Median annual earnings of social scientists (excluding Economists, market and survey researchers, psychologists, and urban and regional planners) were $52,280 in 2002. Anthropologists and archeologists had median annual earnings of $38,620; geographers, $53,420; historians, $42,030; political scientists, $80,560; and sociologists, $53,160.
In the Federal Government, social scientists with a bachelorŐs degree and no experience could start at $23,442 or $29,307 a year in 2003, depending on their college records. Those with a masterŐs degree could start at $35,519, and those with a Ph.D. degree could begin at $42,976, while some individuals with experience and an advanced degree could start at $51,508. Beginning salaries were slightly higher in selected areas of the country where the prevailing local pay level was higher.
The major social science occupations covered in this statement include anthropologists, archaeologists, geographers, historians, political scientists, and sociologists. (Economists, market and survey researchers, psychologists, and urban and regional planners are covered elsewhere in the Handbook.)
Social scientists study all aspects of society—from past events and achievements to human behavior and relationships among groups. Their research provides insights that help us understand different ways in which individuals and groups make decisions, exercise power, and respond to change. Through their studies and analyses, social scientists suggest solutions to social, business, personal, governmental, and environmental problems.
Research is a major activity of many social scientists, who use various methods to assemble facts and construct theories. Applied research usually is designed to produce information that will enable people to make better decisions or manage their affairs more effectively. Interviews and surveys are widely used to collect facts, opinions, or other information. Information collection takes many forms, including living and working among the population being studied; performing field investigations; analyzing historical records and documents; experimenting with human or animal subjects in a laboratory; administering standardized tests and questionnaires; and preparing and interpreting maps and computer graphics. The work of specialists in social science varies greatly, although specialists in one field may find that their research overlaps work being conducted in another discipline.
Anthropologists study the origin and the physical, social, and cultural development and behavior of humans. They may study the way of life, archaeological remains, language, or physical characteristics of people in various parts of the world. Some compare the customs, values, and social patterns of different cultures. Anthropologists usually concentrate in sociocultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, or biophysical anthropology. Sociocultural anthropologists study the customs, cultures, and social lives of groups in settings that vary from unindustrialized societies to modern urban centers.
Archaeologists recover and examine material evidence, such as ruins, tools, and pottery remaining from past human cultures, in order to determine the history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations. Biophysical anthropologists study the evolution of the human body, look for the earliest evidences of human life, and analyze how culture and biology influence one another. Most anthropologists specialize in a particular region of the world.
Geographers analyze distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, and global scales. Economic geographers study the distribution of resources and economic activities. Political geographers are concerned with the relationship of geography to political phenomena, whereas cultural geographers study the geography of cultural phenomena. Medical geographers study health-care delivery systems, epidemiology (the study of the causes and control of epidemics), and the effect of the environment on health. (Some occupational classification systems include geographers under physical scientists rather than social scientists.)
Increasingly, geographers are utilizing geographic information systems (GIS) technology to create computerized maps that can track information such as population growth, traffic patterns, environmental hazards, natural resources, and weather patterns. They then use the information to advise governments on the development of houses, roads, or landfills. Other historians help study and preserve archival materials, artifacts, and historic buildings and sites.
Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems and public policy. They conduct research on a wide range of subjects, such as relations between the United States and other countries, the institutions and political life of nations, the politics of small towns or a major metropolis, and the decisions of the U.S. Studying topics such as public opinion, political decisionmaking, ideology, and public policy, they analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. Depending on the topic, a political scientist might conduct a public-opinion survey, analyze election results, analyze public documents, or interview public officials.
Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. The results of sociological research aid educators, lawmakers, administrators, and others interested in resolving social problems and formulating public policy.
Most sociologists work in one or more specialties, such as social organization, stratification, and mobility; racial and ethnic relations; education; family; social psychology; urban, rural, political, and comparative sociology; sex roles and relations; demography; gerontology; criminology; and sociological practice.
.Overall employment of social scientists is expected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2012. However, growth rates will vary by specialty. Anthropologists and archaeologists, geographers, and sociologists will experience average employment growth. However, employment of historians and political scientists will grow more slowly than average because these workers enjoy fewer opportunities outside of government and academic settings.
Despite projected job growth, competition will remain keen for social science positions. Many jobs in policy, research, or marketing, for which social scientists qualify, are not advertised exclusively as social scientist positions. Because of the wide range of skills and knowledge possessed by social scientists discussed in this Handbook statement, many compete for jobs with other workers, such as market and survey researchers, psychologists, engineers, urban and regional planners, and statisticians.
A few social scientists will find opportunities as university faculty, although competition for these jobs also will remain keen. Usually, there are more graduates than available faculty positions, although retirements among faculty are expected to rise in the next few years. The growing importance and popularity of social science subjects in secondary schools is strengthening the demand for social science teachers at that level.
Anthropologists and sociologists will find opportunities performing policy research for consulting firms, nonprofit organizations, and social service agencies in such areas as crime, ethnic conflict, public health, and refugee policy. These social scientists also will be employed by various companies in product development, marketing, and advertising. Others are employed in human resources in conflict resolution and in issues relating to diverse workforces. As construction projects increase, archaeologists will be needed to perform preliminary excavations in order to preserve historical artifacts.
Geographers will have opportunities to utilize their skills to advise government, real-estate developers, utilities, and telecommunications firms on where to build new roads, buildings, power plants, and cable lines. Geographers also will advise on environmental matters, such as where to build a landfill or preserve wetland habitats. As the use of GIS technology expands, geographers will find numerous job opportunities applying GIS technology in non-traditional areas, such as emergency assistance, where GIS can track locations of ambulances, police, and fire rescue units and their proximity to the emergency. GIS technology will also be utilized in areas of growing importance, such as homeland security and defense.
Historians and political scientists also will find jobs in policy or research. Opportunities in government will be limited as government contracts out more work to the private sector or cuts research grants and funding for museums. Historians may find opportunities with historic preservation societies as public interest in preserving and restoring historical sites increases. Political scientists will be able to utilize their knowledge of political institutions to further the interests of nonprofit, political lobbying, and social organizations.
The educational attainment of social scientists is among the highest of all occupations. or equivalent degree is a minimum requirement for most positions in colleges and universities and is important for advancement to many top-level nonacademic research and administrative posts. Graduates with masterŐs degrees in applied specialties usually have better opportunities outside of colleges and universities, although the situation varies by field. Graduates with a masterŐs degree in a social science may qualify for teaching positions in community colleges. BachelorŐs degree holders have limited opportunities and, in most social science occupations, do not qualify for "professionalÓ positions. The bachelorŐs degree does, however, provide a suitable background for many different kinds of entry-level jobs, such as research assistant, administrative aide, or management or sales trainee. With the addition of sufficient education courses, social science graduates also can qualify for teaching positions in secondary and elementary schools.
Training in statistics and mathematics is essential for many social scientists. Mathematical and quantitative research methods increasingly are being used in geography, political science, and other fields. The ability to utilize computers for research purposes is mandatory in most disciplines. Most geographers also will need to be familiar with GIS technology.
Many social science students find that internships or field experience is beneficial. Numerous local museums, historical societies, government agencies, and other organizations offer internships or volunteer research opportunities. A few archeological field schools instruct future anthropologists, archeologists, and historians in how to excavate historical sites.
Depending on their jobs, social scientists may need a wide range of personal characteristics. Because they constantly seek new information about people, things, and ideas, intellectual curiosity and creativity are fundamental personal traits. The ability to think logically and methodically is important to a political scientist comparing, for example, the merits of various forms of government. Objectivity, openmindedness, and systematic work habits are important in all kinds of social science research. Perseverance is essential for an anthropologist, who might spend years accumulating artifacts from an ancient civilization. Excellent written and oral communication skills are necessary for all these professionals.
.Social scientistsŐ duties and training outlined in this statement are similar to those of other occupations covered elsewhere in the Handbook, including other social science occupations— Economists, market and survey researchers, psychologists, and urban and regional planners. Many social scientists conduct surveys, study social problems, teach, and work in museums, performing tasks similar to those of statisticians; counselors; social workers; teachers—postsecondary; teachers—preschool, kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary; and archivists, curators, and museum technicians.
Political scientists are concerned with the function of government, including the legal system, as are lawyers; paralegals; and judges, magistrates, and other judicial workers. Many political scientists analyze and report on current events, much as do news analysts, reporters, and correspondents.
Along with conservation scientists and foresters, atmospheric scientists, and environmental scientists and geoscientists, geographers are concerned with the earthŐs environment and natural resources. Geographers also use GIS computer technology to make maps. Other occupations with similar duties are surveyors, cartographers, photogrammetrists, and surveying technicians; and computer systems analysts, database administrators, and computer scientists.
Detailed information about Economists and market and survey researchers, psychologists, and urban and regional planners is presented elsewhere in the Handbook.
For information about careers in anthropology, contact:
For information about careers in archaeology, contact either of the following organizations:
For information about careers in geography, contact:
Information on careers for historians is available from:
For information about careers in political science, contact either of the following sources:
Information about careers in sociology is available from:
Political Science Internet Resources Site developed by J. Documents Reference System (by subscription only) U. Dartnell's Online Resources Guide to Political Inquiry R. Menu) Miscellaneous Resources International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) at WCSU C. Department of Social Sciences Western Connecticut State University .
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Workshop in Political Theory and Policy Analysis Political Science Quarterly v. Library of Congress Hispanic Division has recently made all volumes from 1935 onward of its Handbook of Latin American Studies available for searching on the web. All Canadian Gallup Polls from WWII to 1991. International Boundary News Database -- IBRU Search Politics another starting place; from Belgium. This and other similar material is mirrored at InterNet Free Terra .
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Mary's University Blume Library Full-Text Political Science Journals Online The ISSN (International Standard Serial Number) is listed here only for identification purposes. It is not a location tool. Links with a + (plus) preceding their name are accessible through that link on the St. Mary's University campus only. For access to these indexes from off campus locations, read and follow the Restricted Databases Instructions for Use (limited to current students and faculty).
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WEB SITES --> Jump to end for links to related documents SOCIAL SCIENCE SITES By Fred W. However, subsequently, work with an interdisciplinary group of social scientists at the University of Hawaii led me to think that a more ambitious list would serve a useful purpose. Moreover, to pay for research we need money, leading to a segment on foundations and other sources of support for research. Members whose WWW links are not available are listed for the information of readers whose help in finding their URLs would be greatly appreciated. Sites Search Engine for the Arab World Al-Awda Palestinian Right to Return Coalition BBC British Broadcasting Co.
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Caltech Division of the Humanities and Social Sciences . Within HSS, the Humanities Faculty comprises elements of history, literature, philosophy, history of science, and various languages. The Social Science Faculty draws together an interdisciplinary group of scholars working across the fields of anthropology, economics, finance, law, political science, psychology, and neuroscience. Jackson, the Edie and Lew Wasserman Professor of Economics at the California Institute of Technology, has received a John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation Fellowship. this Thursday, May 5, in Baxter Lecture Hall, and hosting a post-film discussion, will be its acclaimed director Carl Franklin.
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To access the resource directly click.
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It houses three major journals, Australian Journal Political Science, The Australian Journal of Public Administration, and the international journal, Public Administration. It also hosts leading political scientists from around the world who contribute to the program's research projects and research training.
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Social Science > Political Science in the Yahoo. Features seminar papers, syllabi collection, and a directory of Internet resources. James's Liberty Web - links to Webspaces concerned with freedom.
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Their research provides insights that help us understand different ways in which individuals and groups make decisions, exercise power, and respond to change. Through their studies and analyses, social scientists suggest solutions to social, business, personal, governmental, and environmental problems. Applied research usually is designed to produce information that will enable people to make better decisions or manage their affairs more effectively. Anthropologists study the origin and the physical, social, and cultural development and behavior of humans. Political geographers are concerned with the relationship of geography to political phenomena, whereas cultural geographers study the geography of cultural phenomena.
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