Humanities and Social Sciences Careers: 2025 Guide to Career Paths, Options & Salary

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Humanities explore much more than literature and the arts. Many must realize that this subject spans various disciplines, including communications, languages, and philosophy. While others may think that there is a humanities vs social sciences conflict going on due to their proximity in definition and purpose, there is none as they are distinctively separate fields, as evidenced by one’s focus on economics or history over art or language.

Nevertheless, they have a commonality: they are focused on human life and the evolution and behavior of humans in social and cultural settings (Into Study, n.d.).

Traversing myriad industries and career paths, humanities and social sciences graduates can strive for education, business, media and communication, social services, and many more humanities and social sciences jobs. Notable ones are preschool teachers, library assistants, research analysts, journalists, economists, and political scientists (Epps, 2020). Wherever your interests may lie, significant skills honed through these fields are greatly valued by many employers across industries, capable of establishing a strong foundation for advanced degrees in many specializations.

You can learn more about the human and social studies career fields in this guide, especially in terms of job options, salary potential, and career advancement.

Humanities and Social Sciences Careers Table of Contents

1. Why pursue a career in humanities and social sciences?
2. Humanities and Social Sciences Career Outlook
3. Required Skills for Humanities and Social Sciences
4. How to Start Your Career in Humanities and Social Sciences
5. What are the financial aid options for humanities and social sciences students?
6. How can I advance my career in humanities and social sciences?
7. Alternative Career Options for Humanities and Social Sciences
8. The Role of School Social Work in Humanities and Social Sciences
9. Is There an Affordable Path to an Online MSW?
10. What are the benefits of a career in behavioral health?
11. What are the key differences between social work and psychology?
12. What unique career paths does a Master of Social Work offer?
13. What should I consider when evaluating affordable sociology degree programs online?
14. Strategic Pathways for Continuous Growth in Humanities and Social Sciences
15. What career options are available with a social work degree?
16. What distinguishes clinical social work from other social work specializations?
17. Is a Degree in Social Work Worth the Investment?

Why pursue a career in humanities and social sciences?

One good reason to pursue human and social studies careers is that these disciplines are pivotal to future societies. They help us remain connected to reality despite our generation going almost completely digital, guiding us to make better decisions and become more inquisitive. If you pursue social science careers now, you have a wealth of options from which to choose. On top of that, careers in the field have a positive outlook.

Graduates of humanities and social sciences degrees develop highly adaptable life-long skills, such as arguing compellingly, leading a team, communicating effectively through public relations, conducting research, analyzing huge problems and data sets, and deciding on crucial matters. They improve their quality of living, making their professions more fulfilling, far-reaching, and engaging (Fullerton University, n.d.).

Humanities and Social Sciences Career Outlook 

Depending on the industry, degree level, and type of occupation, the outlook for the human and social studies jobs differ. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects that the number of jobs in these fields will increase by 7% from 2018 to 2028 (Epps, 2020).

Moreover, the average humanities and social sciences salary was $68,160 in 2019, much higher than the average salary for all other jobs. Still, salaries differ by profession due to the diversity of these fields.

The humanities jobs list and salary below show the possible jobs, early career pay, and job satisfaction rate of humanities and social science degree graduates.

Required Skills for Humanities and Social Sciences

Careers in humanities and social sciences deal with probing events, developments, problems, and more, both historical and modern (Rossmoyne Senior High School, n.d.). Take note of the following skills if you are deciding over particular humanities career options.

Essential Skills for Humanities and Social Sciences Professionals

• Questioning. Questioning skills are essential to criminal investigator or psychologist roles. These skills are useful for asking about key events, developments, concerns, and occurrences that would lead to new discoveries.
• Analysis, Researching, and Evaluating. Workers in the field, including library science careers, will always be ordered to gather information or data and study them. They must identify and figure out the accuracy and reliability of such items before making a conclusion.
• Civic Engagement, Global Learning, and/or Intercultural Knowledge. These skills are needed when exploring issues, phenomena, and historical artifacts to identify problems; analyzing pieces of evidence to form an opinion; helping communities enrich their lives; studying national and global systems, and promoting effective interactions in different cultural settings.

General Skills for Humanities and Social Sciences Professionals

• Communication. Careers related to social studies work on presenting findings appropriately for various audiences and goals.
• Creative Thinking. Creative thinking lets humanities and social sciences experts do their jobs well. It is also an important skill for personal development and understanding human experiences.
• Critical Thinking. Critical thinking is necessary for almost any kind of field as it helps in analyzing circumstances and making the right decisions.

The British Academy published the 2020 report “Qualified for the Future: Quantifying demand for arts, humanities, and social science skills" to showcase the tangible benefits of arts, humanities, and social sciences skills to the United Kingdom workforce, society, and economy today and in the future. “Much of the debate around future skills has focused on the needs of the workforce and ensuring that the U.K. economy is well equipped. But the challenges of the future are not confined to the workplace. There are a growing number of organizations dedicated to identifying, unpicking, and planning for the challenges facing humanity in the future. Although there is no complete consensus on what these are, there are several common themes: climate change and resource scarcity, pandemics and global health, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, international terrorism, and new methods of warfare."

How to Start Your Career in Humanities and Social Sciences

For entry-level humanities and social sciences positions, an associate degree is usually a requirement. However, most jobs in the fields require a bachelor’s degree, which is founded on liberal arts programs. Earning a graduate degree is also beneficial as master’s degree and doctorate degree programs are specialized and concentrated on certain areas. Advanced degrees can make you eligible for promotions and salary raises, which can help you achieve your career goals in humanities and social sciences faster (Epps, 2020).

What can I do with an Associate’s Degree in Humanities and Social Sciences?

Paralegal

Paralegals record and arrange files, perform legal research, and collect evidence to support lawyers. They may also probe a case, perform research on laws and regulations, and outline legal documents. They usually communicate with witnesses and clients to plan interviews or depositions.

Median salary: $50,967

Social and Human Service Assistant

Social and human service assistants provide psychology and social works with client services. They aid clients in recognizing benefits and community services. They may also develop treatment programs, research materials, and coordinate services. If this calling suits you, you may further your career with a higher degree qualification such as an online master’s degree in social work.

Median salary: $45,100

What can I do with a Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities and Social Sciences? 

Geographer

Geographers analyze the nature and use of the surface of the Earth, linking and interpreting physical and cultural events.

Median salary:  $72,635

Survey Researcher

Survey researchers plan, create, and conduct surveys. They may also interpret survey results, determine survey goals, or recommend or test question wording.

Median salary:  $62,055

Can you get a humanities and social sciences job with just a certificate?

In the humanities and social sciences fields, a certificate can only improve a graduate’s presence toward the hiring authorities. Certificates may also increase skills and experiences in many disciplines (Online Studies, n.d.).

What are the financial aid options for humanities and social sciences students?

One key consideration for students pursuing humanities and social sciences degrees is the availability of financial support to fund their education. Many institutions and organizations offer scholarships and grants that cater specifically to these fields, helping reduce the financial burden and making education more accessible. Here are a few financial aid options:

• University-Specific Scholarships: Many colleges and universities offer scholarships for students in humanities and social sciences. These awards are often based on academic performance, research potential, or financial need.
• Professional Organization Grants: Organizations like the American Historical Association and the American Anthropological Association provide grants and fellowships for students in specific disciplines. These funds may support research, internships, or study programs.
• Government Grants: Government-funded grants, such as the Pell Grant, may also be available for eligible undergraduate students in humanities and social sciences, offering need-based support to cover tuition and other expenses.
• Private Scholarships: Many non-profit organizations and private entities provide scholarships for students in these fields, especially for those focused on underserved areas or pursuing careers in public service.

Understanding these financial aid options can help students make informed decisions about funding their education and minimize student loan debt.

How can I advance my career in humanities and social sciences?

A graduate degree can support your career development plan in humanities and social sciences. Then, more possibilities may come your way, such as world-class education, fun internships, going international, and job opportunities worldwide. It may also lead to paths in psychology, education, history, fine arts, political science, international relations, and more, with other specific specialization areas available (Masters Studies, n.d.).

What can I do with a Master’s in Humanities and Social Sciences?

Anthropologist

Anthropologists research, evaluate, and develop public policy regarding human origins; their development in terms of physical, social, linguistic, and cultural factors; and their behavior, plus, their cultures and established organizations and institutions.

Median salary: $63,000

Historian

Historians research, study, and interpret historical events as documented in sources, such as government and institutional papers, newspapers and other periodicals, images, interviews, films, electronic media, and unreleased manuscripts like diaries and letters. There are history careers that are in high demand so you have plenty of paths to choose to take.

Median salary: $69,290

What kind of job can I get with a Doctorate in Humanities and Social Sciences?

Economist

Economists perform research, prepare reports, or develop plans to solve economic problems. They may also gather and process economic and statistical data through sampling and econometric methodologies. If you would rather have a straight focus on the discipline, you could consider an economics degree.

Median salary: $112,530

Political Scientist

Political scientists investigate the origins, developments, and functions of political systems. They may also delve into topics, like public opinion, ideology, and political decision-making. Furthermore, they may probe government structures and operations, as well as different political groups.

Median salary: $84,000

Which certification is best for humanities and social sciences?

One of the most popular certification bodies in the humanities and social sciences fields is the American Institute of Certified Planners. This body certifies regional planners who would meet their educational requirements and pass their exams.

Alternative Career Options for Humanities and Social Sciences

Not all humanities and social sciences graduates know what to do right after graduation. Here are alternative social studies careers list for you.

What else can a humanities and social sciences professional do?

Intelligence Officer/Operational Officer

Intelligence officers/operational officers protect the country from threats such as cyberattacks and terrorism. These roles, despite being data-driven and requiring more technical background, only require a second-class lower division degree or related work experience.

Foreign Correspondent

Since you have already known a lot of world leaders and events, maybe you could use some of that knowledge to become a foreign correspondent. Being tasked to report on international affairs, you would be working for print, radio, or television.

The Role of School Social Work in Humanities and Social Sciences

School social work is a vital intersection of humanities and social sciences, directly addressing the social, emotional, and academic needs of students. Professionals in this field play a critical role in fostering a supportive educational environment, bridging the gap between home and school, and advocating for student well-being.

Key Contributions of School Social Workers:

• Addressing Student Challenges. School social workers identify and address issues such as bullying, absenteeism, mental health struggles, and family challenges. By collaborating with teachers, parents, and community resources, they help students overcome barriers to academic success.
• Promoting Equity and Inclusion. These professionals advocate for marginalized students, ensuring access to necessary resources and fostering an inclusive school culture. Their work helps create a level playing field for all students, regardless of their socio-economic or cultural background.
• Integrating Humanities and Social Sciences Skills. With a foundation in psychology, sociology, and communication, school social workers use their expertise to assess student needs, develop intervention strategies, and build relationships with diverse populations.

Career Pathways and Requirements

Pursuing a career in school social work typically requires a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field, followed by a master's degree in social work (MSW) with a focus on school social work. Licensure or certification may also be required, depending on the state or country of practice. For more details, explore the school social worker requirements and learn how to build a career in this impactful field.

Is There an Affordable Path to an Online MSW?

For professionals seeking to advance their social work careers without overwhelming costs, exploring affordable online programs is crucial. Quality education can be attained through accredited programs that balance academic rigor with financial feasibility. Evaluating factors such as curriculum relevance, experiential learning opportunities, and post-graduation licensure success helps ensure that budget-friendly options do not compromise professional standards. Consider reputed programs like the cheapest online MSW to integrate advanced social work competencies with sustainable investment.

What are the benefits of a career in behavioral health?

Pursuing a career in behavioral health offers numerous advantages, including the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals' lives, a growing job market, and diverse career opportunities. Below are key reasons why a career in behavioral health, such as becoming a BCBA, is worth considering:

• Positive Impact on Communities: Behavioral health professionals, including those who obtained BCBA certification online, help individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, mental health disorders, and other challenges. By implementing behavior intervention plans and therapeutic strategies, you directly improve their quality of life and contribute to positive societal change.
• Growing Demand: The demand for professionals in the behavioral health field is rapidly increasing due to rising awareness of mental health issues and the need for specialized behavioral support. With the growing understanding of behavioral conditions, the need for behavior analysts and other related professionals continues to expand in schools, healthcare facilities, and private practice.
• Diverse Career Pathways: A career in behavioral health can lead to various specialized roles, from therapy and counseling to behavior management in healthcare settings. As a BCBA or behavioral health specialist, you may work in schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, or even community organizations, providing diverse career opportunities and personal growth.
• Opportunities for Continuing Education: The behavioral health field is dynamic and continuously evolving. Professionals have access to ongoing educational opportunities, such as online BCBA certification programs, workshops, and conferences, to stay current with the latest research and interventions.

What are the key differences between social work and psychology?

In comparing these two fields, it is important to recognize that social work emphasizes community-level interventions, policy advocacy, and immediate support for vulnerable populations, whereas psychology primarily concentrates on understanding individual mental processes, behavior, and therapeutic practices. This distinction affects not only the educational pathways and licensure requirements but also the daily focus and range of professional responsibilities. For a detailed comparison and further insights into these career trajectories, refer to social work and psychology.

What unique career paths does a Master of Social Work offer?

A Master of Social Work (MSW) degree opens advanced professional avenues beyond traditional practice. It equips graduates with enhanced clinical competencies, leadership skills, and policy development capabilities that pave the way for roles in mental health, community-based programs, and administrative positions within social care agencies. These positions typically demand a higher level of expertise and offer increased responsibility and impact on community welfare. For further insights into advanced career trajectories, explore resources on what can you do with a MSW.

What should I consider when evaluating affordable sociology degree programs online?

When assessing online sociology degree programs, it is crucial to examine both academic quality and program affordability. Look for proper accreditation, a curriculum that reflects current sociological research trends, and strong ties to industry professionals to support career advancement. Evaluate factors such as tuition costs, available financial aid, flexibility of online learning, and support services for remote students. Additionally, consider programs that provide clear career pathways through internships or networking opportunities. For a detailed review of cost-effective options, see affordable sociology degree online.

Strategic Pathways for Continuous Growth in Humanities and Social Sciences

A career in humanities and social sciences requires ongoing development to stay relevant and adaptable in a fast-evolving job market. Professionals seeking to expand their opportunities should leverage a combination of skills enhancement, networking, and targeted specialization to amplify their career trajectory.

One viable method to achieve this is by pursuing further education. For instance, while a bachelor’s degree provides a foundational knowledge base, enrolling in a specialized master’s program can elevate your expertise in areas such as human resources or organizational development. For those looking to balance career advancement with flexibility, reviewing programs offered by the top schools for masters in human resources online can provide a cost-effective and strategic pathway to enhance leadership and strategic management abilities.

Additionally, developing transferable skills such as digital proficiency, project management, and cross-cultural communication further establish your ability to adapt across various industries. Leveraging professional platforms like LinkedIn to join alumni networks, attend workshops, or collaborate on interdisciplinary projects can also significantly expand your career prospects.

Lastly, staying informed about emerging trends and societal shifts within the humanities and social sciences landscape enables professionals to align their career goals with industry demands. Specialized certifications and professional memberships in organizations such as the American Psychological Association or the Society for Human Resource Management ensure continuous learning and professional growth, paving the way for long-term success.

What career options are available with a social work degree?

To pursue a career in social work, one must first understand the various paths available. A social worker degree can lead to numerous opportunities, including roles in counseling, case management, and advocacy. With a social work degree, individuals can work in settings such as hospitals, schools, non-profit organizations, and government agencies, making a positive impact on their communities. By exploring the different career options available with a social work degree, individuals can find a fulfilling and challenging career that aligns with their passions and values.

What distinguishes clinical social work from other social work specializations?

Clinical social work focuses on diagnosing and treating mental health challenges through evidence-based interventions and specialized counseling techniques. Advanced programs in this field provide targeted training that emphasizes therapeutic practices, crisis intervention, and comprehensive case management strategies that differ from traditional social work roles. These programs not only prepare practitioners for rigorous clinical licensure requirements but also ensure proficiency in delivering individualized care that addresses complex behavioral health issues. For detailed program offerings and to explore potential educational pathways, consider reviewing our article on clinical social work masters programs.

Is a Degree in Social Work Worth the Investment?

Evaluating a social work degree requires a comprehensive look at career stability, long-term growth, and industry demand. A well-rounded program combines academic theory with practical experience, allowing graduates to meet licensure and certification standards while fostering community impact. Critical factors include mentorship quality, hands-on training, and evolving workplace expectations that collectively determine whether is being a social worker worth it for individual career aspirations.

Understand Life Through the Humanities and Social Sciences

Many have argued that humanities and social sciences studies are a total waste of time as nontechnical degrees tend to have high unemployment rates. But, as historian and Professor Dr. Elwood Watson puts it, minimizing the value of the humanities, or other areas of pedagogic questioning for that reason, to one’s capacity to gain enough income is to misinterpret the objective of what studying is all about (DLSI, 2014).

Humanities and social sciences subjects provide everyone with opportunities to appreciate the planet that we live in, as well as how we, as humans, can contribute skills needed to adapt to the contemporary era (You Study, n.d.). These disciplines educate us about an ever-changing world, improve our quality of living, answer the most difficult questions about life, foster creativity and diversity for all of us, and help us understand humanity as a whole. Not only that, but taking a path in humanities and social sciences also prepare you for rigorous research. And later on, you can use your skills in analyzing data to become a data scientist.

You can also use the core commonalities with sociology and pursue an online master’s degree in sociology if delving deeper into the dynamics of society, history, and many other factors greatly interest you.

Key Insights

• Versatility of Humanities and Social Sciences: These fields encompass a wide range of disciplines, including communications, languages, philosophy, and social sciences such as economics and history. They offer broad career opportunities across various industries like education, business, media, and social services.
• Essential Skills Development: Humanities and social sciences degrees develop critical life-long skills such as effective communication, critical thinking, analytical abilities, research proficiency, and creative thinking. These skills are highly valued by employers in diverse sectors.
• Positive Career Outlook: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 7% job growth in humanities and social sciences fields from 2018 to 2028. The average salary in these fields was $68,160 in 2019, higher than the average salary for all other jobs.
• High Job Satisfaction: Careers in humanities and social sciences often lead to fulfilling and engaging professions, with opportunities for continuous learning and personal growth.
• Career Advancement Potential: Advanced degrees in humanities and social sciences, such as master's and doctoral programs, open doors to higher-level positions, promotions, and salary increases. These degrees allow for specialization in areas like psychology, education, history, political science, and international relations.
• Alternative Career Options: Graduates can explore various alternative career paths, including roles like intelligence officers, operational officers, and foreign correspondents, utilizing their skills in communication, analysis, and cultural understanding.

FAQ

1. What are the benefits of pursuing a career in humanities and social sciences? A career in humanities and social sciences offers a wide range of job opportunities, the development of essential life-long skills, and the potential for high job satisfaction. These fields help individuals understand human life, behavior, and cultural evolution, making them well-equipped to adapt to an ever-changing world.
2. What is the job outlook for humanities and social sciences graduates? The job outlook for humanities and social sciences graduates is positive, with a projected 7% job growth from 2018 to 2028. These fields also offer competitive salaries, with an average of $68,160 in 2019, higher than the average salary for all other jobs.
3. What skills are essential for success in humanities and social sciences careers? Essential skills for success in humanities and social sciences careers include effective communication, critical thinking, creative thinking, analytical abilities, research proficiency, and the ability to engage with diverse cultural and social contexts.
4. Can you advance your career in humanities and social sciences with a graduate degree? Yes, a graduate degree in humanities and social sciences can significantly advance your career. Master's and doctoral programs allow for specialization and provide opportunities for promotions, higher salaries, and positions in academia, research, and leadership roles.
5. What are some high-paying jobs for humanities and social sciences graduates? High-paying jobs for humanities and social sciences graduates include roles such as economists, political scientists, geographers, survey researchers, anthropologists, and historians. These positions leverage the analytical, research, and communication skills developed through humanities and social sciences education.
6. Is it possible to get a humanities and social sciences job with just a certificate? While a certificate can enhance your qualifications and skills, most jobs in humanities and social sciences require at least an associate or bachelor's degree. Certificates can complement your degree and improve your chances of being hired or promoted.
7. What alternative career options are available for humanities and social sciences graduates? Alternative career options for humanities and social sciences graduates include intelligence officers, operational officers, and foreign correspondents. These roles utilize their skills in analysis, communication, and cultural understanding, making them suitable for various non-traditional career paths.
8. How can a humanities and social sciences degree contribute to personal and societal growth? A humanities and social sciences degree contributes to personal and societal growth by fostering a deeper understanding of human behavior, cultural diversity, and historical developments. It equips individuals with the skills to address complex social issues, promote effective communication, and enhance the quality of life in their communities.

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• Into Study. (n.d.).  Why study Humanities and Social Sciences? Into Study.
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