A career in social science can be a rewarding way to put study into practice. Opportunities in this career path include positions that use research and data to understand and improve society. Many of the top careers in social science are also expected to grow faster than average in the next ten years due to the need for qualified individuals to analyze data and trends.
ANTHROPOLOGIST
Anthropologists study many different cultural backgrounds through artifacts, research,
and statistical analysis. The primary goal of anthropology is to understand human
behavior and improve human conditions. An anthropologist’s job description includes
collecting data and statistical information to create reports about people and communities.
Anthropologists must combine knowledge of biology, evolution, and archeology with
current data and trends to help solve social problems. Students interested in anthropology
must be prepared to study biology, statistics, and history. Individuals can gain entry
into the field upon receiving a master’s degree from an accredited university. The
median pay for this occupation is $54,230 per year. According to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics, job outlook for anthropologists is expected to grow faster than average.
As the world becomes more global, anthropologists can help governments and organizations
understand and work with other cultures. Related job titles may include archeologist,
ethnologist, cultural specialist, or development officer.
ECONOMIST
Economists gather and interpret economic data. The data may come from businesses,
governments, and organizations. Economists then present this data in a way that others
can understand. These professionals may also provide consulting advice and suggest
solutions to economic problems. Economists work heavily with numerical data, financial
statements, and fiscal reports. A student interested in economics should have a strong
proficiency in math, quantitative science, and data interpretation. The student should
also be ready to work as professional, and have strong communication skills to present
data to clients. To get an entry level job, a individual will need a bachelor’s degree
in economics from an accredited university. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics,
the median annual pay for an economist was $89,450 in 2010. Related job titles for
economists may include business analyst, market research analyst, financial planner,
or financial adviser.
POST-SECONDARY TEACHER (SOCIAL SCIENCE)
Post-secondary teachers instruct students in a range of settings beyond secondary
school. These individuals work at colleges, universities, and research centers. Post-secondary
teachers also conduct research in their field of specialization and publish research
papers and books. Students interested in becoming post-secondary teachers must have
a strong aptitude for reading comprehension, writing, and evaluation. Professionals
in this field must know how to interpret data objectively and work well with people
from a variety of backgrounds. Time management and ability to work in groups to solve
problems is also important. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median
annual pay for post-secondary teachers is $62,050 per year. Many post-secondary teachers
also gain employment as consultants or experts in their field. Individuals need a
doctorate or professional degree to begin work in this position. Graduate students
may gain teaching experience during school to help prepare for work in the field.
Related job titles may include professors, educators, and social scientists.
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGIST
Social psychologists study the behavior of people from a variety of backgrounds in
order to understand group dynamics within society. A social psychologist does extensive
research and gathers quantitative and qualitative data from individuals and groups.
Students interested in this profession should work well with empirical data and statistics.
Oral communication and listening skills are a must, since many social psychologists
also provide counseling or mediation services. The median annual salary of social
psychologists can range from $68,640 to $89,900 per year. Depending on the position,
individuals need to have a master’s, specialist, or doctorate degree to begin work
in the field. In addition, psychologists must pass a license exam in order to begin
work in most states. Related job titles include counselor, behavior analyst, mediator,
and social educator.
SOCIAL WORKER
Social workers provide social welfare and human rights services to improve the lives
of others. These professionals use research analysis and data to put service projects
directly into practice. Social workers may either help individuals solve problems
in daily life, or use social knowledge in clinics to help patients. This job is best
suited for individuals who can work well with others on a personal level. Individuals
need a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related social science major to begin
work in the field. A master’s in social work may also be required to advance to leadership
positions. Most states require social workers to obtain a license to practice. The
median annual pay for social workers ranges from $39,250 to $42,480 per year. According
to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job outlook for social work is expected to grow
faster than average. Related job titles for social workers include correctional specialists,
rehabilitation counselors, school social workers, direct-service social workers, and
clinical counselors.
SURVEY RESEARCHER
Survey researchers collect and analyze social science data. Employers typically hire
these individuals to design professional surveys and present reports with factual
data. Survey researchers may work for research agencies, polling firms, non-profit
organizations, or corporations. This position is best suited for an individual with
strong aptitude in statistics, data, and human resource activities. To obtain work
in the field, individuals must have a bachelor’s degree in a social science discipline
such as psychology or political science. Courses should include research methods and
statistics in order to learn how to create professional surveys. The median annual
salary for a survey researcher is $36,050 per year. According to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics, job outlook for this position is expected to grow faster than average.
Related job titles include market research analyst, survey poll analyst, public opinion
analyst, and policy adviser.
