10 Best Post-Grad Careers for Social Science and Liberal Arts Majors

by Sylvia Montgomery
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Updated on December 12, 2022

What do you think of when you hear liberal arts degree? Many of us don’t know what to think. It sounds almost like an undecided or someone studying with a lack of focus. While in the past, majoring in liberal arts just never seemed to sound like something that could sketch out a worthwhile future, now it is looked at completely differently.

Turns out, if you have achieved a social science or liberal arts degree, you may be on to something. Degrees in social science and liberal arts develop critical thinking and analytical skills, which are critical to success. They also broaden your mindset and help to develop independent thinking and thought leadership. Students with these majors have a broad area of disciplines to develop and mature in and can be set on a path for high career advancement.

Why Explore Social Science and Liberal Arts Degrees?

Many industries have pathways that lead to successful careers in Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. The core skills developed in these fields of study include:

  • Communication
  • Critical thinking
  • Creativity
  • Collaboration
  • Leadership

These are all core skills that are needed in any industry, and they all also open the door to more opportunities.

Careers in Social Science and Liberal Arts

Here are ten potential career paths for anyone pursuing a Social Science and Liberal Arts degree:

1. Archeologist
With a salary as low as $60,600 per year to as high as $193,000 per year, archeologists spend a lot of time assessing bones to reflect on how living creatures lived at various times in history. Archeologists can usually find employment at various learning institutions, museums, excavation sites, and places that focus on historical studies. Archeologists can often advance if they know one or two foreign languages. This occupation is expected to grow by 7% by 2030.

2. Psychologist
With a salary as low as $36,000 per year to as high as $377,000 per year, psychologists are members of healthcare professionals who study the behavior patterns of people and counsel them on a wide range of emotional, behavioral, and mental health disorders. While most successful psychologists require more than a bachelor’s degree (at least five years of graduate education), most of their time is spent studying human behavior or behavioral sciences. These jobs can be found in healthcare facilities and government agencies and can be done privately. The consistent study is the key to flourishing in this field, as additional certifications and licenses may also be needed depending on the path you choose to take.

3. Fundraising Manager
With a salary as low as $65,871 per year to as high as $131,195 per year, fundraising managers use different skills they’ve acquired to help businesses meet their financial goals. Public relations, communication, and business administration are key skills needed in this line of work. Many nonprofit organizations need to raise money, which makes fundraising managers an optimal place to work. This occupation is expected to grow by 13% by 2030.

4. Economist
With a salary as low as $37,000 per year to as high as $268,000 per year, economists use numbers, statistics, and computer software to analyze data on various things. The results of the analysis help companies to make better decisions moving forward. Many businesses, including e-commerce sites, government agencies, and financial institutions, employ economists. A 13% increase is expected in this area of work by 2030.

5. High School Teacher
With a salary as low as $36,500 per year to as high as $116,000 per year, teachers help set the learning foundation and course for students, and they are at the forefront of liberal arts education. Successful teachers are great at developing curriculums that engage learners to grow and excel. Teaching jobs can be found in any learning institution, including public, charter, and private schools. Teachers will always be needed; that’s a fact and is expected to increase by 8% by 2030.

6. Graphic Designer/Artist
With a salary as low as $31,000 per year to as high as $171,000 per year, graphic designers/artists are creatives who develop visual layouts and production designs for many businesses. Designs can be for print or digital. You’ll find these creatives at design firms, marketing agencies, or any business that needs logos and print designs or designs for the internet. They can even be freelancers and work for themselves.

7. Writer
With a salary as low as $27,000 per year to as high as $186,000 per year, writers are needed everywhere to write just about anything—from resumes and press releases to blog posts or emails. Writers work in various fields, including journalism, publishing, business, advertising, marketing, education, and more. Technical and creative writing abilities are a plus, as many businesses are always in need of such writers. Writers can also be freelancers (like me!).

8. News Anchor
With a salary as low as $34,000 per year to as high as $135,000 per year, news anchors are broadcast journalists who know how to deliver news visually to capture their audience. Usually, having producer experience is a plus, but news anchors possess solid communication skills and the ability to work under pressure. Any news medium is a great place to apply for this career, with the field continuing to grow.

9. Political Scientist
With a salary as low as $18,500 per year to as high as $150,500 per year, political scientists study political trends and how they will affect the future. This field is not dying out anytime soon, as political scientists are crucial to communicating ideas that affect the public. Political scientists work at educational institutions, government agencies, think tanks, and private organizations.

10. Social Worker
With a salary as low as $48,172 per year to as high as $73,954 per year, social workers work with different groups of people, particularly children and families, to help solve problems in their everyday lives. Support and social organizations, assistance programs, therapeutic companies, and charities hire social workers. This occupation is expected to grow by 12% by 2030.

The Bottom Line

These are just some of the careers a degree in social science or liberal arts can get you; there are many more to choose from. While many of these jobs may require you to start at an entry level to work your way up, the opportunities exist for a bright future.

If you’re feeling torn and not sure what degree to pursue, consider the path less viewed by most. Even if you’re not sure what you want to be when you “grow up,” the odds will still be good that you’ll be able to be just about anything you want to be.

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