Why Study Social Science?

Social Science

About

About Social Science

Social Science represents one of the most common college or university study options in North America. The common misconception is that the Social Science profile is for students who do not know which academic path to choose from. However, this is simply not true. The Social Science program is indeed an option for students which allows them to be introduced to a plethora of both theoretical and practical courses, which in turn gives them more options for university studies where they can then choose to refine their academic focus.

What

What is Social Science?

Social: Society and human beings
Science: Facts and systematic study of a thing, the pursuit of its true nature.

As the name suggests, this program analyzes the science and nature of society. You will learn the social structures of a developed civilization and will be introduced to various perspectives of this social structure such as from an economic, political, psychological and engineering standpoint. In social science, you look at how society works and how people react and adapt to change.

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“Social science can tackle everyday policy questions – how many children will need a school place in ten years’ time? – or pose more fundamental problems – what drives inequality? What stops societies from falling apart? What does ‘freedom’ mean?”

Professor John MacInnes

Professor of Sociology, the University of Edinburgh School of Social and Political Science

Fact

55% of the world’s professional leaders are social sciences and humanities grads.

“You have to understand economics and psychology or statistics and physics (and) bring them together. You need some people who are holistic thinkers and have liberal arts backgrounds and some who are deep functional experts. Building that balance is hard, but that’s where you end up building great societies, great organizations”

Thomas L. Friedman

in “How to get a job at Google, part 2,” in the New York Times, April 19, 2014

“The competitive advantages the marketplace demands is someone more human, connected, and mature. Someone with passion and energy, capable of seeing things as they are and negotiating multiple priorities as she makes useful decisions without angst. Flexible in the face of change, resilient in the face of confusion. All of these attributes are choices, not talents, and all of them are available to you.” Seth Godin

Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?, January 2010

Why

Why Study Social Science?

A 2015 expert panel concluded that future innovation and productivity growth would require a workforce with a balance of both STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and non-STEM skills, such as those acquired and used in the humanities, arts and social sciences. Leadership, creativity, adaptability, and entrepreneurial ability can help maximize STEM skills and allow Canadians to compete within the ever-changing global marketplace effectively.

Having a balanced workforce leads to a prosperous economy. Individuals who are skilled in social science and liberal arts provide for a well-rounded workforce with the skills required to navigate the ever-changing labor market.

A degree in social science provides graduates with foundational skills that serve as the basis for many specialized fields. Social scientists are influential because the work they do helps determine government policy and can change how we interact with the institutions and environments that influence our behavior, such as the legal system, social services, neighborhoods, schools, and universities.

Opportunities

CAREER AND UNIVERSITY OPTIONS WITH A DEGREE IN SOCIAL SCIENCE?

If you are interested in how and why people behave as they do, and enjoy solving problems, then there is a social science subject that is right for you. You can apply your skills in many different industries and services, such as healthcare, finance or education.

Areas of study can include: Criminology, Education, Environmental planning, Human geography and demography, International relations, Linguistics, Management, and business studies, Political science, Population health, Social analytics, Social anthropology, Socio-legal Studies, Social policy, Social sciences, Social work, Sociology

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