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Studying the Social Sciences
by Robyn Tellefsen
The social sciences are a group of academic disciplines that involve the study of human aspects of the world. The social sciences, which focus on subjective aspects of society, have traditionally been referred to as soft sciences, as opposed to hard sciences that focus exclusively on objective aspects of nature. The major social sciences include anthropology, archaeology, economics, education, geography, history, law, linguistics, political science, psychology, social work, and sociology.
The work of a social scientist
Social scientists study all aspects of society, including past events and achievements as well as human behavior and relationships among groups. Research is a major activity of many social scientists, who use a variety of methods to assemble facts and construct theories. This research provides insights into the different ways people and institutions make decisions, exercise power, and respond to change. Social scientists suggest solutions to business, environmental, governmental, personal, and social problems.
Training for the social sciences
Training in math and statistics is essential in the social sciences, as is the ability to use computers for research purposes. Social scientists must also stay up to date on the latest technological advances that affect their discipline.
Skills for the social sciences
In order to succeed in the social sciences, you must possess excellent written and oral communication skills. You also need intellectual curiosity and creativity to be able to seek new information about people, things, and ideas. The ability to think logically and methodically is also essential for analyzing complicated issues. Aspiring social scientists must possess an open mind, perseverance, and systematic work habits.
Social science degrees
The educational attainment of social scientists is among the highest of all occupations; most positions require a master's degree or a doctoral degree. However, a bachelor's degree does provide a good background for many different entry-level jobs in related occupations, such as management trainee, market analyst, research assistant, and writer.
Employment outlook in the social sciences
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of social scientists is expected to grow 10 percent from 2006 to 2016. In the federal government, social scientists with a bachelor's degree and no experience often started at an annual salary of $28,862 or $35,572 in 2007, depending on their grades in school. Those with a master's degree could start at $43,731, and those with a doctoral degree could begin at $52,912, while some individuals with experience and an advanced degree could start at $63,417.
Why not start studying the social sciences today?
The work of a social scientist
Social scientists study all aspects of society, including past events and achievements as well as human behavior and relationships among groups. Research is a major activity of many social scientists, who use a variety of methods to assemble facts and construct theories. This research provides insights into the different ways people and institutions make decisions, exercise power, and respond to change. Social scientists suggest solutions to business, environmental, governmental, personal, and social problems.
Training for the social sciences
Training in math and statistics is essential in the social sciences, as is the ability to use computers for research purposes. Social scientists must also stay up to date on the latest technological advances that affect their discipline.
Skills for the social sciences
In order to succeed in the social sciences, you must possess excellent written and oral communication skills. You also need intellectual curiosity and creativity to be able to seek new information about people, things, and ideas. The ability to think logically and methodically is also essential for analyzing complicated issues. Aspiring social scientists must possess an open mind, perseverance, and systematic work habits.
Social science degrees
The educational attainment of social scientists is among the highest of all occupations; most positions require a master's degree or a doctoral degree. However, a bachelor's degree does provide a good background for many different entry-level jobs in related occupations, such as management trainee, market analyst, research assistant, and writer.
Employment outlook in the social sciences
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of social scientists is expected to grow 10 percent from 2006 to 2016. In the federal government, social scientists with a bachelor's degree and no experience often started at an annual salary of $28,862 or $35,572 in 2007, depending on their grades in school. Those with a master's degree could start at $43,731, and those with a doctoral degree could begin at $52,912, while some individuals with experience and an advanced degree could start at $63,417.
Why not start studying the social sciences today?
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