society, groups and behaviour.
- Transferable analytical and communication skills.
Challenges to weigh:
- A general degree — specialise or add skills for the best pay.
- Entry pay is modest.
- Fewer direct ‘job titles’ than applied fields.
- Competitive.
It suits students who are curious about people, society and social issues.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Sociology builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Social research methods
- Critical analysis
- Data collection and interpretation
- Communication
- Understanding of society
- Problem-solving
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.Sc Sociology (4 years) → NYSC → careers in research, development, HR, public service and social services, with postgraduate options for specialist roles.
How to get in: Sociology UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Sociology is Use of English plus three relevant Arts or Social-Science subjects. You also need five relevant O’Level credits including English Language. Confirm the exact requirement for your chosen university.
Practise the UTME subjects free
Prepare with free official-syllabus notes and timed CBT practice for your UTME subjects:
- Use of English — practise CBT
- Economics — practise CBT
- Government — practise CBT
- Commerce — practise CBT
Related guides
- How to choose the right course for JAMB
- Good courses you can study with a low JAMB score
- Understanding the JAMB brochure & subject combinations
- How to use the JAMB eligibility checker
- How to change your course or institution on JAMB
Related & alternative courses
If you like Sociology, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Sociology in Nigeria?
The B.Sc typically takes 4 years, followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for Sociology?
Use of English plus three relevant Arts or Social-Science subjects
What can I do with a Sociology degree?
Work in social research, NGOs and development, human resources, community development, the public sector, journalism or social services.
Is Sociology the same as Social Work?
No — Sociology studies society and social behaviour, while Social Work is a helping profession that directly supports individuals, families and communities.
Is Sociology a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes — it is versatile, leading into research, NGOs, HR, development and the public sector, though it rewards specialising or adding skills.
What jobs can I get with Sociology?
Social research, NGOs and development, human resources, community development, the public sector, journalism and social services.
Sociology vs Social Work?
Sociology studies society and behaviour; Social Work is a helping profession that directly supports individuals, families and communities.
Does Sociology pay well?
Entry pay is modest, but it grows with specialisation, further study and roles in research, HR and development.
Sources: Course content and career pathways summarised from Nigerian faculties of social sciences and relevant professional/learned bodies; admission requirements from the official JAMB UTME brochure. Last checked: 22 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB, the NUC or any professional body. Programme structure, duration and requirements vary by university — always confirm details with your chosen institution and the official JAMB brochure.