Education and training requirements for Social scientistsThe educational attainment of social scientists is among the highest of all occupations. The Ph.D. 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 master�s degrees in applied specialties usually have better opportunities outside of colleges and universities, although the situation varies by field. Graduates with a master�s degree in a social science may qualify for teaching positions in community colleges. Bachelor�s degree holders have limited opportunities and, in most social science occupations, do not qualify for �professional� positions. The bachelor�s 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. More information on Social scientists from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Social scientists occupation Number of Social scientists in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Social scientists Working conditions for Social scientists Significant points for Social scientists Training requirements for Social scientists Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |