Social Sciences Majors and Degrees
The Social Sciences focus on the social and cultural aspects of human behavior—specifically on how individuals behave, how society works, and the relationship between the two. Social Sciences are often interdisciplinary in nature, meaning that they weave together a variety of ideologies and subject areas to give you a comprehensive understanding of the world and its people.
Who might enjoy a Social Sciences program?
The Social Sciences are a perfect option for students determined to make a tangible difference in the world—be that through politics, education, law, or international relations. If your favorite classes include psychology, history, or government, you’d enjoy a major in this area. You might also excel in these programs if you like participating in activities like Model United Nations, Mock Trial, or Student Government.
What kinds of classes do Social Sciences majors take?
As a Social Sciences major, you’ll take classes that equip you to solve real world problems such as crime, poverty, and social conflicts. Your course load will vary depending on your specific major, but you might find yourself taking classes like Urban Anthropology, Environmental Politics, Public Policy, or Criminal Justice.
What jobs can a Social Sciences degree prepare you for?
Social Sciences programs aren’t as specialized as programs in medicine or STEM, which means they can be applicable to a wider array of job opportunities. With a Social Sciences degree, you might become a social worker, lawyer, cartographer, journalist, or political consultant. The options are endless because these degrees will help you improve your writing, research, communication, data collection, and critical-thinking abilities—all highly transferrable skills.
How long does it take people who major in Social Sciences to graduate from college?
A degree in the Social Sciences typically takes four years to complete, though you may be able to complete it faster depending on your class schedule and the number of credits you have coming into college. Many students in these programs choose to double major due to the interdisciplinary nature of the Social Sciences. If you wish to go that route, you may need to account for extra semesters or heavier course loads.
Are additional degrees needed for related jobs?
Many of the jobs you might pursue as a Social Sciences major don’t require additional degrees. However, if you’re interested in becoming a lawyer, psychologist, or university professor, you’ll need to pursue additional schooling to qualify.