Social Sciences Education

Detailed profiles of schools for Social Sciences from the EdRef college search portal.

Social Sciences programs span a wide variety of subject areas and disciplines, including psychology, sociology, philosophy of science, economics, linguistics, political science, and anthropology. However, all of these programs have certain things in common. They emphasize quantitative analysis and systematic empirical observation within the study of human behavior. Many focus on the application of computer science to this analysis and observation. There are also a number of relatively new specializations within the field, such as public policy, political sociology, immigration, psycho-linguistics, international studies, democracy, and cognitive neuroscience.

One example of a common program within the category of social science is the study of social policy. Students study social issues like poverty, health, and crime, as well as methods for improving the lives of those affected by these issues. Courses cover an understanding of the welfare state, its growth, and the possibilities for change. Key policy debates are focused on in the later years of the program. Students usually develop a solid foundation in social policy debates and theories.