Social science degrees in fields such as criminal justice, psychology and applied behavior analysis equip students with the knowledge and analytical skills needed to solve real societal problems. Graduates can enter a wide range of impactful careers across public service, mental health, research, business, law enforcement and more. 

Explore the top paths for social science careers for 2026—along with job duties, skills, salary expectations and additional requirements to plan for the future. 

What Can You Do with a Social Science Degree? 

With a social science degree, graduates can pursue careers in policy analysis, research, community development, mental health, public service, human resources, education, environmental planning and more.  

The field’s diversity allows graduates to tailor their path to their interests, whether analytical, human focused, research driven or community based. 

Highest-Paid Social Sciences Careers for 2026 

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that positions in life, physical and social science careers will grow faster than the labor market as a whole between 2024 and 2034, with an average of 144,700 job openings each year.  

The BLS defines social science occupations as those that involve “using scientific research to help solve problems and expand knowledge”; however, this can look very different from day to day depending on the occupation. 

The median annual wage for life, physical and social science careers was $78,980 in May 2024, making these fields both meaningful and financially rewarding. 

Consider the top 10 highest-paid social science careers based on 2024 BLS data, including each profession’s responsibilities, salary information and degree program requirements for preparing graduates for rewarding careers. The occupations are listed from highest to lowest salary. 

1. Political Scientist 

Political scientists study the origins, development and operation of political systems. They analyze policy, research political trends, and advise government and organizational decision-makers. 

• Median Salary: $139,380 

• Relevant Skills: Research, data analysis, critical thinking and policy evaluation 

• Career Fit for Degree Programs: Social science majors interested in public service, law or government 

2. Economist 

Economists conduct research on fiscal and monetary policy, analyze economic trends, and develop models that guide business and government decision-making. Some economists focus on fields such as behavioral economics, labor economics or policy analysis, which require strong social science skills. 

• Median Salary: $115,440  

• Relevant Skills: Statistical analysis, modeling, forecasting, problem-solving 

• Career Fit for Degree Programs: Psychology and social science majors who enjoy research and quantitative analysis 

3. Sociologist 

Sociologists study society, group behavior, cultures, institutions and social dynamics. They often work in research, education, community development and policy roles. 

• Median Salary: $101,690 

• Relevant Skills: Research design, interviewing, data interpretation and writing 

• Career Fit for Degree Programs: Social science majors seeking careers in community services, research or public policy 

4. Geographer 

Geographers study Earth’s land, features, populations and human-environment interactions. They apply spatial analysis to fields such as urban planning, environmental management and mapping. While some geographers focus on physical geography, human geographers study economic, social, environmental, political and cultural elements of geography.  

• Median Salary: $97,200 

• Relevant Skills: Geographic information system (GIS) mapping, spatial reasoning, research, environmental analysis 

• Career Fit for Degree Programs: Social science majors interested in spatial systems or environmental issues 

5. Psychologist 

Psychologists study cognitive, emotional and social processes to understand behavior and improve mental health and well-being. They work in clinical practice, research, education and organizational settings. 

• Median Salary: $94,310 

• Relevant Skills: Assessment, counseling, research, communication 

• Career Fit for Degree Programs: Psychology, applied behavior analysis and industrial/organizational psychology majors 

6. Urban and Regional Planner 

Regional and urban planners develop land-use strategies for cities and regions, balancing growth, sustainability and community needs. 

• Median Salary: $83,720 

• Relevant Skills: Planning, policy analysis, GIS, stakeholder collaboration 

• Career Fit for Degree Programs: Social science and criminal justice majors interested in community development and public administration 

7. Epidemiologist 

Epidemiologists are multidisciplinary professionals who investigate disease patterns, analyze health data and help design public health interventions.  

While epidemiology’s foundation is in the scientific method, with a heavy reliance on biostatistics and biology, it’s also deeply intertwined with social sciences such as sociology, psychology and economics that study the social-structural factors that influence health and disease. 

• Median Salary: $83,980 

• Relevant Skills: Data analysis, scientific research, public health communication 

• Career Fit for Degree Programs: Psychology or social science majors pursuing health research or public health careers 

8. Historian 

Historians research and analyze historical documents; interpret past events; and present findings in academic, museum, government or archival settings. 

• Median Salary: $74,050 

• Relevant Skills: Critical thinking, writing, archival research 

• Career Fit for Degree Programs: Social science majors with interests in culture, history and research 

9. Anthropologist 

Anthropologists study human origins, cultural development and historical artifacts to understand societies past and present. 

• Median Salary: $64,910 

• Relevant Skills: Fieldwork, cultural analysis, research, documentation 

• Career Fit for Degree Programs: Social science majors exploring cultural studies or human behavior 

10. Survey Researchers 

Survey researchers design surveys, collect data and analyze results for government agencies, nonprofits and business organizations. 

• Median Salary: $63,380 

• Relevant Skills: Data collection, statistical analysis, questionnaire development 

• Career Fit for Degree Programs: Psychology, industrial/organizational psychology and social science majors skilled in research methods 

How the Right Degrees Prepare Graduates for Top Social Science Careers 

Many careers in the social sciences require higher education degrees. Consider how different degree programs prepare graduates for social science work. 

Degrees for Future Political Scientists 

Some employers require political scientist job candidates to have an advanced degree, such as a master’s in political science or public administration. Here are some programs that can offer students the background for careers as political scientists: 

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Degree: This degree program provides a strong foundation in political systems, governance, public policy, sociology and history—key topics that political scientists analyze. Students also develop research, writing and analytical skills used in policy evaluation. 

• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree: A criminal justice bachelor’s degree offers insight into legal systems, constitutional law and public institutions—useful for analyzing public policy, justice reform and governmental decision-making. 

• Master of Science in Criminal Justice Degree: Master’s in criminal justice programs emphasize justice reform analysis; the evaluation of criminal justice systems; and the ethical and legal implications of policy decisions, development and implementation. Graduates are especially strong candidates for policy-focused political science roles, particularly in areas such as criminal justice reform, public safety and civil rights. 

• Master of Public Administration Degree: This is one of the strongest graduate pathways for aspiring political scientists, especially those interested in applied policy work, government systems or public-sector research. While political scientists often pursue degrees in political science, public policy or related fields, an MPA offers highly practical training that directly aligns with the work political scientists do. 

Degrees for Future Economists 

Several social science programs teach skills that economists need, such as research methodology, data analysis, behavior measurement, organizational analysis, and evaluation of incentives and productivity.  

Some formal economist roles (especially in macroeconomics, policy economics and academic economics) may require an advanced degree. In addition to a bachelor’s or master’s degree in economics, degree programs that can help prepare graduates for careers in economics include: 

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Degree: This degree provides a strong interdisciplinary foundation that can lead to economist roles, particularly in behavioral economics, labor economics, policy analysis, market research and the public sector. Some social science programs offer a specialized economics concentration.  

• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration: While typically not considered a social science degree, a bachelor’s in business administration program covers essential topics such as global economics, microeconomics, macroeconomics and econometrics. This degree can qualify individuals for entry-level economist positions, and individuals may pursue an economics minor to develop advanced skills. 

• Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Degree: While economists traditionally come from economics or quantitative social science backgrounds, this degree provides a relevant pathway for roles in behavioral economics, labor economics, organizational economics, workforce analysis, compensation strategy and market research. Modern economics—especially behavioral economics—focuses on how people actually make decisions, not how they should make them according to classical theory. These insights help future economists build more accurate behavioral models and better understand the human factors influencing economic outcomes. 

Degrees for Future Sociologists 

A bachelor’s or master’s degree in sociology can provide a direct path toward a career as a sociologist. Other social science programs that can help prepare individuals for careers as sociologists include: 

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Degree: This program covers topics including statistics, economics, psychology, political science and research methodology—all core competencies for sociologists. Some social science programs offer a specialized concentration in sociology. 

• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree: Criminal justice is inherently sociological: It examines how social structures, inequality, laws, norms and institutions shape individual and group behavior. Because of this overlap, graduates with this degree enter sociology-related fields with significant applied knowledge and research skills. This degree offers a relevant foundation for students interested in studying criminology, deviance and institutions—major subfields of sociology. Students may also pursue a minor in sociology. 

Degrees for Future Geographers 

In addition to a degree in geography or GIS, these programs can provide a foundation for future training in geography: 

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Degree: This program includes coursework in history, sociology and political science, topics that can support careers in human geography, environmental planning or population studies. 

• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree: This degree provides crime mapping and spatial analysis skills relevant to GIS. 

Degrees for Future Psychologists 

A number of social science programs can support careers in psychology. Psychologists typically need to have a master’s degree or a doctorate to practice, depending on the field: 

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology Degree: This program provides the core foundation in cognitive, emotional and social processes; research methods; psychological theory and applied practice—ideal preparation for graduate study or entry-level psychological science roles. 

• Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis Degree: This degree offers specialized training in behavior theory, assessment and intervention—valuable for clinical psychology, behavioral health and developmental psychology pathways. 

• Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Degree: This program prepares graduates to apply psychological principles in workplaces, including motivation, performance, leadership and organizational behavior—especially useful for those interested in how to become an industrial/organizational psychologist. 

Degrees for Future Urban and Regional Planners 

Urban and regional planners develop land-use strategies that shape how communities grow, function and thrive. These roles require strong analytical skills; an understanding of social systems; and the ability to evaluate how physical, social and economic factors influence community development. Employers may prefer a master’s in urban planning or a related field, as well as industry certification. 

Several social degree programs can help build this foundation in different but complementary ways: 

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Degree: A social science degree provides broad interdisciplinary training that closely aligns with the competencies urban and regional planners need. Social science offers the broad systems-level thinking planners rely on to shape sustainable, equitable communities. In particular, social science research and data analysis training allows students to assess community needs, evaluate development proposals, and interpret economic or demographic data. 

• Master of Science in Criminal Justice Degree: Urban and regional planning is about not only land use but also designing safe, stable communities. Criminal justice graduates bring valuable insight into how the built environment impacts crime, safety and public order. Research experience and data analysis skills developed at the master’s level can support crime mapping, environmental risk assessment and social impact evaluation of development proposals. 

• Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Degree: Urban and regional planning is ultimately about understanding how people use spaces, make decisions and interact with their environments. Psychology and industrial/organizational psychology prepare students to analyze these human-centered factors. Understanding the psychology of decision-making and behavioral science helps planners predict how people respond to policies, incentives, transportation changes or public-space design. 

Degrees for Future Epidemiologists 

Epidemiologists study patterns and causes of disease and injury, using data to improve public health outcomes. Social science graduates are well suited for epidemiology because the field requires understanding the social determinants of health, population behavior and how communities respond to public health interventions.  

A typical educational path to becoming an epidemiologist involves earning a master’s degree. While many epidemiologists pursue master’s-level training in public health, biostatistics or epidemiology, several undergraduate degree programs can prepare students for graduate studies in the field: 

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Degree: This degree program provides preparation for epidemiology by building research skills, analytical ability, and a deep understanding of the human behaviors and social systems that shape health. The program offers coursework related to population studies, health disparities and the social determinants of health—all major components of epidemiology. 

• Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies: Pathfinder Track: This custom degree program for working professionals is built with flexibility in mind—an excellent choice for students who want to pursue advanced study in epidemiology, infectious diseases or public health. Because the program accepts credit for prior learning (CPL), students who already have professional healthcare or public service experience can shorten their time to graduation. This makes it easier for working professionals to complete the bachelor’s degree required for admission to further study in epidemiology or infectious diseases. 

Degrees for Future Historians 

Historians study past events; analyze historical documents; and interpret how social, political, economic and cultural forces shape society.  

Several social science programs help students develop the foundational skills needed for historical research, archival work, museum studies, policy analysis or preparation for graduate programs in history. 

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Degree: This program provides coursework in history, political science, sociology and research methodology—ideal preparation for historical research, archival work or cultural analysis. Writing-intensive coursework builds the ability to craft arguments, analyze sources and present historical narratives effectively. Some social science degrees offer a concentration in history. 

• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree: This degree provides insight into criminal justice systems and their deep historical roots. A criminal justice degree explores how laws, policing, corrections and public safety institutions have evolved over time. Study of legal and institutional development can help students understand historical shifts in justice systems, punishment practices and civil rights. 

Degrees for Future Anthropologists 

Anthropologists and archeologists study human origins, cultural practices, social systems and material evidence from past and present societies.  

Anthropologists typically need at minimum a master’s degree in anthropology or archeology. Social science-related undergraduate programs provide strong preparation for these advanced degrees, developing students’ understanding of human behavior, culture, institutions and research methods. 

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Degree: Offers anthropology and sociology coursework that build foundational knowledge about cultures, social structures, kinship, inequality and human diversity. Some programs offer a specialized anthropology concentration. 

Degrees for Future Survey Researchers 

Survey researchers design surveys, collect and analyze data, and interpret results to inform decisions in government, business, healthcare, nonprofits and academic research. Many roles require a master’s degree, but individuals can qualify for some entry-level positions with a bachelor’s degree. 

Because this field relies heavily on research methods, statistics, social behavior and data interpretation, several social science degrees provide excellent preparation for survey research careers: 

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology Degree: This degree emphasizes understanding human behavior and conducting scientific research, two core components of survey design and analysis. 

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Degree: This degree offers broad exposure to human behavior, institutions and demographic trends, core topics for survey research. Provides quantitative and qualitative research training across sociology, political science and geography. 

• Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Degree: This degree prepares graduates to design employee surveys, climate assessments and organizational research instruments.  

Prepare for a Rewarding Career in the Social Sciences 

A degree in the social sciences opens the door to a remarkably wide range of meaningful and high-growth careers. From economists and political scientists to psychologists, sociologists, urban planners, epidemiologists, historians, anthropologists and survey researchers, graduates can pursue roles that shape communities, influence policy, support public well-being and deepen our understanding of human behavior and society.  

SEMO Online’s emphasis on applied learning helps you build real-world skills that translate into meaningful, in-demand careers. These SEMO Online social science programs can help provide you with the foundational knowledge and experiential learning needed to excel: 

• Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice 

• Bachelor of Science in Professional Studies: Pathfinder Track  

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology 

• Bachelor of Arts in Social Science 

• Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis 

• Master of Science in Criminal Justice 

• Master of Arts in Industrial-Organizational Psychology 

Whatever path interests you most, SEMO Online’s social science degrees provide a strong foundation for careers that make a real impact. If you’re ready to explore how the right program can help you achieve your goals, now is the perfect time to take the first step. 

Find out how SEMO Online’s social science programs can prepare you for a rewarding future and apply today. 

Recommended Readings 

Sources: 

Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services, Social Drivers of Health 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Anthropologists and Archeologists 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Economists 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Epidemiologists 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Geographers 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Historians 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Political Scientists 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Sociologists 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey Researchers 
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Urban and Regional Planners 

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