Social Sciences Career Guide

Which Types of Jobs are Available For Those Interested in Social Sciences

Question: What do budget analysts, historians, labor relations specialists, and social studies teachers have in common?

Answer: They all hold positions one can obtain with a background in the social sciences.

If you are inquisitive, analytical, and intrigued by human society, a social sciences career may be right for you. The social sciences encompass a wide range of fields--sociology, anthropology, archaeology, economics, psychology, political science, education, geography, and history--and an even greater number of career options.

Social scientists analyze statistics relating to criminal behaviors and devise strategies to reduce crime. Social scientists research economic systems and become financial advisors and analysts. Social scientists study other cultures to build our understanding of different societies--and learn more about our own in the process.

Depending on the field, a social scientist may spend a good part of the day conducting social research out of an office. For some social science jobs, fieldwork is integral to the profession. An anthropologist, for example, may spend months, or even years, living amidst another society to learn more about its social institutions or cultural characteristics. Someone with a social research career in academia may have a flexible work schedule and combine teaching, research, and consulting.

There are many potential benefits to working in the social sciences. Many social scientists are passionate about their fields of study, and enjoy a career that is personally gratifying. Furthermore, social scientists are continuously revealing new information about human societies, whether through historical research, geographic study, or linguistic analysis, making for an interesting and intellectually stimulating career.

One potential challenge, on the other hand, is that professionals--particularly those in social research careers--need to be committed to lifelong learning: Keeping abreast of current research and technology is vital for many social sciences careers.

Formal Training Required to Work in a Career Related to Social Sciences

If the social sciences are your calling, get ready to get educated. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, social scientists are among the most educated professionals. Successful professionals typically hold master's and doctorate-level social sciences degrees, meaning that many social sciences career paths require several years of graduate work. Four-year social sciences degrees, such as a bachelor's degree in sociology or economics, could open the door to entry-level positions, such as assistant researchers, writers, and market analysts.

While specific training requirements depend on the field, social sciences courses usually include statistics and mathematics, in order to prepare students to conduct quantitative research. Proficiency with technology can also be a key component; in addition to conducting computerized research, some social scientists make extensive use of specialized software, such as geographic information system (GIS) technology in the fields of geography and archaeology.

The Typical Career Path of Someone Interested in Social Sciences

A successful social scientist generally has an analytical and logical mind, strong communication skills, and an openness to new ideas. The emphasis on social research within many social sciences careers means that professionals have to be objective in their approach and methodical in their work habits.

Social scientists also typically have a strong drive to obtain new knowledge. This core attribute means that many social scientists become high-ranking researchers or consultants, or obtain doctoral degrees and leave their social sciences jobs to become professors.

Job Outlook and Salary Information for Those Interested in Social Sciences

Are social sciences jobs available? Absolutely! According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, anthropologists and archaeologists should enjoy a whopping 28 percent increase in employment opportunities from 2008 through 2018, more than twice the average for all occupations. As construction increases and improvements are made to the country's infrastructure, archaeologists may be sought to ensure that historical artifacts are protected and that companies comply with federal regulations. Anthropologists should be in demand both in the private and public sectors to enhance our understanding of people and nations with whom the U.S. has relations, whether commercial or political.

Geographers should similarly enjoy favorable job prospects; employment is projected to increase 26 percent from 2008 through 2018, primarily because of increasing employment opportunities with the federal government.

Other projections for social science jobs include 11 percent growth for historians, 6 percent for economists, and 12 percent for psychologists.

Median annual wages for social sciences professionals as of May 2009 were as follows:

• Anthropologists and archaeologists: $53,460
• Geographers: $71,470
• Historians: $51,050
• Economists: $86,930

Overall, job prospects should be best for social scientists with the highest levels of education and the best communication skills.