Online Social Science Degrees: Your Career, Your Community
Earning your degree in one of the social sciences from an online degree program can open doors to a dazzling range of careers. Graduates of social science degree programs assume jobs in the public and private sectors, working for government agencies, schools, nonprofit organizations, or in private business. Some take well-paid research positions with colleges, universities, or social science organizations. You might find yourself in an office or out in the field working with diverse, interesting populations.
The need for well-trained, enthusiastic social science graduates is on a steady rise, with jobs predicted to grow across the professions by 10 percent from 2006 to 2016, with much higher percentages in related fields. Upon completion of your online social science degree, you can build a career as an anthropologist, counselor, therapist, sociologist, or political scientist. Or you may enter the field of geography, history, social assistance, public welfare, substance abuse treatment, or marriage and family counseling.
Career Outlook for Social Science Degree Graduates
When you enroll in an online social science degree program you'll experience the benefits of a high quality, affordable, and flexible education that meshes comfortably with your existing work or family commitments. Some programs include internships with social science agencies, where you'll integrate your new career skills in the workplace. You'll build lasting professional relationships and contacts to speed the progression of your career.
Here are some social service fields to consider:
Counselors. The healthcare industry and public social service agencies employ 47 percent of all working counselors today. Some fields will require you to complete a bachelor's degree, others may require post-graduate work or licensing. Consider earning a master's degree in social science to expand your range of career options. Here are several fields with solid growth potential:
- Educational, vocational, and school counselors. Median 2008 earnings: $51,050. Estimated job growth 2006-2016: 13 percent
- Marriage and family counselors. Median 2008 earnings: $44,590. Estimated job growth 2006-2016: 30 percent
- Rehabilitation counselors. Median 2008 earnings: $30,930. Estimated job growth 2006-2016: 23 percent
- Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors. Median 2008 earnings: $37,030. Estimated job growth 2006-2016: 34 percent
- Medical and Public Health Social Workers. Median 2008 earnings: $45,650. Estimated job growth 2006-2016: 24 percent
Social Scientists. Social scientists typically hold post-graduate degrees. About 41 percent of them work for government agencies. Others work for colleges and universities or research facilities. While the predicted increase in jobs for the social scientist field is predicted at 10 percent during the 2006-2016 decade, jobs for anthropologists have the highest predicted increase through the same decade at 15 percent.
- Anthropologists. Median 2008 earnings: $53,910
- Political scientists. Median 2008 earnings: $104,130
- Sociologists. Median 2008 earnings: $68,570
- Historians. Median 2008 earnings: 54,530
- Geographers. Median 2008 earnings: $66,600
No matter your choice, you'll find an online social science degree program that's well suited to your career objectives. Each offers flexible schedules and classes that build lasting skills for a lifetime.
