In a social sciences bachelor's degree program, you gain the theoretical knowledge and research skills to make an impact in many aspects of society. Keep reading to learn more about this kind of degree program and the career options it can lead to.
What Is a Social Sciences Bachelor's Degree?
Social sciences bachelor's degree programs usually encompass a broad range of topics, including social studies, geography, gerontology, anthropology, psychology and history. In many programs, you must select a concentration in one of these areas. Additionally, you often are required to take courses that cover statistics and other research and analytical topics. This coursework gives you the skills necessary to investigate social issues and advance knowledge in the field.
You can earn both Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in social science, and both take about four years to complete. A B.A. typically requires more humanities and language courses, while a B.S. requires additional math and science-based courses. Bachelor's degree programs in social science can be hard to find in an online format, but there are some options for non-traditional scheduling, including day and evening classes, hybrid courses and some online instruction.
<table border="1"><tr><td><b>Degree Options</b></td><td> Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, with areas of specialization</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Common Courses</b></td><td> Psychology, geography, history, sociology, statistics</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Career Fields</b></td><td> Social services, government, political, legal</td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Median Salary (2020)</b></td><td>$86,110 <i>(Sociologists)</i></td></tr>
<tr><td><b>Job Outlook (2019-2029)</b></td><td>4% growth <i>(Sociologists)</i></td></tr>
</table><p><i>Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</i>
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCoursesWillITake">What Courses Will I Take?</h3><p>Your introductory courses usually give you a solid grounding in concepts related to social organization. These include economics, politics, sociology, history, psychology and geography. You learn about the origins of Western civilization through an examination of early Roman, Greek and Middle Eastern societies. You also learn about the social movements, economic factors and political influences that shaped the country. Geography courses cover regions across the globe, allowing you to examine the ways that location and topography impact culture and society. Other courses combine these concepts to teach you how to examine and interpret civilization through the lens of anthropology.
</p><p>Additionally, many social science bachelor's degree programs require you to take courses, such as statistics, that teach you how to work with and interpret data. Often, these research-based courses are designed for the social sciences. Psychology courses are also typically required.
</p><h3 id="section---WhatCanIDoWithTheDegree">What Can I Do With the Degree?</h3><p>If you earn a bachelor's degree in social science, you could work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, human service organizations and more. Some graduates go on to further education, which often leads to work in research or teaching. Politics, advocacy and the legal professions are other common career pathways for students with a social science degree.</p>
