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First, some facts. Of the Social Sciences graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 400 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Below average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 61%, Social Sciences graduates have a lower likelihood (-6%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 37% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Social Sciences graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 46% We think this person has gone into a career only somewhat relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2017 from Florida State University with a Bachelors Degree in Social Sciences. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONHost The Revisionist Report Jan 2017 - Aug 2017 Research Analyst  National Center for Public Policy Research Jun 2023 - Dec 2023 ABOUTGather ye rosebuds while ye may. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
When analyzing the career paths of individuals who graduated with degrees in Social Sciences, certain trends and patterns emerge, indicating common types of jobs and their relevance to the field of social sciences. Many graduates have pursued careers in education, social work, human resources, health services, and behavioral analysis. The roles they occupy often reflect a blend of skills acquired during their academic training, underscoring the importance of understanding social dynamics and human behavior in various capacities.
One of the predominant career choices among these graduates has been in education, particularly as teachers and educational aides. A significant number of individuals have become social studies teachers or have taken on roles supporting teachers, such as teaching assistants or counselors. These positions directly apply knowledge from their degrees, as they require a keen understanding of historical context, societal dynamics, and student behavior—all core elements of social sciences. For those working in educational settings, such as in K-12 schools, there is a clear and direct relationship to the skills learned during their studies.
Another common pathway is in social services and human resources. Graduates working as case managers, social workers, and in various nonprofit roles demonstrate the practical application of social policies and community engagement principles. These roles are often linked to community outreach, advocacy, and support services, allowing graduates to implement the theories of social engagement from their education directly into their work. They tackle social issues such as family welfare, mental health challenges, and community resources, reflecting a full utilization of a social sciences background.
Interestingly, while some graduates find themselves in roles that seem less related to their degree—such as customer service or administrative jobs—they often leverage interpersonal skills rooted in social sciences, like communication and understanding group dynamics. For instance, roles in sales, marketing, and operations management can benefit from knowledge of human behavior and motivation, despite not being centered around social theoretical foundations.
However, a notable portion of graduates have also entered entirely different fields like technical positions in science or engineering roles where the overlap with social sciences is minimal. This suggests that while a degree in social sciences equips graduates with valuable skills that can transcend various sectors, its direct application is most evident in jobs closely aligned with health, education, and social work.
In conclusion, the social sciences degree serves as a versatile foundation for many career paths; however, the most relevant and apparent applications are in education, social services, and organizational roles that require an understanding of social dynamics. The skills gained during their academic journey position graduates to make meaningful impacts in communities and organizations, reinforcing the relevance of social sciences in today’s society.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Social Sciences graduates:
As we analyze the career trajectories of Social Sciences graduates from various universities, it becomes evident that these individuals often embark on diverse career paths. When first entering the job market after graduation, many seem to gravitate toward roles directly relevant to their fields of study, such as teaching, behavioral analysis, or social services. For instance, several graduates began their careers in educational settings or social work, while others took positions as counselors or behavioral health technicians. This suggests that recent Social Sciences graduates are often looking to apply their knowledge and skills in a direct, impactful manner, often taking on roles that address social issues or work within educational frameworks.
Looking five to ten years down the line, the picture becomes a bit more varied. Those who initially entered fields closely aligned with their degrees often continue to progress in those areas. For example, individuals like the Registered Behavior Technicians and Clinical Directors demonstrate career advancement within social and behavioral health sectors. Others pivot into different industries—sometimes taking managerial roles or exploring unrelated fields—indicating a level of career flexibility that isn't uncommon in Social Sciences. However, it's also noticeable that several graduates drift away from their fields of study, landing in roles that are less relevant to their degrees, particularly in sales, retail, and administrative positions. This could reflect broader economic trends or simply the varied demands of life post-graduation.
In conclusion, Social Sciences graduates tend to start their careers in related fields, aligning with their academic background and interests, but as time progresses, their paths can diverge significantly. While some find fulfilling careers that build on their education, others may experience a dilution of their initial goals, taking on roles that may not utilize their degree effectively. Overall, the trajectory appearances suggest that while many do find meaningful work, there is also a significant number who may feel their education did not translate directly to their subsequent employment.
A Bachelor degree in Social Sciences can be pretty manageable for many students, especially if you have a genuine interest in topics like psychology, sociology, or political science. It usually involves a good mix of reading, writing, and critical thinking, which can be tricky if you're not into that kind of stuff. The workload isn't as intense as some science or engineering degrees, but it still requires dedication and effort, particularly for essays and projects. If you stay organized and engage with the material, it can be an enjoyable experience, but if procrastination is your thing, you might find it a bit challenging! Overall, though, it's often considered easier than some of the more technical degrees out there.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Social Sciences.
Based on the job trajectories and experiences shared by these social sciences graduates, it's a mixed bag in terms of earning potential. Some individuals seem to have carved out promising careers with increasing responsibilities and positions that could lead to decent salaries, like the Clinical Director/Board Certified Behavior Analyst or the Human Resources Generalist at the US Army. Others, particularly those in teaching or early-career roles, may struggle financially, especially in markets where teaching salaries can be relatively low or where entry-level positions dominate, such as in non-profit organizations.
Overall, graduates with advanced roles, especially in specialized fields like clinical neuropsychology or law, likely earn a lot more correlatively than those in entry-level or less specialized roles. However, many paths in the social sciences may require patience and persistence, as the potential for higher income often comes with years of experience and further education. If you're considering a career in this area, think about how you can leverage internships, networking, and continuous learning to boost your salary over time!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Social Sciences. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Social Sciences (ordered by the average relevance score of their Social Sciences graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Portland State University
|
72 | 27 |
 University of Maryland University College
|
63 | 10 |
 Kansas State University
|
54 | 13 |
 Washington State University
|
53 | 11 |
 Ashford University
|
51 | 27 |
 Florida State University
|
49 | 11 |