Social science degrees (also called social sciences degrees) can lead to meaningful careers that impact society, influence policy and strengthen communities. Whether you pursue research, government, social services or business, a social sciences degree equips you with the critical thinking, analytical and communication skills employers value.
While some careers in social sciences require a four-year bachelor’s degree, there are also opportunities for those with a two-year associate degree to enter the workforce in these fields. Many students begin with an associate degree program, like those offered by Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA), then transfer to a bachelor’s degree program to complete their career preparation.
Ready to jumpstart your career? At NOVA, our social sciences degrees provide a solid foundation in the field, helping you develop valuable skills and insights through rigorous social science classes.
What Can I Do With a Social Science Degree?
Graduates with social science degrees are in high demand across industries, as employers seek professionals who can analyze human behavior, influence policy and enhance decision-making. With a social science degree, you can pursue careers in government, education, business, nonprofit organizations and more.
As you explore career options with a social sciences degree, consider factors like your interests, career goals, required degree level, and potential for growth and advancement. Here are some fields to consider:
If you’re passionate about helping others, your social science degree can provide the foundation for careers in social work, advocacy and community service. You’ll develop the skills to address societal challenges and support individuals and families in need. Job titles include:
Social worker
Social and community service manager
Community outreach coordinator
Case manager
Human services specialist
Youth Counselor
Businesses, nonprofits and government agencies rely on social science professionals to analyze trends, interpret data and make informed decisions. If you enjoy problem-solving and working with data, research roles may be a great fit. Job titles include:
Market researcher
Research analyst
Public policy researcher
Data analyst
Statistician
Behavioral researcher
Social sciences emphasize strong communication and critical thinking, making graduates well-suited for roles in education, media and public relations. Whether you’re interested in teaching, writing or working in media, your ability to analyze and convey information will help you excel in this career area. Job titles include:
Teacher/educator
Academic advisor
Journalist
Public relations specialist
Curriculum developer
School counselor
Social science graduates play important roles in shaping policies that impact communities. From working in local government to federal agencies, your knowledge of political systems, economic policies and social behavior will help drive meaningful change. Job titles include:
Legislative assistant
Political scientist
Economist
Urban planner
Public policy analyst
Project management specialist
Many businesses seek social science graduates for roles in human resources, corporate strategy and workplace culture development. Your understanding of human behavior, leadership and organizational structures can help improve company operations and employee well-being. Job titles include:
General and operations managers
Human resources specialist
Public relations specialist
Management or budget analyst
Marketing coordinator
Training and development specialist
What Salaries Can You Expect With a Social Sciences Degree?
Salaries for social sciences degrees vary based on the field, industry, education level and experience. According to Lightcast, a labor market analytics firm, there are 1,776 entry-level jobs available with starting salaries ranging from $46,000 to $65,000 in the NOVA service area.
Nationwide, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports the following annual median salaries for social science degree graduates:
Mathematicians and statisticians: $104,860
Economist: $115,730
Political scientist: $132,350
Urban and regional planners: $81,800
Human resources managers: $136,350
Training and development specialists: $125,040
How to Get Started With a Social Sciences Degree
A smart path to a rewarding social sciences career is earning your associate degree from NOVA. Depending on which of NOVA’s four degrees you choose from, you’ll gain skills in areas like geographic information systems, political science, psychology and sociology. If you choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree, NOVA makes it easy to transfer to a four-year program and continue your education. NOVA offers these social science degrees:
Prepare to transfer to a broad range of bachelor’s programs in fields such as economics, geography, geographic information systems, history, political science, psychology, sociology and teacher education.
Learn American Sign Language (ASL) and lay the foundation for four-year programs in human services, education, ASL instruction, Deaf education, linguistics, speech-language pathology or social work.
Learn the basics of geospatial technologies and how they are used in geography, geographical information systems, cartography and more as you prepare for bachelor’s programs in geospatial or social sciences.
Enhance your understanding of U.S. and international governments as you prepare to transfer to bachelor’s programs in political science, history or social sciences after graduation.
Why Choose NOVA for Your Social Sciences Career?
Choosing a social sciences degree from NOVA offers you a strong academic foundation for career success or further education. Here’s how NOVA sets you up for success:
Your NOVA credits easily transfer to a four-year degree program, saving you money compared to the first two years of a bachelor’s degree.
Take courses in your area of interest, such as psychology, political science, sociology and geographic information systems, and gain practical knowledge and skills for your career.
NOVA offers an affordable pathway to your degree, with scholarships and financial aid to help reduce costs.
Take the Next Step Toward a NOVA Social Sciences Degree
If you’re interested in pursuing a career in social sciences, NOVA is a great place to start. You’ll gain the knowledge and skills to give you a solid foundational social sciences education as you prepare to further your education in a four-year social science degree program.