Those wondering about the value of the skills gained in the study of social sciences need to look no further than LinkedIn’s annual survey of top skills employers seek. According to the 2024 survey, the most in-demand skills among business leaders include communication, research, analysis and problem-solving — all cornerstones of a social science education.
Those wondering about the value of the skills gained in the study of social sciences need to look no further than LinkedIn’s annual survey of top skills employers seek. According to the 2024 survey, the most in-demand skills among business leaders include communication, research, analysis and problem-solving — all cornerstones of a social science education.
Individuals interested in an education that opens the door to many career paths across industries may want to consider undergraduate or graduate degrees in one of the social sciences. For example, they may obtain a bachelor’s in psychology, criminal justice, professional studies or general social science. Advanced degree options may include applied behavior analysis, criminal justice or industrial/organizational psychology.
However, prospective students will first want to learn more about common social science majors and the career options available to those with a social science education.
What Are the Social Sciences?
In general, social sciences examine human behavior and interaction and societal structures. They explore relationships between individuals as well as how individuals relate to groups (e.g., cultures, societies, workplaces and organizations). Social sciences encompass a variety of disciplines, such as psychology, sociology, political science, anthropology and economics.
As an academic discipline, social sciences lean heavily on research to identify trends in how individuals behave and how societies and cultures develop and evolve. These trends can help social science professionals create effective public policies, social reforms, and business and marketing strategies, among other objectives.
Social Science Majors List
Students can select from multiple undergraduate and graduate degree programs that explore the various facets of social science. Common examples of social science majors include the following:
Social Science
Students who pursue a degree in social science focus on the subject in general but may also select focus areas, including primary and secondary areas of emphasis. A social science degree allows students to learn how this discipline applies across various career fields.
Students can learn valuable skills such as data analysis and critical thinking. Additionally, identifying social science subjects as concentrations within this degree work can provide a good foundation for a specific career within the social sciences.
Professional Studies
Similar to a social science degree, students in a professional studies degree program gain skills and knowledge that can be applied to a wide range of fields. This type of program provides critical workforce training in areas including communication, problem-solving and leadership, which can benefit those looking to advance their careers or move into a new field.
Criminal Justice
Students seeking a degree in criminal justice can gain skills like critical thinking and leadership and learn how to use technology that’s common in criminal justice careers. These degree programs provide instruction related to criminal justice policies and external influences. Graduates can build careers in:- Crime prevention
- Law enforcement
- Victim services
- Rehabilitation
Psychology
Psychology is a social science major that explores human behavior and mental processes. Students also study psychological principles, statistical processes and research design.
This degree provides insight into behavior that can be beneficial in managing professional relationships and can help prepare students for careers in fields like:
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Business
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Education
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Human resources
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Social services
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on human behavior in the workplace. Education in this field can help students understand organizational issues like performance appraisal, work motivation and organizational development. Graduates can leverage their expertise in human behavior and statistical analysis to find careers in:-
Human resources
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Organizational consulting
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Research on productivity and work environments
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Talent development
Applied Behavior Analysis
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) is a behavior therapy that seeks to increase positive behavioral responses while decreasing or eliminating negative ones. An ABA degree is a good fit for those interested in a social science career that helps children or adults with autism overcome challenges and improve their skills and lives.
Students in an ABA program will learn about theory, ethics and practical therapeutic applications. They can use this knowledge in professional roles in clinics, schools and workplaces, with focuses such as:
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Behavioral pediatrics
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Brain injury rehabilitation
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Child welfare
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Parent training
Social Science Careers: Outlooks and Salaries
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that those who held a degree in one of the social science subjects most commonly worked in the following fields in 2022:
- Management: 20 percent
- Business and financial operations: 14 percent
- Legal: 10 percent
- Educational instruction and library: 9 percent
- Sales: 8 percent
However, that leaves 39 percent of social science majors working in other fields, illustrating the broad application of a social science education.
The following five careers are among the many options for social science degree graduates. While many factors can influence salary and job outlook, including location and experience, median salary and projected growth for these careers match or exceed those for all professions the BLS tracks.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Someone with a bachelor’s degree in psychology might pursue a career as a substance abuse counselor. Relying on communication and interpersonal skills, among other abilities, these professionals provide guidance to those dealing with addiction, alcoholism and depression.
The BLS projects 19 percent growth for this role between 2023 and 2033, attributable to an increase in the number of people who have addictions (particularly associated with opioid use). The median annual salary for this career as of May 2023 was $53,710.
Police Officer
A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can prepare students for a career as a police officer. Professionals in this role are responsible for protecting people and property.
While their duties vary according to employer and position, police officers are generally uniformed professionals who respond to emergency and nonemergency calls for assistance. Communication and leadership are among the key skills for this role.
Projected growth for this career from 2023 to 2033 matches the average for all careers (4 percent), per the BLS. The median annual salary for police officers and detectives as of May 2023 was $72,280.
Human Resources Manager
Studying social sciences can be excellent preparation for a career as a human resources manager. People in this role plan and lead an organization’s administrative activities, such as recruiting and hiring staff and serving as liaisons between staff and leaders. Communication and decision-making are among the key social science skills for this role.
To address the challenges of establishing and meeting organizational goals, human resources manager jobs will experience faster-than-average growth — 6 percent — between 2023 and 2033, the BLS projects. As of May 2023, the role’s median annual salary was $136,350.
I/O Psychologist
A master’s degree in I/O psychology can help prepare individuals for a career as an I/O psychologist. These professionals apply their social science learnings in psychology — and analysis and problem-solving skills — to organizational and corporate issues like administration, human resources and sales.
BLS projections indicate that psychologists’ job growth will be faster than average at 7 percent between 2023 and 2033. I/O psychologists are in demand as organizations seek guidance on hiring employees, improving morale and addressing other issues. The median annual salary for an I/O psychologist as of May 2023 was $147,420.
Behavior Analyst
Board-certified behavior analysts (BCBAs) develop plans to assist people with behavioral, mental health or developmental issues. A master’s degree in ABA or a related subject is a requirement for the certification that those seeking this role must have.
The BLS’s projected growth for behavioral disorder counselors is much faster than average, 19 percent, between 2023 and 2033. Payscale reports that BCBAs had a median annual salary of about $74,000 as of January 2025.
Explore the Versatility of Social Science Majors
Individuals interested in a degree that teaches skills applicable to various careers across multiple industries should explore the social science majors from SEMO Online. While SEMO students can choose from an extensive number of in-person programs, the SEMO Online social science degrees include:
These programs offer flexibility and a focus on career readiness from a nationally ranked institution with more than 20 years of experience in online education. Explore how SEMO Online’s social science degree programs can help you reach your career goals.
Recommended Readings:
5 Tips To Build a Resume in High School
Free Things To Take Advantage of Before You Graduate
Tips for Applying to College
Sources:
Autism Speaks, “What Is Applied Behavior Analysis?”
Indeed Career Guide, “56 Jobs To Pursue With a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science”
Indeed Career Guide, “What Are Social Sciences and What Makes Them Relevant?”
Investopedia, “Social Science: What It Is and the 5 Major Branches”
LinkedIn, “LinkedIn 2024 Most In-Demand Skills: Learn the Skills Companies Need Most”
Payscale, Average Board Certified Behavior Analyst Salary
Tavoq, “Social Science Majors: Essential Insights You Need To Know”
UNCF, “Social Sciences: The Study of Human Experience”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Field of Degree: Social Science
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Human Resources Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Police and Detectives
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors