A recent British Academy study showed that students studying social sciences develop a wide range of transferable skills that are relevant to a wide range of careers. They are able to analyse complex problems, explore and assess different solutions, and communicate their findings effectively. Their subjects require them to work with both quantitative and qualitative data, understanding the insight that both can provide. They learn and are assessed in both written and oral formats, allowing them to develop a range of effective communication skills to share research findings and make a well argued case.
Social Science students also have an edge in that the topics that they are studying are constantly evolving and often highly contentious.
To be able to study outlook for international relations in the context of the Trump presidency, or understand the challenges and opportunities that are presented by Brexit, requires students who can think on their feet, weight new evidence as it comes through, and adapt to situations in which things that seemed certain yesterday, no longer do today.
Perhaps it is not surprising that this prepares social sciences students well for the fast changing workplaces that they enter. And that is not all. The contentious nature of many of these topics require social science students to develop the ability to explore issues from different standpoints, and be able to understand how different people see the world.
Again, in a time when globalisation has made the world smaller, these intercultural skills are invaluable. But a Social Science degree is not just about the skills that students develop, it is also about knowledge.
This brings us back to the question of what social science is about. Whether it is criminology, psychology, politics or sociology, it is about human behaviour. It is about how individuals, families, communities, and nations, interact with one another, and this is why it is so valuable. Take issue such as climate change and pollution.
We know the damage that is done to the environment by vehicle emissions, plastics and other things. Science can help us to identify the technical solutions that can mitigate the impact of these and develop cleaner and more efficient products. But we know that often the stumbling block to putting these into use is human behaviour. The same could be said for many areas of health, exercise and well-being. Social Science can help us to understand why this is, and develop policies, interventions and actions that can work with people to change to get better outcomes for individuals and for society.
Social science examines the relationships between individuals and societies, as well as the development and operation of societies, rather than studying the physical world. These academic disciplines rely more heavily on interpretation and qualitative research methodologies. The social sciences include:. History is also sometimes regarded as a branch of social science, although many historians often consider the subject to share closer links to the humanities.
Both humanities and social sciences study human beings. What separates them is the technique applied: humanities are viewed as more philosophical and less scientific. Law, too, has some ties to social sciences, as does geography. In the U. At the collegiate level, more specialized disciplines are offered. The origins of social sciences can be traced back to the ancient Greeks. The lives they led, and their early studies into human nature, the state, and mortality, helped to shape Western civilization.
Social science as an academic field of study developed out of the Age of Enlightenment or the Age of Reason , which flourished through much of the 18 th century in Europe.
Individuals began to take a more disciplined approach to quantify their observations of society, and over time, similar aspects of society, such as linguistics and psychology, were separated into unique fields of study.
Psychology is one of the fastest-growing fields of social science. Psychology began as a medical field of study in the lates. The American Psychology Association formed in enlisting 26 members.
The work of Sigmund Freud throughout the early 20th century, including his landmark book Interpretations of Dreams helped to bring theories of psychology into the Western world. Even in the first quarter of the 21st century, however, psychology has continued to see rapid growth. According to the CDC, in , Although many still use psychiatric medicine to treat their mental health issues, in recent years, many people are seeking alternative treatments such as mindfulness and yoga in addition to traditional talk therapy.
The history of economic thought goes back all the way to Ancient Greek philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, and Xenophon. Their works laid the foundation for nearly all the social sciences, economics included. As travel became easier in the th century and more nations were able to partake in international trade, the school of mercantilism grew. Suddenly the economic actions of many nations were motivated by the belief that a country should maximize exports and minimize imports.
This predominating school of thought was challenged by writers such as Adam Smith, commonly known as the father of modern economics. Smith's ideas, along with those of Jean Jacques Rousseau and John Locke, promoted the idea of a self-regulating economy and introduced the concept of what is today known as classical economics.
Adam Smith's book the Wealth of Nations is still studied today and admired by many politicians. Social Sciences focus on a more scientific approach to studying human relationships and society. This vast subject area can focus on our past, present or future, analyzing the world outside the limits of our individual experience. From Communication and Media Studies, Criminology and International Development, to Psychology, Sociology and Anthropology, there are so many different avenues to explore within this field.
A degree in Humanities or the Social Sciences can open your world to a wide variety of learning and networking opportunities. Forbes While some degree subjects primarily consist of lectures, seminars, tutorials or workshops, other subjects also have more hands-on experiences:. These skills will differ from subject-to-subject, but could include:. If you follow the path of your degree program directly, you could become a:. Your new skills could enable you to apply to the business sector or become a:.
You can study a variety of disciplines within the field of Humanities and Social Sciences. Find out which field is right for you. Anthropology delves into theoretical debates on current issues, while looking at human evolution and biological diversity. Explore the behaviors of humankind from the past and in the present, acknowledging the diversity of societies and beliefs across the world. Did you know? Many global companies hire Anthropology graduates for roles that you wouldn't necessarily associate with the subject.
An example of this is Google. This multi-billion dollar international company employs Anthropologists to interpret its users' internet search patterns.
The media is at the center of human life — from the way we communicate to the governing of countries. Communication and Media Studies helps us to understand human communication and behavior by examining the cultural impact and importance of media. Media is a top subject for 'graduate schemes' — training programmes run by employers that enable you to earn money as you gain experience and build important skills.
Crime is a global issue — but in understanding how it relates to different parts of society, there are ways to prevent and control the problem. For example, geographers apply their undergraduate training to study the Earth and human geography. A bachelor's degree meets the requirements for many positions, including those with the federal government.
Many jobs in the social sciences require a graduate degree. A master's degree represents the typical entry-level education for political scientists and economists. Psychologists, sociologists, and anthropologists generally require an advanced degree as well. Social science majors can take advantage of many different career paths after graduation.
In addition to social science jobs, a social science degree can lead to positions in fields like law, education, and business. In the business sector, social science majors may work as data analysts, market research analysts, or economic researchers.
The growing field of data analytics often hires candidates with a social science background. All of these jobs draw on the analytical and research skills of a social science degree. A social science degree can lead to positions in fields like law, education, and business. Social science majors may also take a position working for the government or in civil service.
Possessing a background in geography or political science could open doors in urban planning, public finance, and public administration. Some social science degree-holders may prefer to work in education.
High school teachers educate students in several social science disciplines, including geography, social studies, and civics. Note that teaching jobs generally require a state-issued teaching license. Additionally, the analytical and critical thinking training gained from a social science degree can prepare graduates to pursue a career in law.
Many political science, economics, and psychology majors choose to continue their education through law school. PayScale's College Salary Report identifies numerous in-demand careers for social science majors, including financial analyst, intelligence analyst, fraud investigator, and social services director.
Social science majors study exciting topics like criminality, elections, decision-making, and abnormal behavior, all while strengthening their analytical and critical thinking skills. A social science degree can prepare you for success in a number of professional fields. Compared with STEM and humanities majors, social science majors reported a higher rate of employment after college graduation.
Social science majors were also more likely to hold a managerial or senior role. While there's no guarantee you'll nab a job right out of college, a social science degree can offer plenty of benefits.
In a social science program, you'll not only build critical skills like problem-solving and data interpretation, but you'll also learn how you can apply your newfound knowledge and abilities to a number of potential career tracks. View the most relevant school for your interests and compare them by tuition, programs, acceptance rate, and other factors important to find your college home.
What Are the Social Sciences?
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