The differences between social work and sociology

fatma El hadad Date : 09 Aug 24

Both specializations, social work, and sociology, differ greatly in the main focus of each one and in the academic subjects that students study in each of them and even in the universities in which they are taught. 

Turkish universities are known for their high-quality university education in many majors, including social work and sociology. If you are interested in one of these majors, keep reading to learn more extensively about the difference between social service and sociology.

What is social service work?  

To know the difference between Social work and sociology, you should first know what Social service is.

Social service is a branch of social sciences that includes the application of social theory and social research methods to study the lives of groups, individuals, and societies to improve their life. 

Social work is closely linked to other branches of social sciences and constitutes with them a means of improving human conditions.

What is the major of sociology?  

Sociology is a branch of the social sciences that systematically examines social transformations and changes at the global and local levels.

The sociology major contributes to producing practical solutions to the most prominent social problems, in addition to producing cultural, social, and other policies by predicting social conditions in the future. 

What is The difference between social work and sociology?  

Social work and sociology are distinct fields, each with its focus, methodologies, and goals, though they are interconnected. 

The main items in the difference between Social work and sociology are:

What does a student study in the social work major?  

Subjects taught in each major are important items in the difference between Social work and sociology.

Study subjects vary from one university to another, but study in the social work major generally includes the following:

• Social work practice 1.
• Social work practice 2.
• Introduction to social work.
• Social work methodology.
• Applied social sciences.
• psychology.
• Principles of educational ethics.
• Legal basis.
• Social work and disability 
• Social welfare 
• Social policy 
• Human behavior and development 
• Research methods in social work 
• Ethics and values in social work 
• Family and child welfare 
• Gender and Social Work Studies 
• Advocacy and human rights 
• Social economy.
• Social law.

What does a student study in a sociology major?  

Courses also vary from one university to another, but in general, the sociology major in Turkish universities offers the following:

• Introduction to Sociology.
• Social ideology 
• Social demography 
• Social psychology 
• Sociology of economics 
• Social research principles 
• Anthropology 
• Social of Religion 
• Medical sociology 
• Political sociology 
• Sociology of education 
• Social issues 
• Social development 
• Culture and society 
• Public opinion 
• Social theories 
• Industrial sociology 
• Sociology of crime 
• Violence and terrorism
• Social change 
• Globalization issues 
• Peace and conflict resolution 
• Introduction to Social Work
• Technology and society.
• the law.
• Philosophy.
• Social classes.
• Social systems.
• Study and research of social structure.
• Population trends.
• deviation.

Advantages of studying sociology in Türkiye 

Now, let's know the advantages of studying both fields to be aware of all aspects of the difference between Social work and sociology.

The advantages of studying sociology in Turkey include:

• The Department of Sociology in Turkish universities provides students with several optional secondary programs in many fields such as urban sociology, legal sociology, and social psychology.
• Faculty members of Turkish universities at the Department of Sociology play an active role in organizing national and international conferences and seminars.
• Courses that improve vital skills for the 21st century are also offered in areas such as computers, science, information, society, and energy.
• Türkiye offers highly advanced educational curricula that rival those taught in universities.
• Unique cadres teach these curricula. 
• Turkey is a culturally rich country with emerging influences that both make study interesting and this cultural diversity greatly benefits the diversity of social policies.
• Its universities are distinguished by modern and advanced structures,  buildings, and laboratories. 

Read more: 10 reasons to study in Türkiye 

Advantages of studying social work in Türkiye  

• Cultural diversity in Türkiye enhances the learning experience and prepares students to work in multicultural environments.
• Growing demand for social workers in Türkiye 
• Comprehensive curriculum that covers various aspects of the field, including theory, practice, ethics, and policy.
• Developing society for the better by providing students with opportunities to engage with communities and understand local needs. 
• Studying social work in Türkiye can enhance language skills, particularly in Turkish and English, which are valuable in both local and international contexts.
• Education expenses in Turkish universities are very reasonable, especially when compared to the expenses of European universities that offer the same curricula.
• The cost of living in Türkiye is also reasonable, which helps students keep minimal expenses.
• Allowing all members of society to participate in serving and helping people.
• Graduating numerous groups of qualified students to complete their postgraduate studies.

Read more: Why Turkey?

Number of years of study in social work and sociology in Türkiye  

The difference between Social work and sociology is not present in the number of years of study as the number of years of study for both social work and sociology majors in Turkey is 4 academic years, and each academic year consists of two semesters or 8 semesters. This is for obtaining a bachelor’s degree and for obtaining a professional diploma. The duration of study is two years over 4 semesters, and for obtaining a master’s degree. The duration of study is also approximately two academic years.

Language of study for social work and sociology majors in Türkiye  

The language of study for social work and sociology in Turkey is  English and Turkish so that each student can choose what suits him, but in general in all specializations, including these two specializations, study programs in the English language are on the increase, especially since it is easier for international students and enables them to work in any country in the world.

Universities that teach social work in Türkiye

One of the most important items in the difference between Social work and sociology is the universities.

The social service specialty is taught in many Turkish universities, the most famous of which are:

• Cyprus International University
• Bahçeşehir University
• Beykent University
• Istanbul Aydin University
• Uskudar University
• Nişantaşı University
• Istanbul Medipol University
• Istanbul Kent University
• Al-Biruni University

The cost of studying social work in Turkish universities  

The cost of studying social work in Turkish universities is as follows:

Universities that teach sociology in Türkiye 

The sociology major is taught in many Turkish universities, the most famous of which are:

• İstanbul Gedik University
• Yeditepe University
• Beykent University
• Istanbul Gelisim University
• Istanbul Aydin University
• Istanbul Arel University
• Okan University
• Nişantaşı University
• Maltepe University
• Izmir Economic University
• Istinye University
• İstanbul Sabahattin Zaim University
• Istanbul Bilgi University
• Bahçeşehir University
• Altinbas University
• Uskudar University

Read more: studying sociology in Turkish universities 

The cost of studying sociology in Turkish universities 

The cost of studying sociology in Turkish universities is as follows:

Fields of work for social work graduates in Türkiye

To make your informed decision and know well the difference between Social work and sociology, you should know the fields of work for both majors.

Social work graduates can work in the following jobs:

• Social worker
• Child and family care specialist 
• Community development worker
• Case manager 
• Mental health and substance abuse counselor 
• Psychological counselor

They can work in various departments of institutions including:

• The Prime Minister
• The Ministry of Family and Social Policies
• The Ministry of Health
• The Ministry of Education
• The Ministry of Justice
• The Ministry of National Defence
• The Ministry of the Interior
• The Ministry of Social Affairs
• Labor and Social Security 
• Offices in local governments.
• Research centers
• Schools
• Children's homes
• Daycare centers
• Orphanages
• Nursing homes
• Rehabilitation centers for the disabled
• Health care centers
• Vocational training centers
• Prisons
• Juvenile courts.

Fields of work for sociology graduates in Türkiye  

After graduating with a degree in sociology, you have a wide range of career options available to you. Some common fields of work for sociology graduates include:

• Broadcasting field.
• Youth work
• Probation services
• The criminal justice system
• Charity 
• Research organizations
• Writing in politics, economics, and criticism.
• Marketing 
• International affairs.
• Management.
• Public relations and communication 
• Education.
• Crime scene investigation
• government officer roles
• Journalism and media.
• Social research.
• Counseling and social intervention in various areas of the family.
• Criminal justice.
• HR.
• Social researcher.
• Civil service official.
• Public relations.
• Researcher in public policy.
• Data analyst.
• Health care

Requirements to study Social Work and Sociology in Türkiye  

We reach the last item in the difference between Social work and sociology, which is the requirement to study sociology and social work in Türkiye.

The documents required to apply to the university include the following:

• Personal photo.
• A copy of the passport.
• High school diploma or its equivalent with transcripts translated into English or Turkish.
• Certificate of passing the English or Turkish language test, depending on the language of study you choose.
• For candidates, the Higher Education Institutions (YKS) examination which is held by the Evaluation, Selection, and Placement Center (ÖSYM) is required for admission to the social work program.
• To be eligible to study sociology in Türkiye, some universities require the Foreign Student Test (YÖS) or SAT.

Read more: application requirements to study in Türkiye 

Conclusion

Finally, we hope we cover all points related to the difference between Social work and sociology and help you to find which one is more suitable for you and meet your future requirements. Good luck.

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