The individual or society?
Psychology focuses more on the behavior and processes of the individual; Sociology, political science and geography broaden the view to groups and systems.
Field of Study / Social Sciences
Social Science Degrees: Understanding People, Communities, and Nations
Compare degrees that explore behavior, institutions, culture, and place through their research questions, quantitative tools, and paths for further study.
Compare 6 degrees in this fieldHow do you start comparing?
Three questions that sharpen the differences
Research or therapeutic profession?
A research degree in the social sciences is not necessarily a therapeutic qualification. Social work, for example, is a separate professional track with practical training.
Data or interpretation?
Most tracks combine quantitative and qualitative methods, but the ratio between them varies according to the degree, specialization and institution.
Connections within the field
Choose by type of interest
These are not official tracks, but a way to identify degrees that address similar questions.
People, behavior, and education
For those who are intrigued by learning, development and the way people act.
Society, institutions and policy
A look at groups, power, law, organizations and public decisions.
Space, environment and population
Connection between social processes, place, planning and environment.
All programs on the map
6 Degrees in Social Science
Open any degree to explore its core subjects, program structure, quantitative load, and career directions.
Usually 3–4 years
Psychology
How people think, feel and behave - from research to the treatment room.
MathematicsEnglish
What will you study, and where can it lead? →Usually 3–4 years
Education and Teaching
Learning, development and leading a class - understand how people learn and create a meaningful experience for them.
MathematicsEnglish
What will you study, and where can it lead? →Usually 3 years
Sociology and Anthropology
Societies, cultures and identities - to understand how groups, institutions and norms shape our lives.
MathematicsEnglish
What will you study, and where can it lead? →Usually 3 years
Criminology
Crime, enforcement and rehabilitation - to investigate why crimes occur and how society responds to them.
MathematicsEnglish
What will you study, and where can it lead? →Usually 3 years
Political Science and International Relations
Governance, power and diplomacy — understand how countries, institutions and international actors make decisions.
MathematicsEnglish
What will you study, and where can it lead? →Usually 3 years
Geography and Environmental Studies
Space, climate and man — to understand how environments change and to plan more resilient cities and systems.
MathematicsEnglish
What will you study, and where can it lead? →