As long as societies thrive, social sciences will exist. What makes you human is your languages, your cultures, your histories, your sciences, your businesses, your good things and your bad things. Social sciences is the study and appreciation of the sum total of all this. It plays a crucial role beyond academics, which is where most of its subsets have always been given importance. The disciples of social sciences do make an impact in the world. So follow your passion and it will be rewarding. There are varieties of social sciences courses online to choose from. You can also opt for free social sciences courses and certifications offered by top online learning providers and universities.
What is Social Sciences?
It is an umbrella term that studies societies and the relationships between individuals living in those societies. The term ‘social sciences’ was used in the early days to denote the field of sociology which is regarded as the “science of society”. Now social sciences encapsulates not just sociology but also history, political science, economics, linguistics, human geography, archaeology, anthropology, management science, psychology, and others.
Who can pursue Social Sciences courses
- You are in school and wish to pursue a field in social sciences
- You simply wish to enhance your knowledge
- You are in college or pursuing research and want to bridge the gaps in your field
- You are working in a related field and want to upskill yourself
Eligibility criteria for Social sciences
You could take the following in social sciences: economics, political science, psychology, geography, sociology, anthropology, history, linguistics, and others.
For UG Social Sciences courses, you must have (10+2) qualification/ IB diploma with a minimum passing percentage (50%)
For PG Social Sciences courses, you must have a bachelor’s with a minimum passing percentage
For PhD in social science courses, you must have a masters in the relevant field with a minimum passing percentage. Most universities might ask for a research proposal.
Entrance Exams for Social sciences courses
- HSEE
- Azim Premji university national entrance test
Important skills for Social Sciences courses
- Logical and Analytical skills
- Research skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Attention to detail
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Perseverance
Also Read: Top providers offering Social Sciences courses and certifications
- Udemy Social Sciences Courses & Certifications
- Futurelearn Social Sciences Courses & Certifications
- Swayam Social Sciences Courses & Certifications
- NIOS Social Sciences Courses & Certifications
What will you learn in Social Sciences courses?
Depending on the courses, you could be learning about the past of humanity, different cultures, and more or you could be delving deeper into the science behind languages. You could also be learning about the foundations of politics and its functioning. Here are some of the subjects taught in social sciences courses
- Communication
- Philosophy
- Political science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Environmental studies
- Language
- Macroeconomics
- Outline of psychology
- Public Administration
- Social thoughts
- Finance
- Marketing management
- The political economy of development of India
- Fundamentals of Human Resource
- India’s Foreign Economic relations
- Summer training for project report
- International Trade
- International organization: theory and practice
- International Law
- International Economic and business environment
- Globalization: theory and practice.
- Politics of International Economic Relations
Popular Social Sciences certification courses
Industry experts and academics designed the best social sciences certifications courses keeping in mind different levels of learners (beginner, intermediate and advanced). So choose the online social sciences courses which are right for you, whether it is to gain an overview of the subject or enhance your knowledge. Here are some of the best social sciences courses offered by top universities worldwide.
Course | Offered by | Duration | Fees |
University of York, York via Futurelearn | 4 weeks | Free | |
Hanken School of Economics, Helsinki via Futurelearn | 7 weeks | Free | |
Keio University, Minato via Futurelearn | 4 weeks | Free | |
The Power of Macroeconomics Economic Principles in the Real World | 13 weeks | Free | |
IIT Madras via Swayam | 12 weeks | Free (charge for certificate) |
Career Opportunities after Social Sciences courses
As a historian, you will research civilisations from their inception, mapping every significant event. Your task is to preserve history. You will gather historical information from various sources (physical, electronic, in-person) and present your findings through publications and at exhibitions.
As a geographer, you will study climatology, topography, economic, political and regional geography and find solutions to different problems faced in society (agriculture, business, urban and regional planning). You will create diagrams, maps, and graphs to relate the information and related geographic information. You also have to assist governmental and non-governmental organisations in assessing geographic conditions, phenomena, anomalies, and others of different regions.
Through extensive research, you will identify market trends and forecast models for the future. You will then advise your clients (individuals, private and public companies) about financial policies and how to go about their financial arrangements. You will also publish your research findings in research journals and newspapers and may appear on television giving your advice. You will further develop methods for data collection, sampling, and processing in terms of finance, commodities, agriculture, trade, and labour.
Other careers
- Economist
- Anthropologist
- Instructional designer
- Content writer
- Social worker
- Sociologist
- Lecturer
- Teacher
- Urban Planner
- Climatologist
- Research Associate
- Forest Manager
- Forester
- Indian Forest Service Officer
Salary Trends
As diverse as the field is, social sciences offer great careers with great compensation. You could work in the public as well as the private sector and both will pay reasonable compensation for entry-level positions. The same applies overseas also. Depending on your qualification and experience you can expect to earn handsomely. Here is a list of careers in social sciences with their compensations.
Profession | Average Base Salary p.a. |
Cartographer | Rs 303,391/- |
Urban Planner | Rs 520,622/- |
Historian | Rs 1,179,162/- |
Economist | Rs 717,079/- |
** Source of Salary Details: Payscale
Note: The given salary details may vary depending on experience, skill, company, location and other factors.
Popular Online Competition Courses and Certifications
- Online Journalism Courses
- Online Mass Communication Courses
- Online Fine Arts Courses
- Online Sociology Courses
- Online Digital Marketing Courses
Scope after Social Sciences courses
Without studying society, no society would move forward. This could be the basis of the history, culture, geography, and politics of the region. Because all of this has played and will play an important role in shaping society. Here are some of the fields that you can work on:
- Education
- Research (any subject within social sciences)
- Population Analysis
- Urban planning
- Rural planning
- Cartography
- Nature Conservation Sanctuaries
- Climate Analysis
- Environmental Science
- Travel and Tourism
So if this is your goal, then go for it. Take the best social sciences courses to enter this rewarding field.
Top Recruiters
- NRSC
- ISRO
- Agriculture research
- Mining Industries
- Gas exploration company
- Government research institutes
Students also liked
- Online Certification Courses
- Top Certification Course Providers
- Online Degree and Diploma Courses
- Online Free Courses and Certifications
- Online Short Term Courses and Certifications
- View List of all Online Courses and Certifications
You May Also Check the Top Certifications in Different Areas
FAQs
Q: Is social science hard?
A: The vast amount of knowledge can become tedious if your heart is not into social sciences. But if you have a passion for it, then it would cease to become difficult. Take online social sciences courses to see if it is something you want to pursue. Then proceed.
Q: What is the duration for Social Sciences courses?
A: UG and PG social sciences courses last for 3 and 2 years respectively. Taking a doctorate in social sciences can take anywhere from 2 to 8 years. You can complete social sciences certification courses in a few months.
Q: How can I learn social science courses online?
A: While nothing can replace an in-depth degree course, online social science courses are there to quench the thirst of the knowledge seeker. These are created by academics, and professionals in the respective fields and there are courses for different levels: beginner, intermediate and advanced. One good example of a platform offering online social sciences courses is the Swayam initiative by the government. Top institutes (e.g.: IITs) collaborate to offer social sciences certification courses through the platform.
Q: How much will it cost to learn different Social Sciences courses?
A: The fees can vary depending on the course as well as the institute. UG Social Sciences courses can cost from Rs 7,280/- to 21.65 lakhs (private) and Rs 1,300/- to 1.20 lakhs (public). For Postgraduate Social Sciences courses, it can range from Rs 5,880/- to 3.30 lakhs (private) and Rs 2,050/- to 2.18 lakhs (public). For research Social Sciences courses it can range from Rs 1.5 lakhs to 3.90 lakhs (private) and Rs 47,030/- to 90,500/- (public). Most Social Sciences certification courses are free of cost.
Q: Why do we study social science?
A: Here are some of the crucial factors of social sciences:
- Better institutions and systems for society. (educational, political, health care systems, and more)
- Better interaction amongst people and societies, accepting similarities and differences.
- Responsibilities of individuals as well as the accountability of the government.
- People learn to value and promote democracy
Q: What are some of the best institutes for pursuing UG/PG Social Sciences courses?
A: Here are some of the top institutes that offer Social Sciences courses: