What Can You Do With A
Social Science Degree
A social science degree covers a variety of disciplines including psychology, sociology, economics, political science, and history. Students use these various fields to examine society, cultural practices, social policies, human behavior, and economic motivations. There are also many branches of social science for those wanting to specialize in a specific field. Branches of social science include communication studies, economics, anthropology, law, linguistics, and public administration.
Social science is a diverse area of study, preparing students for a wide range of potential careers in almost every industry. Social science graduates often choose careers as economists, data analysts, and consultants. They may work for educational institutions, nonprofits, private businesses, and governments.
Typical employers for Social Science graduates
10 Career Options
- Museum Technician
- Social and Community Service Manager
- High School Social Studies Teacher
- Clinical Social Worker
- Human Resources Manager
- Economist
- Sociologist
- Political Scientist
- Historian
- Social Science Professor
What they do
Museum technicians are responsible for protecting the items in a museum’s collection. They also handle the acquisition and loaning of objects and keep detailed records on the items collected or loaned. Some museum technicians may also develop museum programs to promote greater attendance and interest in the collections. Find out more about what is it like working as a Museum Technician.
How to become one
Museum technicians typically require a Bachelor’s degree. Completing courses in museum studies can also improve your employability. Gaining work experience at a museum during college is also highly recommended. However, about 41% of museum technicians had a Master’s degree when obtaining their first jobs in this field.
How much they make
.jpg)
What they do
Social and community service managers coordinate and supervise community organizations and social service programs. They also help improve existing programs and may work directly with the community to address their concerns. Most social and community service managers work for nonprofit organizations or public community centers. Find out more about what is it like working as a Social and Community Service Manager.
How to become one
Most non-profit organizations and public agencies require a Bachelor’s degree and several years of work experience for social and community service managers. However, some employers may prefer a Master’s degree in social work or social sciences. To gain work experience, social science graduates often accept an administrative or support position.
How much they make
.jpg)
What they do
High school teachers with a social science degree frequently teach social studies, history, geography, government, and civics. Teachers design a curriculum that must meet the state standards for the subject taught. Teachers are also responsible for managing their classrooms and assessing the needs of each student. Find out more about what is it like working as a High School Social Studies Teacher.
How to become one
To become a high school teacher, you need to earn a Bachelor’s degree in the subject that you wish to teach, such as social sciences. You must also complete a teacher preparation program during your studies, which typically includes a student teaching internship. After graduation, you can complete the required tests and application for a teaching license in your state and start looking for work.
How much they make
.jpg)
What they do
Clinical social workers focus on the assessment and treatment of mental illness and mental disorders. Unlike a direct practice social worker, clinical social workers have the necessary licensing to provide clients with relevant therapy. They can oversee interventions, treatment, and case management. Find out more about what is it like working as a Clinical social worker.
How to become one
You need to earn a Master’s degree in social work from an accredited school. You then need to complete clinical experience and pass the required licensing exams in your state. However, earning a Bachelor’s degree in social work or social sciences is often the first step.
How much they make
.jpg)
What they do
Human resources (HR) managers plan and coordinate administrative functions within an organization. They often oversee the recruitment process, interviewing, and hiring new staff. They also serve as an intermediary between an organization’s management team and its employees. Additional duties include handling staffing issues and various clerical tasks. Find out more about what is it like working as a Human Resources Manager.
How to become one
Most employers prefer HR candidates with at least a Bachelor’s degree. You also need work experience in a related occupation that involves directing or leading others. Many HR managers start as human resources specialists or labor relations specialists after obtaining their Bachelor’s degree.
How much they make
.jpg)
What they do
An economist studies economic data, including trends and policies that may lead to economic issues. Economists are employed in a wide variety of industries. Businesses, government agencies, and individuals use the expertise of economists to develop better policies or address economic challenges. Find out more about what is it like working as an Economist.
How to become one
The path to becoming an economist starts with a Bachelor’s degree. You should also gain relevant work experience through research internship opportunities. A Master’s degree in economics is usually the minimum requirement to start seeking employment as an economist with Ph.D. being the most common degree that most economists hold.
How much they make
.jpg)
What they do
Sociologists study society and social behavior. They look at groups, social institutions, and cultures to gain a better understanding of how they influence each other. This job involves research to test theories, which may require surveys and interviews. They collect their data and present their findings in reports or publications. Find out more about what is it like working as a Sociologist.
How to become one
Most sociologists have a Master’s degree or Doctorate before seeking employment. Some employers may only require a Bachelor’s degree and work experience through internships or work-study programs. However, research positions typically require graduate degrees and membership with a professional organization such as the American Sociological Association (ASA).
How much they make
.jpg)
What they do
Political scientists study the origins and development of political systems, organizations, and movements. They also analyze the way that policies, citizens, and governments influence society and politics. The information obtained from political scientists is used by governments, nonprofits, and other agencies to inform public agendas and policies. Find out more about what is it like working as a Political Scientist.
How to become one
A Bachelor’s degree can prepare you for entry-level work as an assistant or research assistant. To become a political scientist, you need to obtain a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in political science or a related field. During your undergraduate studies, you should complete courses in political science, statistics, and writing.
How much they make
.jpg)
What they do
A historian is a type of academic researcher, often employed by colleges or universities. Historians conduct research and analyze documents to gain more insight into historical events. They rely on a variety of sources for their research, including books, archival sources, and archeological sites. Historians often present their research in papers or books. Find out more about what is it like working as a Historian.
How to become one
To seek employment as a historian at a university or college, you need a Master’s degree or Ph.D. Some government agencies, historical organizations, and museums may only require a Bachelor’s degree. Advancement in this field typically requires publication in peer-reviewed journals.
How much they make
.jpg)
What they do
A social science professor teaches classes related to their specialization, such as psychology, history, sociology, or economics. Professors are responsible for designing their own curriculum and assessing the education of students. Social science professors also conduct research and publish their findings in scholarly journals.
How to become one
As with professor positions in other disciplines, becoming a social science professor requires at least a Master’s degree for employment at a community college. To obtain work at a university, you need to earn a Ph.D. While in graduate school, you should accept internships, including teaching internships. The publication of original research is also important for those wanting to become professors. However, the requirements vary from university to university.
How much they make
.jpg)
What Can You Do:
Philosophy Degree
What Can You Do:
Linguistics Degree
What Can You Do:
Human Services Degree
What Can You Do:
Finance Degree
What Can You Do:
Biomedical Engineering Degree
What Can You Do:
Marine Biology Degree
What Can You Do:
Hospitality Degree
