Another focus that I feel that I need to consider is the professional prospects that I will have with my degree. I have looked a little on line and there are ton's of research jobs which I find interesting in and out of government, the church also employs sociologists and I have put out feelers in that regard. I am interested in the work of Conservative think tank type organizations like the Hoover institute and the Heritage foundation.

Another interest of mine is that of coaching and consulting. I do not know how lucrative and how hard it would be to be self employed in this area. So I will start looking into that as well.

I do not want to put the cart before the horse yet, but I just think having a better handle on these professional issues will inform my choice of thesis work.