Find your perfect college degree
If you’ve just graduated or are thinking about getting a social sciences degree, it can get a little overwhelming to think about the future. Not because it’s bleak, but because there’s just so much you can do! You can see for yourself and also get a sneak peek of your financial future with this list of top jobs for graduates with social sciences degrees.
Top Jobs for Graduates With Social Sciences Degrees
When you embark on the mission to earn a social sciences degree, you’re stepping into a field that sharpens your understanding of societal dynamics and human behavior. It’s where critical thinking meets real-world application.
The social sciences encompass various disciplines, including psychology, sociology, and economics, each vital to interpreting human interactions and societal structures. By studying these fields, you can understand how societies function and the factors that drive social change. This knowledge is vital for many careers that address social issues and influence policy-making.
There are also certain skills that a degree in social sciences helps you develop:
- Critical thinking: You learn to evaluate arguments, identify assumptions, and consider alternative perspectives, which are important for problem-solving in many professional contexts.
- Communication skills: Your ability to articulate thoughts clearly and persuasively in both written and oral forms is refined, preparing you for roles requiring skillful expression of ideas.
- Research abilities: Whether quantitative or qualitative, you become adept at designing studies, collecting data, and applying statistical analysis, which forms the backbone of informed decision-making in numerous jobs.
Career Prospects in Social Science
As you navigate the job market with a degree in social sciences, you’ll be happy to find that your prospects are diverse and rewarding. Your skills are valuable across multiple sectors with specializations ranging from economics to psychology.
Demand for social science graduates continues, with many disciplines experiencing growth. So whether you intend to engage with economic policy or support social development, your social science degree positions you to impact society substantially.
| Career Path | National Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Human Resource Manager | $78,321 |
| Intelligence Analyst | $42,995 |
| Lawyer | $93,223 |
| Police Officer | $59,621 |
| Political Consultant | $77,674 |
| Public Relations Manager | $62,350 |
| Urban Planner | $71,226 |
| Financial Analyst | $73,812 |
| Geographer | $61,287 |
| Economist | $111,940 |
Human Resource Manager
As a social science graduate, you’re uniquely equipped for a human resource (HR) manager role. Your understanding of human behavior and societal dynamics is critical when overseeing various aspects of personnel management, including recruitment, training, and benefits administration.
Economists predict that businesses will continue to seek professionals who can strategically manage human capital to drive financial success and organizational growth. If you find purpose in enhancing the workplace and have a knack for balancing the needs of employees and the company, pave your career path toward becoming an HR manager.
The national average salary of a human resource manager is around $78,321.
Intelligence Analyst
If you’ve earned a degree in social sciences, you’re equipped with a solid foundation for a career as an intelligence analyst. This role involves assessing and interpreting information influencing various sectors, including economics, defense, and policy-making.
Opportunities for intelligence analysts are found in government agencies, private security firms, and international organizations. While many positions may require additional training or clearance, your social science degree provides a versatile starting point. Your role as an intelligence analyst can significantly impact decision-making at high levels, contributing to the safety and stability of societies.
The national average salary of an intelligence analyst is around $42,995.
Lawyer
As a graduate with a social sciences degree, if you have a passion for the intricacies of the legal system and a desire to champion the rights of individuals, a career as a lawyer might be your calling. Navigating the intersection of economics and law, lawyers play a pivotal role in the financial and social sectors.
Your social science background and a law degree could open doors to diverse legal careers, ensuring your work remains financially rewarding and socially significant. You will need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and admission to the bar in your respective state.
The national average salary for a lawyer is around $93,223.
Police Officer
As a social science graduate, you will be well-equipped to understand human behavior, which is important for a career in law enforcement. Pursuing a position as a police officer may be an excellent application for your degree. You’ll typically undergo a police academy training program upon hiring.
Your social sciences background can enrich your law enforcement career by enhancing your interpersonal skills, the ability to understand the economic and financial aspects relevant to crime, and preparing you for advanced roles, which may offer higher salaries.
The national average salary of a police officer is around $59,621.
Political Consultant
Another option in the list of diverse career opportunities your social science degree affords is the role of a political consultant. This career merges economic know-how with political strategies to shape the political landscape. Your understanding of economics and ability to analyze financial data will be vital in advising political campaigns and helping candidates succeed.
As a political consultant, your persuasive communication skills and strategic acumen can significantly influence political outcomes, making it an exciting and impactful career path for social science graduates like you.
The national average salary for a political consultant is around $77,674.
Public Relations Manager
As a graduate with a social sciences degree, your understanding of human behavior and society can be a significant asset in public relations. If you’re interested in the intersection of communication, reputation management, and brand strategy, the role of a public relations manager might appeal to you.
Your degree equips you with in-depth knowledge of societal trends, vital for tailoring communication to different demographic segments. Your background in the social sciences could be beneficial for roles in diverse industries, from corporate sectors to non-profit organizations. Responsibilities often include:
- Developing and leading brand strategies
- Coordinating with media
- Managing crisis communication
- Supervising a team of PR professionals
The national average salary for a public relations manager is around $62,350. This amount can vary based on location and experience.
Urban Planner
As a social science graduate interested in economics and societal development, the role of an urban planner is particularly fulfilling. An urban planner focuses on creating and implementing plans for land use in urban areas. They play a critical role in shaping communities, considering current needs and future growth.
Understanding human behavior and economic principles will be vital in creating functional and inclusive urban spaces. With urban planning, your potential to influence neighborhoods’ financial well-being and social fabric is tremendous. Your key will responsibilities include:
- Evaluating site plans and land development proposals
- Engaging with the public during the planning process
- Addressing economic, social, and environmental concerns in plan development.
The national average salary of an urban planner is around $71,226.
Financial Analyst
If you’re a social science graduate with a knack for numbers and a passion for economics, becoming a financial analyst could be a great career path for you. Tasked with scrutinizing financial data, these professionals predict the outcomes of business decisions and aid companies stay buoyant in a competitive market.
Your background in social sciences, particularly in economics, positions you well to understand market trends and human behavior — both critical in financial analysis. Your key responsibilities include the following:
- Reviewing financial statements
- Analyzing investment opportunities
- Creating forecasts of future business conditions
- Advising management on financial planning
- Using statistical software for data analysis
The national average salary of a financial analyst is around $73,812.
Geographer
As a graduate with a social sciences degree, your analytical skills and comprehensive understanding of how societies function can directly translate to a career as a geographer. Geographers examine the Earth’s surface and its various features, but not just through a physical lens. They also scrutinize the human aspect of geography, making your social sciences background invaluable..
Combining your knowledge of economics and social patterns with hands-on data analysis, your work will directly influence economic, environmental, and policy decisions. You must also be proficient in GIS technology to excel in this role. Your key responsibilities will include:
- Analyzing spatial data through qualitative and quantitative methods
- Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map data
- Studying patterns and processes in both human and physical environments
- Collaborating with environmental scientists, planners, and politicians
The national average salary of a geographer is around $61,287.
Economist
An economist is a professional role that suits you if you have a passion for understanding and analyzing economic issues. With a degree in social sciences — specifically in economics — you’re well-equipped to explore this career path. Economists examine data, identify trends, and make predictions that can impact financial markets and guide policy decisions.
Your degree paves the way into a job market that values analytical skills and economic knowledge. The demand for economists remains steady as businesses, government agencies, and think tanks consistently seek experts to interpret financial data. Your key responsibilities will include the following:
- Analyzing economic data
- Forecasting market trends
- Developing economic models
- Assessing policies’ economic impact
- Presenting findings in reports
The national average salary of an economist is $111,940.
Enhancing Qualifications and Experience in Social Sciences
As you navigate the competitive job market with a social sciences degree, bolstering your credentials through further education and hands-on experience can distinguish you from other candidates. The right mix of advanced learning and practical application prepares you to excel.
Further Education and Certifications
Investing in your education beyond an undergraduate degree could significantly impact your employability and career progression. Graduate degrees, such as a master’s or Ph.D., particularly from prestigious institutions, can open doors to advanced opportunities.
Additionally, obtaining continuing education credits helps keep your knowledge updated and can be vital for certain career paths that require licensure or periodic certification renewals.
Considering certifications is also a smart move. They are often specific to certain skills or sectors within the social sciences and can offer you an edge in specialized roles. For example, a certification in statistical software could be beneficial for data analysis positions.
Gaining Practical Experience
Practical experience, such as internship opportunities or volunteer work, is invaluable. These experiences allow you to:
- Apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios
- Build professional networks
- Understand workplace dynamics
Whether paid or unpaid, internships provide a glimpse into your future career and can sometimes lead to job offers. On the other hand, volunteer work always looks impressive on a resume and demonstrates your initiative and commitment to social issues, which is highly regarded in the social sciences field.
Look for opportunities that align with your career goals and allow you to showcase and improve your skills.
Related Questions
What is the Highest-Paying Job with a Social Science Degree?
With a national average salary of $111,940, the highest-paying job with a social science degree is working as an economist. Adapting to ever-changing global markets, economists are at the forefront, assessing data, researching trends, and forecasting economic conditions. Your role could encompass governmental advising, corporate strategy, or market analysis.
What Career is Best for Social Science?
When exploring careers with a social science degree, your options are diverse, as your skills are highly valued across numerous fields. Intelligence analysis is a compelling choice, where your analytical skills can actively contribute to national security or corporate decision-making. You could also consider becoming an economist, geographer, urban planner, or financial analyst.
Is Social Science a Good Course to Study?
Yes, social science is a good course to study. When considering social science as a major, you’re opening the door to diverse career possibilities. These degrees harness your analytical skills and give insightful perspectives on human behavior, which are valuable in many sectors. If you enjoy tackling complex societal issues and want a field with multiple career paths, a degree in social science is a valuable investment in your future.
Conclusion
Social sciences degrees offer an array of career paths to consider. Should you decide to pursue further education, social sciences provide a strong foundation for advanced degrees that can lead to specialized roles in academia, research, or higher-level positions within governmental and non-governmental organizations. Specializations within social sciences can increase your employability, diversify your options, and lead you to high-paying roles.