What are some of the specializations within this degree program?

• Anthropologist: A wide category in itself, anthropology examines the development of mankind and societies, starting at their origins and moving all the way into the present. Anthropologists seek to understand many aspects of a culture including language, customs, values, and physical influences.
• Archaeologist: By focusing on the physical remnants of a civilization, archaeologists gain insight into a society's behavior.
• Economists: One of the highest earners among social scientists, economists consult on the causes and effects of economic trends such as recessions and job market growth.  
• Geographer: Studying the earth and its inhabitants, geographers focus on either physical or cultural geography. While physical geographers examine the earth itself, cultural geographers address the effects of human activity on a particular area of land.
• Historian: Using any number of resources such as newspapers, governmental records, or diaries, historians strive for a greater understanding of the past.
• Political Scientist: Global and domestic policy is at the heart of political science. Political scientists seek to understand the impact of and rationale behind governmental policies throughout history.
• Psychologist: The study of human behavior, psychology is very broad and popular field. Psychologists help others make essential changes in their behavior through counseling or developing new theories.
• Sociologist: The most fundamental of social sciences, sociology researches human behavior within groups and the interaction between groups. Through their research, sociologists construct theories which seek to help organization make better policies and decisions.

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What degree levels are available?

• Associate Degree: 2 years to complete
• Bachelor's Degree: 4 years to complete
• Master's Degree: 2-3 years to complete
• Doctorate Degree: 3-6 years to complete

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What are the educational and certification requirements?

Though most of the professions within the social sciences require graduate degrees, people who hold bachelor's degrees can find employment that utilizes the research, analysis and writing skills developed while studying a social science. A bachelor's degree in a social science can lead to employment as a market analyst, writer, researcher assistant, policy analyst, or management trainee.

Most social science professionals hold a master's or doctorate degree in their specialization. A master's degree will qualify professionals in most social sciences to work in administrative consultation positions or to conduct research. A doctorate degree, however, will enable social scientists to teach their specialization in colleges and university, which is one of the most popular career paths in the field.

There are not many certifications within the social sciences, but those working in geography can be certified by Geographic Information Systems Certification Institute (GISCI).  A voluntary certification, a GIS certificate is awarded to professionals after passing a written test and meeting education and experience requirements. A GIS certification can be particularly helpful to professionals who hold only a bachelor's degree since it represents expertise in the field.

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What kinds of classes will I be expected to take?

Depending on which area within the social sciences you decide to specialize in, your academic experience may differ widely from the sample courses. However, these are some courses an undergraduate social sciences student may encounter in their academic career.  

• Sociology: Sociology is a basic course that all social sciences students can expect to take; students examine communities and the ways the society and social groups affect and organize humans and human behavior.
• Political Theory: Students focus on politics and the impact that government organizations have had on communities and individuals within modern society and throughout history.
• Social Research: Social scientists make many of their academic conclusions based on research and data analysis from several different research methods.
• Psychology: Psychology is another foundational course most social science students will likely take; students look at mental health and how human brains develop based on biology and outside factors.
• Anthropology: One aspect of the social sciences, anthropology is the study of civilizations and communities; most courses focus on civilizations from far in the past and how their society was impacted by their time and place.

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If I pursue this program online, will I be required to complete any on-site training?

On-site training for social sciences students is generally not required, though this may vary depending on which area of the field you focus your studies on. For example, psychology students usually do need to complete some form of on-site training with a professional psychologist or researcher in order to complete their program. Others, however, like economics or political science students will not have the same requirement.

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What are some other degrees that are related to this program?

• Psychology: Psychology is a field within the social sciences that many people find interesting; psychology students learn about mental health and development.
• Political Science: Political science students examine governments, political institutions, and human behavior throughout history and in current affairs.
• Social Work: Students who focus on social sciences usually choose it because they are interested in people and communities; social workers interact directly with individuals and families to provide public services when they are in need.
• Public Policy: The field of public policy encompasses a number of different aspects of the social sciences; it deals with the analysis and creation of government policy relating to economics, politics, communities, and all other social institutions.

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