<p>I just graduated with a double-major in sociology, and I don't really know any of my fellow departmental graduates who had trouble finding a job after graduation. However, I don't really know many of them who had plans of going directly into something that was specifically sociology-related; a number work in non-profits or for governmental agencies. Some used sociology as a flexible major to combine with pre-med requirements. Personally, I'm going to be working for a management/strategy consulting firm - not exactly sociology, but still research-intensive, like much of the department's coursework. It also seems like that might be what you're looking for, with a future in business. In addition, the "business" minor at Hopkins would be easy to combine with a soc major, since sociology is SO flexible. See here for more info: <a href="http://www.soc.jhu.edu/undergrad-prog.html%5B/url%5D">http://www.soc.jhu.edu/undergrad-prog.html</a></p>
<p>If you have specific questions about the major or the department, you might want to email Karl Alexander, who heads up undergraduate advising: <a href="mailto:karl@jhu.edu">karl@jhu.edu</a> - he's really friendly and actually tracks the plans of soc majors after graduation, so he might be able to calm your fears a bit. (He's a little aloof sometimes, though - so he might take a while to respond.)</p>
<p>With regards to grading, social science classes at Hopkins can be either curved (in larger courses usually) or just personal-work based (smaller classes, most likely). In my soc coursework, I've had both - curves (that could only help you) in social stats and intro soc, and straight grading in pretty much everything else. In general, I didn't find the grading too tough in any way - if you do the reading, prepare for exams, and participate in class, you should be fine. If you ever have problems the professors are really truly willing to help - it's a small department, and they're all very friendly people who often leave their doors open to encourage you to stop by. </p>
<p>Let me know if you have any more questions - you definitely have been asking good ones.</p>