Are you curious about the social sciences — psychology, political science, or sociology? If so, it’s worth exploring how your AP® courses and SAT® and ACT® scores can shape your college applications. Here’s what to expect from AP classes, how your test scores factor in, and which social science career paths might be right for you.
Is a Social Science Major Right for You?
Before diving into a social science degree, ask yourself if it aligns with what you love to learn about. Do you get excited at the thought of understanding how society operates and what drives human behavior? Are you all about research, data analysis, and tackling complex questions? If so, a social science major could be a perfect fit.
Understanding Social Sciences
The social sciences cover a variety of disciplines — psychology, political science, economics, and sociology — all focusing on how human behavior, social institutions, and cultural trends shape our world. You may examine why people vote the way they do, how economic policies influence day-to-day life, or why some social issues grab our attention more than others.
As a social science major, you’ll explore how individuals and groups interact, how policies can transform societies, and how political and economic systems evolve. You might analyze shifting attitudes toward climate change or examine the psychological factors influencing consumer behavior. Whether you’re passionate about uncovering the roots of human behavior or eager to create real-world change through policy and advocacy, the social sciences offer a dynamic, rewarding path.
Why Choose a Social Science Degree?
If you’re excited about exploring human behavior, researching big social questions, and finding ways to make a real impact, a social science degree may be what you’re looking for. From dissecting political systems and economic trends to addressing pressing societal challenges, social science majors are perfect for anyone who wants to understand — and improve — the world around us.
To earn a degree in the social sciences, you’ll take a range of core courses, including economics, sociology, and political science. You’ll also dive into research-based classes that sharpen your analytical skills, preparing you for success in graduate studies and future careers.
Along the way, you’ll develop key abilities — critical thinking, data analysis, and research methods — that can set you up for success in various professional paths.
Average SAT® and ACT® Scores for Students Interested in Social Science Majors
While every college sets its requirements, knowing the typical scores for students who plan to major in the social sciences is helpful. According to the College Board, the average SAT score for these majors is around 1190, while social science students on the ACT tend to score in the 24-28 range. Of course, these numbers can shift depending on the school, so check the specifics for each college on your list.
Getting a feel for these average scores helps you see where you stand and what goals you might set to strengthen your application.
Average Scores by Social Science Major
| Intended College Major | SAT Median Total Score | ACT Median Composite Score |
|---|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 1177 | 24.2 |
| Political Science and Government | 1123 | 23.5 |
| History, General | 1121 | 23.4 |
| Sociology | 1088 | 22.8 |
| Psychology, General | 1064 | 22.5 |
Do Colleges and Universities Value AP Courses in the Social Sciences?
Admissions teams often see AP social science classes as proof that you can handle college-level work and engage deeply with topics such as history, economics, and government. Plus, high AP scores might let you skip introductory courses and jump straight into more advanced studies once you’re on campus.
What Skills Can Be Developed as a Social Sciences Student?
As a social science major, you’ll sharpen your research, critical thinking, and communication skills, which are highly valued in many fields. You’ll also get to practice data analysis and learn how to evaluate complex issues from multiple angles. These abilities prepare you for various professional paths where problem-solving and evidence-based decisions make all the difference.
In-Demand Jobs for Social Science Majors
A degree in social sciences opens doors to diverse careers in policy, research, public service, and human behavior. Below is a categorized list of roles based on median salaries and educational requirements.
Highest Earning Potential Careers (Median Salary Above $100,000)
| Position | Description | Relevant Majors | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economist | Analyze economic data to forecast trends and inform policy decisions. | Economics | $114,600 |
| Political Scientist | Study political systems and develop theories to understand political behavior. | Political Science | $109,700 |
| Sociologist | Research social behavior and societal patterns to understand group dynamics. | Sociology | $101,690 |
Sources: Nexford University, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Advanced Practice Roles (Median Salary $70,000–$100,000)
| Position | Description | Relevant Majors | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urban and Regional Planner | Develop land use plans and programs to help create communities, accommodate population growth, and revitalize physical facilities. | Urban Planning, Geography | $78,500 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologist | Apply psychological principles to workplace challenges, improving productivity and employee satisfaction. | Psychology | $78,000 |
| Survey Researcher | Design and conduct surveys to collect data on various topics for analysis. | Sociology, Statistics | $59,187 |
Sources: Nexford University, SCI Journal
Professional-Level Careers (Median Salary $50,000–$70,000)
| Position | Description | Relevant Majors | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Social Worker | Assist individuals and communities in overcoming challenges and improving well-being. | Social Work | $63,000 |
| Probation Officer | Monitor and support offenders to prevent them from committing new crimes. | Criminal Justice | $59,500 |
| Market Research Analyst | Study market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. | Economics, Sociology | $58,000 |
Sources: SCI Journal, Payscale
Entry-Level Careers (Median Salary Up to $50,000)
| Position | Description | Relevant Majors | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Outreach Coordinator | Plan and implement programs to promote community health and well-being. |
Sociology, Public Health |
$48,000 |
| Research Assistant | Support social science research by collecting and analyzing data. | Psychology, Sociology | $45,000 |
| Case Manager | Coordinate services and support for individuals in various settings. | Social Work | $42,000 |
How Can AP Courses in the Social Sciences Benefit Future Career Prospects?
Taking AP social science classes in high school gives you a deeper understanding of subjects, including psychology, government, and economics, which can set you apart once you start college. In many cases, a strong AP exam score can even help you bypass intro-level courses, so you’ll jump right into advanced work that keeps you engaged and challenged. Beyond that, these classes offer a well-rounded perspective on cultural, historical, and social issues, a huge plus in many career fields.
AP social science courses also provide a competitive edge in college admissions because they show you’re ready for higher-level coursework. Meanwhile, the analytical, research, and communication skills you develop will transfer seamlessly to jobs in policy, nonprofit work, business, or beyond. And if you decide to pursue graduate studies later, you’ll find yourself well-prepared by the rigorous foundation AP classes give you.
AP courses not only strengthen your college applications and build your foundational knowledge for your area of study, but also can help you earn college credits, saving time and money.
Top AP Social Science Courses for High School Students
Taking AP courses in high school is an excellent way to prepare for a social science degree. Some of the best AP courses for students who want to pursue a social science-related college major or career path include:
These courses will give you a solid foundation for the subjects you’ll encounter in college and help you stand out to college admissions committees.
Social science majors are a great fit for anyone curious about human behavior, societal trends, and making a positive impact on the world. Taking AP courses, such as AP Psychology or AP Government, can give you a solid start for college-level study and boost your admissions profile. With a degree in the social sciences, you could pursue careers in research, policy, economics, and so much more. Whether you’re aiming for a career in government, social research, or human services, the social sciences offer numerous opportunities for students passionate about making a difference.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What job has the highest salary in social sciences?
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References
- College Board. (2022). 2022 SAT® Suite of Assessments Annual Report.
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). Occupational Outlook Handbook.
- UWorld. (n.d.). Humanities major. Retrieved from https://collegeprep.uworld.com/ap/humanities-major/
- National Center for Education Statistics. (2024). Number, percentage distribution, and SAT mean scores of high school seniors taking the SAT, by degree-level goal and intended college major: Selected years, 2017 through 2023 (Table 226.30). U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences. Retrieved from https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d23/tables/dt23_226.30.asp
- College Evaluator. (2023). Social Sciences and Humanities Best Colleges SAT and ACT Scores Comparison. Retrieved from https://www.collegeevaluator.com/rankings/social-sciences-and-humanities/sat-act-scores/
- Nexford University. (2025). 10 Highest Paying Social Science Jobs 2024 (Inc Salaries). Retrieved from https://www.nexford.edu/insights/highest-paying-social-science-jobs
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Sociologists. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/sociologists.htm
- SCI Journal. (2024). 10 Highest Paying Social Science Jobs to Consider. Retrieved from https://www.scijournal.org/articles/highest-paying-social-science-jobs
- Payscale. (2024). Highest-Paying Jobs For Social Science Majors. Retrieved from https://www.payscale.com/college-salary-report/common-jobs-for-majors/social-sciences
- Zippia. (2024). Social Sciences Major Salary. Retrieved from https://www.zippia.com/social-sciences-major/salary/
