Social Sciences Degree & Career Guide

The answer to this question depends on many factors, including an individual’s degree level, the type of job they accept, their title, and where they live. For instance, someone who completes a doctorate in psychology and becomes a licensed psychologist will typically earn more than someone who only completes a bachelor’s degree.

Additionally, someone who plans to use their social science degree in research or academia can typically earn more than someone working in a technical position. That said, research and academic positions typically require an advanced degree.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, one of the highest-paying positions within the social sciences is political scientist. These professionals earned a median annual salary of $122,510 as of May 2021.

Although STEM careers are often seen as higher-paying and more in-demand, social science degrees provide invaluable skills and knowledge that translate well to many different jobs.

When studying a topic like history, sociology, or psychology, degree-seekers gain advanced skills many hiring managers look for in candidates, such as research, writing, and critical thinking. Students who know how to translate what they learn in the social sciences to other industries greatly value these degrees.

Psychology qualifies as a social science because much of the discipline focuses on the social components of human behavior and evolution. For instance, psychology students learn about how people think, learn, and behave, and how different experiences across one’s lifespan can affect thinking and behavior.

With so much emphasis on mental processes, behavioral changes, and motivations, psychology fits well under the social sciences umbrella.

Many colleges and universities offer social sciences degree options online, making it possible for learners to earn their degrees without visiting campus. Online social science degrees appeal to many different types of learners, including those who need more flexibility.

When looking at online social science degree programs, learners should make sure any college they consider holds appropriate institutional accreditation. Additionally, students should see if the degree they are considering has any type of programmatic accreditation.

As with other disciplines considered a social science, economics uses scientific principles and methods to better understand how wealth affects how humans behave. Economic behavior plays a significant role in this discipline, as it helps economists better understand how scarcity and surpluses affect both individual and group behaviors.

Individuals who study economics typically want to understand the benefits and detriments of wealth, rather than working directly with money. The psychological and behavioral components make it a social science.