Social science jobs, including anthropology, archaeology, geography, and history, require a master’s degree or doctorate. Most social scientists work in research for universities or the government, and job growth is expected to be faster than average through 2018. Bachelor’s degree holders have fewer opportunities, while a doctorate is required for teaching or senior administrative positions.
Jobs in the social sciences vary widely, but generally include the fields of anthropology, archeology, geography, history, and other disciplines that study human social and cultural behavior. Most social science jobs require a master’s degree or, more likely, a doctorate. Most social scientists work at colleges, universities or for the government, doing research in the laboratory or in the field. Through 2018, the job market is expected to grow slightly faster than average, but competition for these jobs is likely to be strong.
Anthropologists study the customs, language, evolution, and human remains of ancient and modern peoples. Most anthropologists specialize in sociocultural, linguistic, biological, or physical anthropology. A social anthropologist may study the practices of people who live in industrialized countries or who reside in very rural and underdeveloped areas. Linguistic anthropologists study language development and biological anthropologists study the impact of biology and culture. Physical anthropologists work in social science jobs that research remains and ancient civilizations.
Archaeologists focus on examining past human cultures. Many archaeologists work as consultants or for a national government. They may identify and preserve historic sites, work in museums, or serve as administrators who oversee research projects and museum collections. An archaeologist might conduct research with the National Park Service in the US, for example, or at archaeological digs at the ends of the Earth.
Geography is one of the social science jobs that researches the physical characteristics or cultural impact on the earth. Generally, geographers specialize in physical or cultural geography. Physical geography concerns the physical characteristics of the earth. They can also study the climate or soil in a specific region. Cultural geographers focus on how people and civilizations affect the land, the way the landscape relates to political events or the delivery of health services, and other similar specialties.
Historians study and interpret the past using artifacts such as newspapers, audio or video tapes, or government records. Some historians analyze a specific section of the country, a time in history, or specialize in social, intellectual, cultural, diplomatic, military, or political events. Some may work for the government and help preserve historic sites, write books, and conduct other research. Other historians choose to teach history and work in the education system.
All of these social science jobs are expected to grow faster than average through 2018. As a whole, they are expected to grow by around 22%. Anthropologist and archaeologist jobs are forecast to grow by about 28%. Geographic and historical positions are expected to grow by 26% and 11% respectively. Even so, competition for these jobs can be fierce.
Holders of a bachelor’s degree have the fewest opportunities to find jobs in the social sciences. They can find work as a research assistant, market analyst, teacher or writer. Those who hold a master’s degree can find work in the private sector or with the government. Most often, a doctorate is required to teach at the university or hold senior administrative positions.
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