Social science is a career field focused on the study of society and human nature by examining the groups and social institutions that people form. The field of social science field consists of people who work as practitioners or professors in their field of interest including anthropology, archeology, criminology, economics, linguistics, history, political science, sociology, human geography, and psychology.
Career Guide
Designing your major
Your major may be indirectly or directly related to your career choice, and it’s only one of many pieces to finding a good career fit. There are many majors that are related to social science, including:
Learn about careers in the field
- Professor
- Social Scientist
- Psychologist
- Teacher—Social Studies, Government, Psychology, Civics
- Statistician
- Corrections Officer
- Urban and Regional Planner
- Anthropologist
- Criminologist
- Demographer
- Historian
- Nonprofit Manager
- Market Research Analyst
- Industrial Sociologist
- Case Worker
- Ministry/Religion
- Counselor
- Social Worker
Learn through experience
Join a student organization
Student organizations can help us clarify our interests and build experience. Here are a few ideas of organizations in this area:
- Multicultural Greek Council
- Indiana Memorial Union Board
- Society for the Advancement of Chicanos & Native Americans in Science at Indiana University
- Women in Government
- International Justice Mission at Indiana University
- Criminal Justice Student Association
- Political Science Club
- Undergraduate Religious Studies Association
- Psychology Club at Indiana University
- Psi Chi
- Honorvol Community Service Organization
- Social Work Student Association
- Lambda Alpha, Kappa chapter
- WOKE, Sociology at IUB
- FASE Advisory Board
- College Democrats at Indiana University
- College Republicans at Indiana University
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering in the community has many benefits for the community and for your personal and professional development. How can you use your knowledge and skills to make a difference?
Interested in graduate school?
In this field, some common graduate school programs may include Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Master of Social Work, Master of Divinity, Therapist (art, recreation, music, etc...), Criminal Justice and Public Safety, and many more!
Keep exploring
There are many ways to explore careers, through research, gaining experience, and talking with other people. Your career coach is here to mentor you and help you find ways to explore that fit you best.