Best institutions to study Social Sciences
Any program in general social sciences not listed above.
2 U.S. institutions graduated 9 Social Sciences students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 45.0199, a specialization of Social Sciences (CIP 45.01), and leads most directly to the Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education occupation (BLS SOC 25-2021).
About Social Sciences programs
Any program in general social sciences not listed above.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Social Sciences program offers a comprehensive exploration of various aspects of society, culture, and human behavior. Designed for students interested in understanding the complexities of social structures, this program prepares graduates for diverse roles in education and social services. With a focus on critical thinking and effective communication, it is ideal for those passionate about making a difference in their communities. Students in this program will engage with a broad range of topics, equipping them with the analytical skills necessary to address societal challenges. The curriculum emphasizes practical teaching methods and student engagement, making it suitable for aspiring educators and social scientists alike.
Core skills developed in the Social Sciences program include critical thinking, effective communication, and active listening. Students will also gain knowledge in areas such as psychology, education, and customer service, preparing them for various roles in teaching and social work.
Credentials awarded
What Social Sciences graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree9 graduates / yr · 2 institutions100%
Graduates over time
Social Sciences completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 6 |
| 2024 | 3 |
| 2025 | 9 |
CIP 45.0199 was introduced in CIP 2020, so the series starts when institutions began reporting under the new code.
Top 2 institutions for Social Sciences, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus Pittsburgh, PAPublicBachelor's | 5 | 85% | — | $43,431 |
| 2 | National University San Diego, CAPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 4 | 43% | $31,817 | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Social Sciences field (CIP 45.01) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 2 states
Where Social Sciences graduates come from. Each state links to all Social Sciences programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | 1 | 5 | University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus5 / yr |
| California | 1 | 4 | National University4 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-2021, Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Social Sciences program can pursue careers as elementary and secondary school teachers, as well as roles in management and social science research. While the job outlook indicates a decline of 2% in this field, there are approximately 91,000 annual openings, with a median wage of $62,340 for positions requiring a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 45.0199
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Educationprimary SOC 25-2021 | $63,970 | -2.0% Decline | ~91,000 | Bachelor's degree |
Managers, All Other SOC 11-9199 | $141,900 | +4.5% About as fast as average | ~106,700 | Bachelor's degree |
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education SOC 25-2031 | $72,040 | -1.6% Decline | ~66,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education SOC 25-2022 | $64,370 | -2.0% Decline | ~40,500 | Bachelor's degree |
Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other SOC 19-3099 | $101,110 | -1.7% Decline | ~3,200 | Bachelor's degree |
Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other SOC 25-1069 | $72,990 | +1.7% Little or no change | ~1,500 | Doctoral or professional degree |
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Social Sciences programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Instruct students individually and in groups, using teaching methods such as lectures, discussions, and demonstrations.
- Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students.
- Guide and counsel students with adjustment or academic problems or with special academic interests.
- Adapt teaching methods and instructional materials to meet students' varying needs and interests.
- Plan and conduct activities for a balanced program of instruction, demonstration, and work time that provides students with opportunities to observe, question, and investigate.
- Prepare materials and classrooms for class activities.
Tools and technology used
Other Social Sciences specializations
The 3 other 6-digit CIP codes under Social Sciences (CIP 45.01).
Common questions
What degree do I earn from this program?+
You will earn a Bachelor's degree.
What skills will I learn?+
You will learn critical thinking, effective communication, and active listening.
What careers can I pursue after graduation?+
You can work as a teacher, manager, or social scientist.
What is the job outlook for social sciences graduates?+
The job outlook shows a decline of 2%, but there are about 91,000 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Social Sciences?+
Social Sciences is CIP 45.0199 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Social Sciences (CIP 45.01). NCES defines it as: Any program in general social sciences not listed above.
How many institutions offer Social Sciences programs?+
2 U.S. institutions reported Social Sciences graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 2 states, awarding 9 credentials in the year. That is 0.1% of all Social Sciences graduates.
How much do Social Sciences graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education occupation, which Social Sciences most directly leads to, pays a median of $63,970 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Social Sciences field report median earnings of $43,431 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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