Social Sciences

Division of Social Sciences

What are the social sciences?

The social sciences explore how people (and sometimes animals!) interact, govern, grow, communicate and make meaning—both as individuals and within communities, cultures and institutions. From understanding voting behavior and economic systems to analyzing language, belief, identity and power, social science research investigates the complex, social forces that shape our world. Within the Division of Social Sciences, we foster a spirit of inquiry into our most pressing issues, ask what the patterns we observe can tell us about where we’re going next and provide insight, guidance and strategies for navigating those possibilities.

Students in the social sciences don’t just learn what to think—they learn how to think across boundaries and many types of evidence. We call this kind of synthesis ANDing—pairing disciplines, methods, identities, experiences and interests in order to build multi-faceted understandings. The result is a degree built to last, with room to evolve. Whether it’s combining data with ethics, policy with behavior or language with technology, our programs equip students to meet tomorrow's changes with insight and lead with a global perspective.

Research

Social science research investigates the complexities of human behavior, culture and social systems, seeking to explain why societies function the way they do and how they change over time. Social scientists examine people, communities and institutions, using methods like surveys, interviews, archival research, observation and data analysis to reveal patterns in how we live, work and interact. Their findings not only deepen our understanding of human and non-human experiences but also inform solutions to pressing challenges like inequality, climate adaptation, public health and political conflict.

Learn more about research opportunities in A&SÌýÌýÌý

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Research sheds light on unintended consequences of money laundering regulations

ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Æƽâ°æÏÂÔØ economist Alessandro Peri finds that when authorities cracked down on offshore money laundering, criminals redirected that money into domestic businesses and properties.

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The social sciences provide an analytical toolbox and a spectrum of approaches to make sense of a rapidly changing world.Ìý

Sarah Jackson, Dean of the Division of Social Sciences

Highlighted Opportunities

Shape the future with the social sciences

The world is changing faster than ever—technology, politics, culture and the economy are evolving in ways that create both challenges and opportunities. A degree in the social sciences prepares you to make sense of this shifting landscape, equipping you with the ability to analyze human behavior, interpret complex systems and apply evidence-based insights to real-world problems.

By ANDing social sciences with other fields of study—whether business, technology, the arts or the natural sciences—you gain a powerful combination of perspectives that make you more versatile and resilient in a rapidly changing world. You’ll develop the critical thinking, adaptability and analytical skills that employers seek across every field. More than just career preparation, majors in the social sciences offer you the tools to thrive in uncertainty by helping you lead, innovate and contribute to solutions that matter.

Example careers in the social sciences

  • Policy analyst
  • Market researcher
  • Urban or community planner
  • Communications strategist
  • Human resources specialist
  • Data and risk analyst
  • Nonprofit or NGO leader
  • Educator
  • Student support specialist
  • Public relations strategist
  • Research management analyst
  • International development consultant
  • Computer research scientist
  • Speech language pathologist

Start your professional development today!

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Discover programs in the Division of Social Sciences

The Division of Social Sciences encompasses nine departments and programs with a variety of majors, minors, certificates and graduate study options.

Department of Anthropology

Department of Economics

Department of Ethnic Studies

International Affairs Program

Department of Linguistics

Department of Political Science

Department of Sociology

Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences

Department of Women and Gender Studies

Where the Social Sciences story begins.

Uncover science that explores behavior, institutions and communities—then synergize your understanding with fields like the physical sciences, mathematics and the arts.

Our team

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Sarah Jackson

Dean of Division, Social Sciences

Social Science Staff

Jessica Brunecky

Senior Strategic Advisor and Director of Divisional Affairs, Social Sciences

Virginia Kester-Meyer

Divisional Affairs Manager

Layne Lewis

Executive Assistant to the Dean of Social Sciences

Divisional Directors and Fellows

Kit Colombo

Equity and Inclusion Fellow

Michaele Ferguson

Faculty Director, Social Justice Scholars Program

Corey McZeal

Equity and Inclusion Fellow

Srivinas 'Chinnu' Parinandi

Interdisciplinarity Fellow

Alexandra Siegel

Faculty Research Fellow

Sarah Sokhey

Applied Experiences Fellow

Nishant Upadhyay

Equity and Inclusion Fellow

Faculty and staff policies specific to the Division of Social Sciences are coming soon!

For current college-wide policies, visit the A&S Faculty & Staff website.

Continue to discover the divisions of Arts and Sciences.