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What does a Social Scientist do?

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Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A social scientist is someone who studies human behavior and societies. They use their findings to try to improve the human condition.

Social Scientist job duties include:

  • Conducting research on social issues
  • Analyzing data to look for trends in human behavior
  • Designing surveys and experiments to collect data
  • Interpreting data and writing reports
  • Presenting findings to clients or the public
  • Teaching courses on social science topics
  • Advising policy makers on social issues
  • Working with community groups to address social problems
  • Writing grants to fund research projects
  • Publishing research findings in academic journals

Social Scientist Job Requirements

A social scientist is someone who studies human behavior in order to understand why people do the things they do. Social scientists typically have a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, or another related field. Some social scientists may also have a master's degree or doctorate. In order to be a social scientist, one must be able to think critically and analytically, and have strong research and writing skills.

Social Scientist Skills

  • Analytical skills
  • Communication skills
  • Research skills
  • Writing skills
  • Critical thinking skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Presentation skills
  • Data analysis skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Creative thinking

Related: Top Social Scientist Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Social Scientist

There are many ways to become a social scientist. One way is to attend college and earn a degree in sociology, psychology, or another related field. Another way is to work in a related field such as social work, human resources, or market research. Or, one could volunteer with or conduct research for a non-profit organization.

The most important thing for anyone interested in becoming a social scientist is to have a strong desire to help others. Social scientists use their knowledge to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities. They may work directly with people to help them solve problems or they may conduct research to learn more about social issues. Either way, their ultimate goal is to make the world a better place.

Related: Social Scientist Resume Example

Related: Social Scientist Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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