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What is Social Science?

Social Science is a field of study focused society and the associated relationships between people.  The social sciences are a broad academic category that includes a number of possible areas of emphasis.

The term social science is a set of academic disciplines with a genesis in the Age of Enlightenment.  During this period of time, people took a disciplined approach when thinking about and notating societal observations.

With time, the clustering of social science began to cleave off piece-parts of its totality into unique disciplines.  The primary sub-disciplines of social science include:

Degree Median Salary vs Adjacent Degree Types

Source: BLS, US Census, and IPEDS

2024 Best Social Science Degree

Harvard University, established in 1636, is the oldest institution of higher education in the United States situated in Cambridge, Massachusetts. With over 360,000 graduates around the world, the university is devoted to giving excellence in education, learning, and exploration to create future pioneers in various disciplines who can make a difference globally.

The Division of Social Science at Harvard’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences houses ten departments and degree programs and almost two dozen research centers, institutes, and museums. The degree programs offered by the division, available at both undergraduate and graduate levels, include African and African American Studies, Anthropology, Economics, Government, History, History of Science, Psychology, Social Studies, Sociology, and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies. The division also affiliated programs like Global Health and Health Policy, and Mind, Brain, and Behavior. To see more about the division’s offering, go to socialscience.fas.harvard.edu.

Acceptance Rate

4.64

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Columbia University in the City of New York is a private Ivy League research university in New York City. Founded in 1754, Columbia University is the most established institution of higher learning in the state. The university has been perceived as one of the worldwide leaders in distinctive academic programs and extensive research for undergraduate and graduate students in various academic and expert fields.

The Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Columbia University offers programs in humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences that lead to a Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree combined with an MA. The programs under social sciences include African-American Studies, Anthropology, American Studies, Art History and Archaeology, East Asia: Regional Studies, East Asian Languages and Cultures, English and Comparative Literature, History and Literature, Islamic Studies, Political Science, Philosophy, and Quantitative Methods in the Social Sciences. For more details about each program, go to gsas.columbia.edu.

Acceptance Rate

5.45

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

The University of Pennsylvania or simply Penn is a private Ivy League research university based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1740, Penn is a proud leader in providing rigorous academic programs and scholarly research opportunities to more than 25,000 students in pursuit of innovative knowledge that can improve the lives of communities around the world.

Penn’s College of Liberal and Professional Studies offers an online Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences that provides an extensive liberal arts education with the flexibility to choose concentrations that tailor your personal and professional interests and goals. The program is designed for working professionals and other students who want to learn the core methods, principles, and values of a liberal arts education by experiencing different professional and academic opportunities throughout the program. The concentrations available include Creative Studies, Data Analytics and Psychological Sciences, Data Analytics and Social Sciences, Individualized Studies, Leadership and Communication, Literature, Culture, and Tradition, Organizational Studies, and Physical and Life Sciences. Inquire about the program at lpsonline.sas.upenn.edu.

Acceptance Rate

7.66

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

With over 17,000 students on its campus in Chicago, Illinois, the University of Chicago (UChicago) is an urban research university focused on engaging and empowering students to challenge conventional thinking in seeking innovative ideas. Since its founding in 1890, the university has been developing the critical, analytical, logical, and writing skills of its students through its thorough interdisciplinary core curriculum.

The Division of Social Sciences at UChicago creates several interdisciplinary programs in different areas of social sciences that lead to joint, Masters, and Doctoral degrees. One of its graduate programs is the Master of Arts Program in the Social Sciences (MAPSS) which is an intellectually transformative one-year program that equips students with a deep understanding of the different areas of social sciences. Students may choose to concentrate on Anthropology, History, Political Science, Economics, Psychology, or Sociology. The courses in the program are selected from different departments, schools, and divisions within the university. There is also an available joint degree of a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in the Social Sciences. Learn more about the program at mapss.uchicago.edu.

Acceptance Rate

6.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

5:1

Founded in 1851, Northwestern University is a comprehensive research university offering various programs across multiple schools and units on its main campus at Evanston, Illinois that serves more than 21,000 students. The university also has two campuses in Chicago, Illinois, and Doha, Qatar. Northwestern is deeply committed to providing excellent teaching, innovative research and exploration, and individual and professional growth for its students.

The School of Professional Studies at Northwestern offers a Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences where students learn how various areas in the social sciences affect the behavior and beliefs of individuals, groups, and society. Students may choose to complete a Bachelor of Philosophy that has a modern language requirement or a Bachelor of Science in General Studies. The major courses in the program cover Anthropology, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Research Methods. Students may also choose elective courses from the mentioned areas above to widen their knowledge base. Visit sps.northwestern.edu to see the entire program curriculum for both degree options.

Acceptance Rate

9.05

Student to Faculty Ratio

6:1

As one of the oldest academic institutions in Massachusetts, Amherst College is a private liberal arts college based in Amherst, Massachusetts that was founded in 1821. Through the curious and diverse community of more than 1,800 students and 209 faculty members, the college is dedicated to tending to issues identified with inclusivity, a sense of belonging, diversity, and environmental sustainability and impact.

Amherst offers more than 40 majors in various areas that lead to a Bachelor of Arts degree. The programs under social sciences include Anthropology and Sociology, Economics, History, and Political Science. Students may also choose to create an interdisciplinary major upon the approval of the college. Through The Five College Consortium, students may also choose to enroll in certificate programs and shared majors at Mount Holyoke, Hampshire, and Smith Colleges, as well as the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Some examples are Anthropology and Sociology degree programs at the mentioned colleges and universities and an International Relations Certificate program for students majoring in Political Science. Check more program options at amherst.edu.

Acceptance Rate

11.31

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

Vanderbilt University is a globally renowned private research university located in Nashville, Tennessee that offers rigorous undergraduate and graduate programs. The university provides education across internationally recognized schools in the fields of law, business, education, nursing, medicine, and divinity. Founded in 1873, the purpose of establishing Vanderbilt is to provide transformative education and research across all sectors.

The College of Arts and Science at Vanderbilt offers several major, minor, and other degree programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences that can help students achieve their personal and professional goals. The programs related to the social sciences include Anthropology, Economics and History, Economics, Environmental Sociology, History, Human and Organizational Development, Political Science, and Sociology. The programs that are only available at the graduate level are Community Development and Action and Community Research and Action from the Peabody College, Economic Development from the Department of Economics, and Law and Economics from Law School. Details about the programs can be seen at as.vanderbilt.edu.

Acceptance Rate

9.12

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

As the first private research university in the United States, Johns Hopkins University (JHU) leads several world-class academic divisions and units that work together to meet the university’s goal of bringing knowledge to the world. Based in Baltimore Maryland, JHU revolutionized higher education in the country in 1876 as it continues to produce productive citizens and global leaders.

Out of 50 departments under JHU’s Krieger School of Arts & Sciences, there are 7 departments in the Social Sciences major. The Center for Financial Economics (CFE) is a program that aims to advance knowledge of different economic forces through extensive research and comprehensive teaching. The Department of Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, and Economics offer Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees in Anthropology, Sociology, Political Science, and Economics, respectively. The Program in Public Health Studies at JHU, in collaboration with the Bloomberg School of Public Health, offers a BA and dual degrees in BA and in either Master of Health Sciences or Master of Sciences in Public Health. Lastly, the Program in Social Policy is a minor program that equips students with the knowledge and skills needed for an interdisciplinary approach to social issues. Access the complete program descriptions at krieger.jhu.edu. 

Acceptance Rate

11.17

Student to Faculty Ratio

7:1

The University of Southern California (USC) is a private research university that is considered a global center for arts, technology, and international business. It has nearly 46,000 students on its campus in Los Angeles, California that first opened in 1880. USC offers diverse academic and professional programs and interdisciplinary study and collaboration opportunities with scholars around the world.

The USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences offers a lot of programs in the field of the social sciences which explore society, culture, and civilization to help in the study of different social, political, cultural, and psychological relationships. The programs put an emphasis on the use of both qualitative and quantitative methods and skillsets. Some of the programs under the social sciences include Anthropology, Computational Linguistics, Economics, Health and Human Sciences, International Relations, Linguistics and Cognitive Science, Linguistics and Philosophy, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology. Check the entire list of programs at dornsife.usc.edu and read the overview of each program.

Acceptance Rate

11.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

The University of Michigan - Ann Arbor (UM Ann Arbor) is among the top public research universities in the country based in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Founded in 1817, the university fulfills its mission of creating, communicating, and applying knowledge, art, and academic values through offering programs and research opportunities in the fields of law, education, engineering, design, medicine, public health, social work, and many more.

The College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at UM Ann Arbor offers programs under the social sciences field that explore the relationships and connections among individuals as well as between individuals and society. Different units and departments under the social sciences degree give students the flexibility to choose the perfect area of specialization for students. These include Anthropology, Communication Studies, Economics, History, International Institute, Linguistics, the Museum of Anthropological Archaeology, Organizational Studies, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Women's Studies. View the specific degree programs for each social science area at lsa.umich.edu.

Acceptance Rate

22.91

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

With over 14,500 students, Boston College (BC) is the first institution of higher learning to operate in Boston City that was founded in 1863 by the Society of Jesus. It originally aimed to educate Boston’s predominantly Irish, Catholic immigrant community. Now located in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, BC provides high-quality liberal arts education, embraces scientific inquiry, and houses a diverse student formation.

Out of 22 departments in Boston College, four units belong to the field of social sciences and these include economics, history, political science, and sociology. The Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, the oldest and largest division in the college, houses all of these units aside from other units in the fields of humanities and natural sciences. The programs offered by the Economics Department include major, minor, and doctorate degrees in Economics while programs offered by the History Department are major, BA/MA, MA, and PhD degrees in History. The Political Science Department, on the other hand, consists of a major, MA, and PhD degrees in Political Science. Lastly, the Sociology Department provides major, BA/MA, MA, PhD, and special degree programs in Sociology. Check the entire program descriptions at bc.edu.

Acceptance Rate

27.22

Student to Faculty Ratio

13:1

Known for its beautiful campus with 88 buildings located in Hamilton, New York, Colgate University is a private liberal arts university that was established as the Baptist Education Society of the State of New York in 1819. The university offers more than 50 majors to nearly 3,000 students in the fields of natural sciences, social sciences, arts, and humanities.

The Social Science degree at Colgate houses seven academic departments, two institutes and centers, and the Longyear Museum of Anthropology which provides interdisciplinary studies in the fields of economics, history, and many more. The division offers degree programs in the social sciences through these departments and units: Economics Department, Educational Studies Department, Geography Department, History Department, International Relations Program, Political Science Department, and Sociology and Anthropology Department. Students majoring in these departments may also apply to the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID) located in Geneva, Switzerland where they can earn a Bachelor of Arts at Colgate and a Master of Arts at IHEID in just a span of 5 years. Explore the programs in each department at colgate.edu.

Acceptance Rate

22.58

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Located in Boston, Massachusetts, Boston University (BU) is a private research university founded by the United Methodist Church in 1839. The university, with its two primary campuses in Boston, houses over 34,000 students from all states and 130 countries and offers more than 300 programs of study from 17 schools and colleges.

The Division of Social Science at BU's College of General Studies aims to provide students with the necessary tools, skills, and knowledge to become productive global citizens with the ability to navigate social and cultural systems. The division offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the realm of social sciences and these include Anthropology, Sociology, Sociology & Social Work, History, History of Art & Architecture, History & Law, Economics, Economics and Global Development, Economics & Mathematics, Political Science, and Psychology. The courses in each program help students to analyze the process of modernization in both Western and non-Western contexts as well as how it affects individuals in the society. Check the entire program curriculum of each program at bu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

18.94

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

A member of the Association of American Universities, Tulane University is one of the most renowned research universities in the nation that started operating as Medical College of Louisiana in 1834. Situated in New Orleans, Louisiana, Tulane offers more than 70 majors in its five schools covering the fields of business, liberal arts, science and engineering, architecture, and public health.

The School of Professional Advancement at Tulane awards a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences degree to students who complete the required 120 credit hours in the major courses, other areas of social science, and a senior capstone project. The program provides students a comprehensive and interdisciplinary study of human behavior in the context of cultural, political, economic, and historical. The courses in the program curriculum include anthropology, history, Latin American studies, geography, political science, sociology, economics, and related fields which can be completed on-campus and online. See the complete program overview at sopa.tulane.edu.

Acceptance Rate

12.87

Student to Faculty Ratio

8:1

New York University (NYU) is one of the country's leading institutions of higher education known for its urban identity and professional focus. Since 1831, it has been providing the necessary support and resources to enhance critical thinking and to create a dynamic learning environment for more than 50,000 students across 19 schools and divisions on its campus in New York City, New York.

Offered by the School of Professional Studies at NYU, the BA degree in Social Sciences provides students the social and historical contexts of the most urgent and critical social, cultural, and political issues that affect individuals and society. The program is a good foundation for students who want to pursue a career or graduate studies in various fields like law, behavioral sciences, and social services. The curriculum consists of foundation courses in the social sciences and humanities as well as in quantitative reasoning, methods and theory, writing, critical thinking, and global perspectives. Students may choose one concentration in the following areas: Anthropology, History, Politics, International Studies, Psychology, Economics, Organizational Behavior and Change, Media Studies, and Sociology. More information is available at sps.nyu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

16.2

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

Founded in 1965, the University of California, Irvine (UCI) is one of the ten campuses of the University of California system. It is a public research university in Irvine, California that aims to provide comprehensive academics and cutting-edge research to more than 36,000 students to spark change in communities and enhance the lives of individuals.

As the largest unit at UCI, the School of Social Sciences offers top-ranked undergraduate and graduate programs under the social sciences. The programs offered in the school are Anthropology, Business Economics, Chicano/Latino Studies, Cognitive Sciences, Demographic & Social Analysis, Economics, International Studies, Language Science, Logic & Philosophy, Philosophy, Political Science & Economics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Policy, Quantitative Economics, Social Policy & Public Service, Sociology, and Statistics/Psychology. The school also offers minor and certificate programs in selected areas. Learn more at socsci.uci.edu about other program options.

Acceptance Rate

26.54

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

One of the first colleges in the old Northwest Territory, Denison University is a private liberal arts college located in Granville, Ohio. It was founded in 1831 to give accessible education to individuals in order to help them achieve personal fulfillment and professional success. The university and its students embrace integrity, scholarship, reason, intellect, dignity, diversity, and respect.

As a liberal arts college, Denison University offers several programs in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences that are grounded in liberal arts yet having a broad enough curriculum that trains students across various fields. Some of the programs under the realm of the social sciences include Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Anthropology & Sociology, BA in Economics, BA in History, BA in International Studies, BA in Philosophy, BA in Philosophy, Politics & Economics, BA in Political Science, BA in Psychology, and BA in Sociology & Anthropology. There are also available concentrations and certificates in Latin American & Caribbean Studies, Financial Economics, Queer Studies, and Organizational Studies. Explore the entire description of each social sciences program at denison.edu.

Acceptance Rate

29.39

Student to Faculty Ratio

9:1

As part of the 23-campus California State University system, the California Polytechnic State University or Cal Poly is a public research university located in San Luis Obispo, California that offers hands-on learning and real-world experience. It was established in 1901 and it currently offers over 150 undergraduate and 50 graduate programs across 6 academic colleges in the fields of agriculture and food science, architecture, engineering, liberal arts, business, and natural sciences.

The Social Sciences Department at Cal Poly’s College of Liberal Arts offers relatively fewer programs in the realm of social sciences. The Bachelor’s degree and minor program in Anthropology-Geography is a program for students interested in people, culture, and the environment. The major offers concentrations such as environmental studies and sustainability, global studies and international development, and human ecology. The Bachelor’s degree and minor program in Sociology, on the other hand, is concerned with exploring the nature and dynamics of individuals, their social groups, and society. Students majoring in Sociology may concentrate their studies in organizations, criminal justice, or social services. Finally, the Latin American Studies Minor program provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of Latin America and how it interacts and connects to California in the cultural, political, and economic contexts. 

Acceptance Rate

28.42

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Florida State University (FSU) is a public research university in Tallahassee, Florida that is considered a preeminent university in the state. The university, since its founding in 1851, has been offering affordable, high-quality, and student-centered education that inspires students to become intellectually curious, and socially conscious citizens. The university is also classified under “Doctoral Universities: Highest Research Activity” by the Carnegie Foundation.

The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy at FSU houses six departments that specialize in economics, geography, political science, sociology, urban and regional planning, and public administration and policy. The college aims to create and communicate social science and public policy knowledge and tools to students in the form of research, interdisciplinary programs, and extensive teaching. The mentioned departments offer major and minor programs in the following areas: African-American Studies, Asian Studies, Economics, Geography, Environment and Society, Interdisciplinary Social Science, International Affairs, Latin American/Caribbean Studies, Political Science, Public Administration, Public Health, Russian & East European Studies, Sociology, and Urban and Regional Planning. The college also offers certificate, master’s, and doctorate degree programs in selected areas. Know more about the specific programs at coss.fsu.edu.

Acceptance Rate

35.97

Student to Faculty Ratio

21:1

Accommodating nearly 7,000 students on its campus in Hoboken, New Jersey, Stevens Institute of Technology is a private research university that was established in 1870. It is among the oldest and most innovative technological universities in the United States. The university offers interdisciplinary majors as well as highly-ranked internships and cooperative education in a variety of disciplines. 

The Bachelor degree in Social Sciences at Stevens Institute provides students with an understanding of the sociological, political, and psychological impacts of science, technology, and engineering on society. Students in the program may choose a track to focus their studies on within the areas of social sciences and these include sociology, political science, and psychology. The Sociology track allows students to identify the complexities and connections between micro sociology or social relationships and interactions and macro sociology or social institutions and organizations. The Political Science track, on the other hand, explores the political systems and ideologies, as well as governments, and examines how they influence power. The last track, the Psychology track, studies different behavior and mental processes of humans which include intelligence, language acquisition, and development. Read more about the specific tracks at stevens.edu.

Acceptance Rate

39.96

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

With more than 388,000 graduates around the world, the University of Maryland (UMD) - College Park is considered the flagship university in the state that was founded in 1856. Located in College Park, Maryland, the university is a leader in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship and a provider of excellent teaching to over 41,000 students to achieve its goal of advancing society and transforming lives.

Since 1919, the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at UMD College Park houses the most popular majors in the fields of humanities and social sciences. It is also the most academically challenging college in the university that aims to understand, enhance, and improve societies and cultures, global sustainability, and international relations. The majors offered in the college are African American Studies, Anthropology, Criminology and Criminal Justice, Economics, Geographical Sciences, Government and Politics, Hearing and Speech Sciences, Neuroscience, Psychology, and Sociology. There are also minor and certificate programs in areas like Black Women's Studies, Demography, Global Terrorism Studies, Law and Society, and Remote Sensing of Environmental Change. Access the details of each program at bsos.umd.edu.

Acceptance Rate

44.18

Student to Faculty Ratio

18:1

Formally established by the Dominican Friars in 1917, Providence College (PC) is a private, Catholic, Dominican, liberal arts university based in Providence, Rhode Island. It initially aimed to provide a Catholic education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences. The college continues to provide diverse academic programs that are within the realms of arts and sciences, business, professional studies, and continuing education.

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Science at PC offers an interdisciplinary study of different areas in the social sciences that can help students in entering careers in the fields of social work, law, community service, medicine, city and regional planning, and business. Students are also required to choose three disciplines under the social sciences as their programs of study. These include anthropology, psychology, history, political science, linguistics, economics, and sociology. The curriculum consists of courses on research methods, theory, electives in the chosen disciplines, and a Social Science Capstone Seminar. Some of the courses in the curriculum are Cultural Psychology, Empirical Political Analysis, Health Economics, Public Finance, Introduction to Linguistics, Modern Social Research Methods, Modern Political Theory, Prehistoric Archaeology, and Urban Sociology. View the entire program description at academics.providence.edu.

Acceptance Rate

47.46

Student to Faculty Ratio

11:1

Situated in Schenectady, New York, Union College is a private liberal arts college that is considered the first institution of higher learning chartered by the New York State Board of Regents in 1795. With more than 2,500 students, the college is dedicated to blending the humanities and social sciences with natural sciences, engineering, and business programs.

The programs under the field of social sciences at Union College revolve around the study of methods and theories of social science inquiry that are used to develop critical thoughts and insights about urgent social issues and challenges. The following areas of social sciences offer both major and minor programs: Anthropology, History, Law and Humanities, Political Science, Philosophy, and Sociology. The college also offers programs in Africana Studies, American Studies, Asian Studies, German Studies, Jewish Studies, Latin American and Caribbean Studies, and Spanish and Hispanic Studies. View the specific requirements and available concentrations for each program at union.edu.

Acceptance Rate

42.92

Student to Faculty Ratio

10:1

Headquartered in Binghamton, New York, Binghamton University also known as the State University of New York at Binghamton, is a world-class institution of higher learning that offers broad, interdisciplinary academic programs and vibrant research collaborations. Since its founding in 1946, the university has been valuing curiosity and exploration in science and engineering, and art and culture.

The Sociology Department at SUNY at Binghamton offers undergraduate and graduate programs in sociology that provide a basic understanding of the social changes around the world and how they relate to the developments in the country. The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is a program that develops students’ analytical knowledge and tools in exploring social movements, political life, and social justice while putting emphasis on different socioeconomic, racialized, and gendered inequalities in the local and global contexts. The department also offers a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology where students may focus their studies on human labor, carceral and surveillance, migration and capitalism, and politics of resistance. Students may also enroll in the 4+1 degree where they can earn a BA and MA in Sociology in just 5 years. More information about the programs can be found at binghamton.edu.

Acceptance Rate

40.53

Student to Faculty Ratio

19:1

Known as a student-focused global research university, Syracuse University is a private research university that offers 200 on-campus and online customizable majors, 100 minors, and certificates across 13 schools and colleges. The university, established in 1870, has been a leader in providing diverse academic and professional programs and research and innovation opportunities to fuel discovery and positive impact.

The College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse houses three academic divisions namely Sciences and Mathematics, Humanities, and Social Sciences which offer several interdisciplinary, traditional, dual, and combined-degree programs. In collaboration with the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, the programs under the Division of Social Sciences explore the behavior and influence of social groups on individuals, relationships, and society. The programs offered by the division are Anthropology, Citizenship and Civic Engagement, Economics, Geography, History, International Relations, Latino-Latin American Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, Policy Studies (Public Affairs), Political Science, and Sociology. Learn more about each program at syracuse.edu.

Acceptance Rate

44.38

Student to Faculty Ratio

15:1

Educational Requirements for Social Science Majors

The academic requirements for social science majors will vary by degree types and school. That being said, you will find a set of common courses pervading most social science degree programs. The top ten examples of classes you will find in a social science undergraduate degree program include the following college courses.

  1. English Composition
  2. History
  3. Archeology
  4. Sociology
  5. Anthropology
  6. Linguistics
  7. Cartography
  8. Geography
  9. Criminal Justice
  10. Economics

Skills & Abilities Required in Social Sciences

  • Active Listening - The ability to be engaged with each individual to glean useful information. This may include taking notes or utilizing body language to affirm points made in a conversation.
  • Writing - Utilizing clear written communication is essential for social scientists. Understanding key issues and translating that into written reports becomes more and more critical with advanced degrees.
  • Speech Clarity - Talking clearly and succinctly with an individual or group is essential. Conveying ideas or thoughts about an event is a must for any social scientist.
  • Speaking - Public speaking and one-on-one verbal communication helps transfer knowledge and information in effective means.
  • Instructing - Teaching and guiding others allows for an exchange of thought. This ideation can lead to new ways of looking at a problem or complex situation.
  • Reading Comprehension - The ability to read simply text and advanced academic pieces is a requirement for all social science majors. Reading and analyzing arguments from both sides helps formulate personal opinions.
  • Oral Expression - Oral expression includes possessing the skills to speak clearly and match body language with intent.
  • Oral Comprehension - Listening intently and understanding spoken word within its proper context is a must. Whether in an academic sense or an informal conversation, social scientists must be aware of what is said and how it's said.
  • Speech Recognition - Recognizing speech patters, languages, dialects, and cultural norms helps to inform a social scientist. Each piece of information can be taken in total to arrive at a unified whole.
  • Written Comprehension - The skills to effectively dissect written text helps develop architypes for various social constructs.

Employment in Social Science

Social science majors will garner an education stretching from historical events to contemporary concerns. Having perspective in a situation helps inform students in a variety of ways. After graduation, students can pursue careers in a variety of fields. While not limited to a specific trade, social science majors can invest time to consider a number of valuable careers.

Possible careers to consider after college include any number of the following: GIS specialist, middle school teachers, economist, high school teachers, agricultural technician, anthropologist, atmospheric scientist, forester, conservation scientist, environmental scientist, geographer, hydrologist, historian, sociologist, political scientist, urban planner, surveyor, wildlife biologist, and zoologist. It is worth noting, select career paths may require additional schooling and/or certification by an approved academic provider.

Career Outlook for Social Scientists

Employment growth in and around the learning domain of social science appear to be above the national average.  In fact, the rate of job growth for social science occupations on aggregate is expected to rise 7% through 2026.

With such a broad array of vocational options to consider, it is challenging to provide a median annual income that represents to entire field.  As such, we recommend you utilize your latent skills and attributes to locate a field that resonates with you.

After selecting an important sector, delving into job-specific job duties will help illuminate the median annual income averages.  In addition to job type and scope of a job, the geographic location and employer type can contribute to the income you can expect to earn.

Additional Resources in Social Science

The following national associations may help those interested in the social sciences connect with other professionals, network in the trade, and access unique content not found through a college or university.

  • Consortium of Social Sciences Associations (COSSA)
  • National Social Sciences Association (NSSA)
  • Social Sciences History Association (SSHA)
  • Humanities and Social Sciences Association (HSSA)

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