Wondering why you should study social science? Thinking about the career scope after its major? If so, then don’t worry, you are in a good field. A 2019 BIS report says at least 4,647 920 people are employed with a social science degree. It further mentions the median wage of these workers, which is around $64,000. These statistics clearly show that you have a bright future and vast career opportunities after studying social science.
What do you study in Social Science?
Social science (also called social studies) is a set of concepts that deal with human relationships along with social and cultural characteristics. It is a broadly-developed area that integrates other subjects like:
- History
- Archaeology
- Psychology
- Linguistics
- Law
- Media studies
- Civics
- Sociology
- Economics
- Political science
- Anthropology
- Geography
Social studies educate students about citizenship and their roles and responsibilities as per cultural and civic affairs. It also aims to provide the required skills and knowledge to help them become a responsible citizen. The subject is studied from kindergarten to high school with bright career scope in the future.
Nature, Scope, and Importance of Social Science
The scope of social studies revolves around humans, their environment (social, physical, cultural, economic, and political), and the technology and science for creating a suitable environment. It teaches about social values, customs, and other cultures. It majorly revolves around qualitative research methodologies and interpretation. The skills learned through social studies can help you succeed in education and life. Some of its other importance include:
Citizenship Values
Social studies can help you to learn about a democratic society. It enlightens the youth towards culture, history, and humanities to better understand their citizen values. The subject also nurtures the knowledge, skills, and virtues for responsible citizenship.
Economic Education
Economics is one of the several subjects integrated into social studies. Thus, by studying it, you will understand the mechanism of the economic world. It will familiarise you with government, businesses, and markets along with their economic choices.
Political Skills
As social studies also feature politics, you will know activities related to the governance of the countries. These political skills will help you to evaluate the current system and estimate the future.
Knowledge of Real-World
Social studies deal with humans, their behavior, and the social aspects of the world. It helps you know how the world works for making informed decisions. The subject can help you develop critical thinking abilities, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Highest Paying Graduate Degrees in Social Studies
Before starting any career, you should have a degree in social studies/social science. That’s because it’s the base requirement that ensures a successful career. Additionally, here are some other social studies degrees that ensures good pay after completion:
Masters Degree in Economics
An economic master’s degree program gives a better knowledge of financial trends and helps to analyze financial data. As it covers relevant areas of the finance industry, you can get a decent job in the related firm. It’s considered as one of the best paying master’s degree by Monster, with a median pay higher than engineering courses. In addition, you can also get placements as an economist, financial analyst, or data analyst.
Annual Salary: $142,000
Masters Degree in Sociology
Sociology focuses on reducing social problems around the world. Thus, having a master’s degree in the subject can help you get a job in the social working field. In addition, you can also earn higher salaries as a teacher, counselor, or consultant in educational institutions, research institutes, law firms, etc.
Average Salary: $86,110 (median pay)
Masters Degree in International Relations
International relations deals with the things going on globally. This includes everything from public policies to economic trends and international laws. Having a master’s in international relations is quite valued by employers. in addition, you can get a job in NGOs, banking and accounting sectors, intergovernmental organizations, etc. Some of the top designations include diplomat, ambassador, intelligence specialist, political analyst, etc.
Annual Salary: Between $50,000 and $94,999
Ph.D. in Political Science
With a Ph.D. in political science, you will get a broader knowledge of political behavior, government, and public policies. This is useful for academic careers (i.e., professor and lecturer) or for higher positions in non-academic domains. In fact, with the rising demand of online tutoring and learning, you can make your career as an online educator. You can be a political scientist, survey researcher, civil servant, etc.
Average Salary: $125,350 (median pay)
Career Options With a Social Science Degree
As it combines various subjects together (listed above), there are no limitations for future opportunities. From being a research analyst to an educator, career-wise social studies have adequate scope. You can also develop your writing skills and become a social science writer. Some other social science career options include:
Political Scientist
With a degree in social science and an interest in political science, you can become a political scientist. It’s considered one of the highest-paid jobs in the field, with a median salary of $125,350. The role of a political scientist is to assess the history of political systems and how they are working presently. In addition, they analyze and predict political and governmental issues.
Job Sectors: NGOs, academic institutions, labor organizations, etc.
Sociologist
If you are interested in social issues, you can make your career as a sociologist. As a sociologist, you will be studying the social lives of the people, including their actions, behavior, interaction, etc. Moreover, you will do so by gathering data and crafting them as reports and journals.
Job Sectors: Education industry, with lawmakers or policymakers, NGOs, etc
Survey Researcher
A survey researcher is someone who conducts research to gain insights. Their duty is to plan and design surveys, determine survey methods, solve sampling issues, etc. Additionally, as research and surveys are an integral part of social science, there is a lot of scope in becoming a survey researcher.
Job Sectors: Corporations, academic institutions, research firms
I/O Psychologist
With a social science degree, you can become a psychologist in offices and workplaces. Industrial and organizational psychologists implement efficient tactics and solutions to ensure good employee welfare and a healthy office environment. Moreover, they are a part of numerous departments including marketing, human resources, and sales.
Job Sectors: Any organization or workplace
Others
Some other career opportunities include:
- Geographer
- Historian
- Normal Psychologist
- Anthropologist
- Archeologist
- Rehabilitation worker
- Counselor
- Social worker
To Conclude
From the above guide, it’s clear how studying social science would help you have a bright career. So, now that you know about it’s opportunities, do not hesitate to start your academics with the same.