CAREER IN SOCIAL SCIENCES

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Updated on Dec 23, 2009 02:57 IST

An academic is a specialist in one area of knowledge. He or she studies, researches and develops knowledge in that area. Often academics are also professors and lecturers in undergraduate and postgraduate courses on that subject. <img style="border: 3px solid black; margin: 3px 4px; float: left;" src="https://images.shiksha.com/mediadata/images/1261559940phptXSHxf.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="110">The social sciences comprise subjects that relate to the human aspects of civilisation and the development of society. Social scientists study all aspects of society—from past events and achievements to human behavior and relationships among groups. Their research provides insights that help us understand different ways in which individuals and groups make decisions, exercise power, and respond to change. Through their studies and analyses, social scientists suggest solutions to social, business, personal, governmental, and environmental problems. Subjects that fall within the ambit of social sciences include Sociology, Anthropology, Archaeology, Political Science, History, Geography, Psychology and Economics. This documents deals with the first three. Psychology and Economics are dealt with in a separate document. Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. Sociologists are concerned with the characteristics of social groups, organizations, and institutions; the ways individuals are affected by each other and by the groups to which they belong; and the effect of social traits such as gender, age, or race on a person’s daily life. Most sociologists work in one or more specialties, such as social organization, stratification, and mobility; racial and ethnic relations; education; the family; social psychology; urban, rural, political, and comparative sociology; gender relations; demography; gerontology; criminology; and sociological practice. Anthropologists study the origin of humans and their physical, social, and cultural development and behavior. They may examine archaeological remains or the language, physical characteristics, customs, values, and social patterns of cultures in various parts of the world. Anthropologists usually choose a specialized field of study such as sociocultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, or biophysical anthropology. Sociocultural anthropologists study the customs, cultures, and social lives of groups in settings that range from uncivilised societies to modern urban centers. Linguistic anthropologists investigate the role of, and changes to, language over time in various cultures. Biophysical anthropologists research the evolution of the human body, look for early evidences of human life, and analyze how culture and biology influence one another. Physical anthropologists examine human remains found at archaeological sites in order to understand population demographics and factors that affected these populations, such as nutrition and disease. Archaeologists examine and recover material evidence, such as the ruins of buildings, tools, pottery, and other objects remaining from past human cultures in order to determine the chronology, history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations. Most anthropologists and archaeologists specialize in a particular region of the world. Historian’s research, analyzes, and interprets the past. Their research includes studying government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, and unpublished manuscripts such as personal diaries and letters. Historians usually specialize in a country or region, a particular period, or a particular field, such as social, intellectual, cultural, political, or diplomatic history. Biographers collect detailed information on individuals. Other historians help study and preserve archival materials, artifacts, and historic buildings and sites. Geographers analyze distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, and global scales. They specialize in economic, political, cultural, physical, urban, regional and medical geography. Economic geographers study the distribution of resources and economic activities. Political geographers are concerned with the relationship of geography to political phenomena, whereas cultural geographers study the geography of cultural phenomena. Physical geographers examine variations in climate, vegetation, soil, and landforms and their implications for human activity. Urban and transportation geographers study cities and metropolitan areas, while regional geographers study the physical, economic, political, and cultural characteristics of regions ranging in size from a congressional district to entire continents. Medical geographers investigate health care delivery systems, epidemiology (the study of the causes and control of epidemics), and the effect of the environment on health. Most geographers use geographic information systems (GIS) technology to assist with their work. For example, they may use GIS to create computerized maps that can track information such as population growth, traffic patterns, environmental hazards, natural resources, and weather patterns, after which they use the information to advise governments on the development of houses, roads, or landfills. Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems and public policy. They conduct research on a wide range of subjects, such as relations between the United States and other countries, the institutions and political life of nations, the politics of small towns or a major metropolis, and the decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. Studying topics such as public opinion, political decision-making, ideology, and public policy, they analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. Depending on the topic, a political scientist might conduct a public-opinion survey, analyze election results or public documents, or interview public officials. The Job Research is a major activity of many social scientists that use a variety of methods to assemble facts and construct theories. Applied <img style="border: 3px solid black; margin: 3px 4px; float: right;" src="https://images.shiksha.com/mediadata/images/1261560021phpQhVDDc.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="110">research usually is designed to produce information that will enable people to make better decisions or manage their affairs more effectively. Research can take many forms <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>Analyze historical records and documents</li> <li>Study government and institutional records, newspapers, periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, and unpublished manuscripts such as personal diaries and letters</li> <li>Conduct a public-opinion survey, analyze election results or public documents, or interview public officials </li> <li>Collect demographic and opinion data through interviews and questionnaires </li> <li>Living and working among the population being studied</li> <li>Performing field investigations at historical, cultural or otherwise relevant sites</li> <li>Experimenting with human or animal subjects in a laboratory</li> <li>Preparing and interpreting maps and computer graphics </li> <li>Social scientists employed by colleges and universities usually have flexible work schedules, often dividing their time among teaching, research, writing, consulting, and administrative responsibilities. Their work includes</li> <li>Researching and preparing for lectures </li> <li>Lecturing to assist students' to interpret, analyse and develop original thought </li> <li>Conducting seminars or tutorials for small groups of students </li> <li>Setting and marking assignments and exams </li> <li>Evaluating research, and monitoring work projects and placements. </li> <li>Publishing research work </li> <li>Administrative responsibilities - student admissions, curriculum development, departmental committees, external examinership</li> </ul> Personality Traits <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>Keen interest in social and human development</li> <li>Liking for reading, researching and collecting new information</li> <li>Patience to read through detailed documents of facts, data and opinions</li> <li>Ability to read and research alone or with a small team</li> <li>Analytical ability as well as a talent for logical and abstract thought </li> <li>Intellectual confidence and honesty</li> <li>Ability to communicate well through writing and speaking </li> <li>Deep passion for the subject one handles</li> <li>Ability to simplify one’s subject and present it in an interesting way to students </li> </ul> Salaries and Remuneration <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>Lectures in India draw a salary of Rs.6, 500 to Rs.10, 500 per month at the entry level. The salary at senior levels is around Rs.8000 to Rs.13, 500 per month. The pay scale of professors ranges from Rs.12, 400 to Rs.22, 400 per month. In Delhi University and other State Universities, the pay scale for College Professors is as per the Fifth Pay Commission. Most research and social work jobs would offer salaries in the same band. </li> <li>Social scientists employed by multi-lateral agencies or by politicians would be paid considerably higher with starting salaries around Rs 25,000 per month. Peak salaries are difficult to predict.</li> <li>Social scientists are also employed by the corporate sector would be paid in line with others in the field. Starting salaries might be in the range Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 per month and may go on to peak salaries of over Rs 50 lac per annum. An average peak salary might be around Rs 20 lac per annum.</li> </ul> Job Prospects The main source of employment for academics is Colleges and Universities. Lecturers and professors give lectures; guide and help students in academic and research work in their particular field. Those who have administrative abilities and interest may go on to the posts of a principal, vice-chancellor or other designations in the management level. Each subject also has application in several practical fields and social scientists may be employed in policy-making, research, marketing, consulting or in an advisory role by non-academic institutions and companies. In the corporate world, social scientists will find employment in marketing and customer service. Further training in management may, however, be a pre-requisite. Sociologists may find employment in fields such as social work, public policy, criminal justice, human resources or industrial relations. The results of sociological research aid educators, lawmakers, administrators, and others who are interested in resolving social problems and formulating public policy. Anthropologists and Archaeologists may be employed in the management, scientific, and technical consulting services industry. Anthropologists who work as consultants apply anthropological knowledge and methods to problems ranging from economic development issues to forensics. Also, as construction projects increase, archaeologists may be needed to perform preliminary excavations in order to preserve historical sites and artifacts. Historians may find opportunities with historic preservation societies as public interest in preserving and restoring historical sites increases. Museums will also hire historians. Geographers will have opportunities to utilize their skills to advise government, real estate developers, utilities, and telecommunications firms on where to build new roads, buildings, power plants, and cable lines. Geographers also will advise on environmental matters, such as where to build a landfill or preserve wetland habitats. Political scientists can utilize their knowledge of political institutions to further the interests of nonprofit, political lobbying, and social organizations. They may be employed by international multilateral agencies or may work as advisors on policy to politicians and the government. Academics in any field may opt for writing books, textbooks or for conducting online / distance education classes. Study Route Class XII One can take any subject in Class X/XII. After Class XII In fact, social scientists can also switch between specific subjects (such as Sociology and History) after their graduation at the MA level. Some courses in Anthropology and Geography require Mathematics in Class XII. Some undergraduate courses in Archaeology require History in Class XII. Postgraduate courses in Archaeology require a bachelor’s in History. While a post graduate degree is enough to qualify for the eligibility test for Lecturers in India, a Ph D is necessary for teaching and research in most leading universities and institutes. The typical path is BA, MA; M Phil and Ph D. Leading academics go on to complete Ph D theses. A doctorate (Ph D) is fast becoming a must-have for teaching postgraduate classes in leading universities. College lecturers require a good academic record with at least 55% or an equivalent grade at master's degree level in the relevant <img style="border: 3px solid black; margin: 3px 4px; float: left;" src="https://images.shiksha.com/mediadata/images/1261560099phpvM4ADx.jpeg " alt="" width="150" height="110">subject from an Indian University or a foreign University. The eligibility test for lecturers, National Eligibility Test (NET), is conducted by UGC, CSIR or similar tests accredited by the UGC. The State level test SLET is for appointments within the state. The promotion is based on performance, duration of service, and research publications. Best Places to Study All leading colleges and universities offer courses in the social sciences. Some courses such as Anthropology and Archaeology are offered only at the postgraduate level. Leading universities include: Undergraduate Courses Sociology <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>University of Delhi, New Delhi</li> <li>Hindu College </li> <li>Janki Devi Memorial College </li> <li>Jesus & Mary College </li> <li>Lady Shri Ram College for Women </li> <li>Maitreyi College </li> <li>Miranda House College </li> <li>Sri Venkateswara College</li> <li>Stella Mary's College, Chennai </li> <li>Queen Mary's College for Women, Chennai</li> <li>Loyola College, Chennai</li> </ul> Anthropology <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>Punjab University, 4-year B.Sc. in Anthropology</li> </ul> Archaeology <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>Viswa Bharti University, Shanti Niketan</li> <li>Benares Hindu University</li> </ul>   History <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>University of Delhi (all Arts colleges)</li> <li>D.V.N. Kalakshetram, Vishakhapatnam</li> <li>S.I.V.E.T College, Chennai</li> <li>Viswa Bharati University, Shanti Niketan</li> </ul> Political Science <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>University of Delhi – many colleges</li> <li>Daulat Ram College, Delhi College of Arts & Commerce, Deshbandhu College, Dyal Singh College, Gargi College, Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College, Hindu College, Indraprastha College for Women, Janki Devi Memorial College, Jesus & Mary College, Kalindi College, Kamla Nehru College, Kirori Mal College, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Maitreyi College, Miranda House College, Ramjas College, Satyawati College, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, Sri Venkateswara College, Zakir Husain College </li> </ul> Geography <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>University of Delhi</li> <li>Kirori Mal College </li> <li>Miranda House College </li> <li>Bhim Rao Ambedkar College </li> <li>Dyal Singh College </li> <li>Kamla Nehru College </li> <li>Shaheed Bhagat Singh College </li> <li>Sherubtse College </li> <li>Shivaji College </li> <li>Swami Shraddhanand College </li> </ul> Post graduate courses Sociology <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>University of Delhi </li> <li>Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi</li> <li>University of Mumbai </li> <li>University of Hyderabad </li> <li>University of Pune </li> <li>Punjab University </li> <li>Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi</li> <li>Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi</li> <li>Queen Mary's College for Women, Chennai</li> <li>Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University <img style="border: 3px solid black; margin: 3px 4px; float: right;" src="https://images.shiksha.com/mediadata/images/1261560021phpQhVDDc.jpeg " alt="" width="150" height="110"></li> <li>South Gujarat University </li> <li>Amravati University </li> <li>Nagarjuna University </li> <li>Institute Of Rural Studies and Administration </li> <li>Bonnifoi College, Bhopal</li> <li>Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Open University </li> <li>Madras Medical Mission</li> </ul>   Geography, Urban & Regional Planning, Remote Sensing <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi </li> <li>Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar </li> <li>Guru Ram Das School of Planning and Architecture, Amritsar </li> <li>The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun  </li> <li>Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, Ahmedabad </li> <li>Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi </li> <li>Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad </li> <li>University of Mysore </li> </ul> Anthropology <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>University of Delhi </li> <li>University of Pune </li> <li>Punjab University </li> <li>Sardar Patel College, Nagpur</li> <li>University of Hyderabad </li> </ul> Archaeology <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>Punjab University, M.A in Archaeology  </li> <li>The Archaeological Survey of India. , Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology </li> <li>Kurukshetra University , Ancient Indian History Culture and Archaeology </li> <li>Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Post Graduate Dip in Archaeology & Ancient History of Rajasthan </li> <li>Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University, M.A in Culture & Archaeology </li> <li>Faculty of Arts, Banaras Hindu University, Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology </li> <li>Visva- Bharati University, Masters in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology </li> <li>University of Calcutta, M.A in Ancient Indian History Culture and Archaeology</li> </ul> History <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>University of Pune </li> <li>Kurukshetra University </li> <li>University of Delhi </li> <li>Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi</li> <li>University of Mumbai</li> <li>University of Calcutta </li> <li>Punjab University </li> <li>Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi </li> <li>National Museum Institute, New Delhi </li> <li>Dravidian University, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh</li> <li>School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh</li> <li>Kota Open University </li> <li>Andhra University </li> <li>Rajasthan Vidyapeeth </li> <li>Ahmednagar Jilha Historical Vastu Sangrahalaya </li> <li>Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University </li> <li>Nalanda Open University, Patna </li> <li>Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi</li> <li>D.V.N. Kalakshetram, Vishakhapatnam</li> <li>S.I.V.E.T College, Chennai</li> <li>University of Hyderabad </li> <li>Banaras Hindu University </li> <li>Visva- Bharati University, Shanti Niketan </li> <li>Ahmednagar Jilha Historical Vastu Sangrahalaya </li> </ul> Political Science <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>University of Delhi</li> <li>University of Mumbai</li> <li>University of Calcutta</li> <li>University of Hyderabad </li> <li>Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi</li> <li>Nalanda Open University, Patna</li> <li>Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi</li> <li>Harold Laski Institute of Political Science, Ahmedabad</li> <li>School of Social Sciences, Gujarat University </li> </ul> Colleges Overseas USA <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>Idaho University</li> <li>The University of Alabama</li> <li>California State University at Long Beach</li> <li>Barry University, Florida</li> <li>Catholic University of America, DC</li> <li>Arizona State University</li> </ul> UK <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>University of Kentucky</li> <li>Durham University</li> <li>University of London</li> <li>London Metropolitan University</li> <li>Leeds Metropolitan University<img style="border: 3px solid black; margin: 3px 4px; float: right;" src="https://images.shiksha.com/mediadata/images/1261560375php3J3KKi.jpeg" alt="" width="150" height="110"></li> <li>University of Bradford</li> <li>South Bank University, London</li> </ul> Australia <ul style="text-align: justify;"> <li>La Trobe University</li> <li>University of Western Australia</li> <li>University of Tasmania</li> <li>University of Queensland</li> <li>University of Sydney</li> <li>Monash University</li> </ul> Source: Compass One Date:23rd Dec., 2009 <hr /> For further details about related courses and colleges please click below: <a title="Related courses and colleges" href="https://arts.shiksha.com/">Related courses and colleges</a>

An academic is a specialist in one area of knowledge. He or she studies, researches and develops knowledge in that area. Often academics are also professors and lecturers in undergraduate and postgraduate courses on that subject.

The social sciences comprise subjects that relate to the human aspects of civilisation and the development of society. Social scientists study all aspects of society—from past events and achievements to human behavior and relationships among groups. Their research provides insights that help us understand different ways in which individuals and groups make decisions, exercise power, and respond to change. Through their studies and analyses, social scientists suggest solutions to social, business, personal, governmental, and environmental problems.

Subjects that fall within the ambit of social sciences include Sociology, Anthropology, Archaeology, Political Science, History, Geography, Psychology and Economics. This documents deals with the first three. Psychology and Economics are dealt with in a separate document.
Sociologists study society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. Sociologists are concerned with the characteristics of social groups, organizations, and institutions; the ways individuals are affected by each other and by the groups to which they belong; and the effect of social traits such as gender, age, or race on a person’s daily life.

Most sociologists work in one or more specialties, such as social organization, stratification, and mobility; racial and ethnic relations; education; the family; social psychology; urban, rural, political, and comparative sociology; gender relations; demography; gerontology; criminology; and sociological practice.

Anthropologists study the origin of humans and their physical, social, and cultural development and behavior. They may examine archaeological remains or the language, physical characteristics, customs, values, and social patterns of cultures in various parts of the world.

Anthropologists usually choose a specialized field of study such as sociocultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, or biophysical anthropology. Sociocultural anthropologists study the customs, cultures, and social lives of groups in settings that range from uncivilised societies to modern urban centers. Linguistic anthropologists investigate the role of, and changes to, language over time in various cultures. Biophysical anthropologists research the evolution of the human body, look for early evidences of human life, and analyze how culture and biology influence one another. Physical anthropologists examine human remains found at archaeological sites in order to understand population demographics and factors that affected these populations, such as nutrition and disease.

Archaeologists examine and recover material evidence, such as the ruins of buildings, tools, pottery, and other objects remaining from past human cultures in order to determine the chronology, history, customs, and living habits of earlier civilizations. Most anthropologists and archaeologists specialize in a particular region of the world.

Historian’s research, analyzes, and interprets the past. Their research includes studying government and institutional records, newspapers and other periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, and unpublished manuscripts such as personal diaries and letters. Historians usually specialize in a country or region, a particular period, or a particular field, such as social, intellectual, cultural, political, or diplomatic history. Biographers collect detailed information on individuals. Other historians help study and preserve archival materials, artifacts, and historic buildings and sites.

Geographers analyze distributions of physical and cultural phenomena on local, regional, continental, and global scales. They specialize in economic, political, cultural, physical, urban, regional and medical geography. Economic geographers study the distribution of resources and economic activities. Political geographers are concerned with the relationship of geography to political phenomena, whereas cultural geographers study the geography of cultural phenomena. Physical geographers examine variations in climate, vegetation, soil, and landforms and their implications for human activity. Urban and transportation geographers study cities and metropolitan areas, while regional geographers study the physical, economic, political, and cultural characteristics of regions ranging in size from a congressional district to entire continents. Medical geographers investigate health care delivery systems, epidemiology (the study of the causes and control of epidemics), and the effect of the environment on health.

Most geographers use geographic information systems (GIS) technology to assist with their work. For example, they may use GIS to create computerized maps that can track information such as population growth, traffic patterns, environmental hazards, natural resources, and weather patterns, after which they use the information to advise governments on the development of houses, roads, or landfills.

Political scientists study the origin, development, and operation of political systems and public policy. They conduct research on a wide range of subjects, such as relations between the United States and other countries, the institutions and political life of nations, the politics of small towns or a major metropolis, and the decisions of the U.S. Supreme Court. Studying topics such as public opinion, political decision-making, ideology, and public policy, they analyze the structure and operation of governments, as well as various political entities. Depending on the topic, a political scientist might conduct a public-opinion survey, analyze election results or public documents, or interview public officials.

The Job

Research is a major activity of many social scientists that use a variety of methods to assemble facts and construct theories. Applied research usually is designed to produce information that will enable people to make better decisions or manage their affairs more effectively. Research can take many forms

Analyze historical records and documents
Study government and institutional records, newspapers, periodicals, photographs, interviews, films, and unpublished manuscripts such as personal diaries and letters
Conduct a public-opinion survey, analyze election results or public documents, or interview public officials
Collect demographic and opinion data through interviews and questionnaires
Living and working among the population being studied
Performing field investigations at historical, cultural or otherwise relevant sites
Experimenting with human or animal subjects in a laboratory
Preparing and interpreting maps and computer graphics
Social scientists employed by colleges and universities usually have flexible work schedules, often dividing their time among teaching, research, writing, consulting, and administrative responsibilities. Their work includes
Researching and preparing for lectures
Lecturing to assist students' to interpret, analyse and develop original thought
Conducting seminars or tutorials for small groups of students
Setting and marking assignments and exams
Evaluating research, and monitoring work projects and placements.
Publishing research work
Administrative responsibilities - student admissions, curriculum development, departmental committees, external examinership

Personality Traits

Keen interest in social and human development
Liking for reading, researching and collecting new information
Patience to read through detailed documents of facts, data and opinions
Ability to read and research alone or with a small team
Analytical ability as well as a talent for logical and abstract thought
Intellectual confidence and honesty
Ability to communicate well through writing and speaking
Deep passion for the subject one handles
Ability to simplify one’s subject and present it in an interesting way to students

Salaries and Remuneration

Lectures in India draw a salary of Rs.6, 500 to Rs.10, 500 per month at the entry level. The salary at senior levels is around Rs.8000 to Rs.13, 500 per month. The pay scale of professors ranges from Rs.12, 400 to Rs.22, 400 per month. In Delhi University and other State Universities, the pay scale for College Professors is as per the Fifth Pay Commission. Most research and social work jobs would offer salaries in the same band.
Social scientists employed by multi-lateral agencies or by politicians would be paid considerably higher with starting salaries around Rs 25,000 per month. Peak salaries are difficult to predict.
Social scientists are also employed by the corporate sector would be paid in line with others in the field. Starting salaries might be in the range Rs 10,000 to Rs 50,000 per month and may go on to peak salaries of over Rs 50 lac per annum. An average peak salary might be around Rs 20 lac per annum.

Job Prospects

The main source of employment for academics is Colleges and Universities. Lecturers and professors give lectures; guide and help students in academic and research work in their particular field. Those who have administrative abilities and interest may go on to the posts of a principal, vice-chancellor or other designations in the management level.

Each subject also has application in several practical fields and social scientists may be employed in policy-making, research, marketing, consulting or in an advisory role by non-academic institutions and companies. In the corporate world, social scientists will find employment in marketing and customer service. Further training in management may, however, be a pre-requisite.

Sociologists may find employment in fields such as social work, public policy, criminal justice, human resources or industrial relations. The results of sociological research aid educators, lawmakers, administrators, and others who are interested in resolving social problems and formulating public policy.

Anthropologists and Archaeologists may be employed in the management, scientific, and technical consulting services industry. Anthropologists who work as consultants apply anthropological knowledge and methods to problems ranging from economic development issues to forensics. Also, as construction projects increase, archaeologists may be needed to perform preliminary excavations in order to preserve historical sites and artifacts.

Historians may find opportunities with historic preservation societies as public interest in preserving and restoring historical sites increases. Museums will also hire historians.

Geographers will have opportunities to utilize their skills to advise government, real estate developers, utilities, and telecommunications firms on where to build new roads, buildings, power plants, and cable lines. Geographers also will advise on environmental matters, such as where to build a landfill or preserve wetland habitats.

Political scientists can utilize their knowledge of political institutions to further the interests of nonprofit, political lobbying, and social organizations. They may be employed by international multilateral agencies or may work as advisors on policy to politicians and the government.

Academics in any field may opt for writing books, textbooks or for conducting online / distance education classes.

Study Route

Class XII One can take any subject in Class X/XII.
After Class XII In fact, social scientists can also switch between specific subjects (such as Sociology and History) after their graduation at the MA level. Some courses in Anthropology and Geography require Mathematics in Class XII. Some undergraduate courses in Archaeology require History in Class XII. Postgraduate courses in Archaeology require a bachelor’s in History.
While a post graduate degree is enough to qualify for the eligibility test for Lecturers in India, a Ph D is necessary for teaching and research in most leading universities and institutes. The typical path is BA, MA; M Phil and Ph D. Leading academics go on to complete Ph D theses. A doctorate (Ph D) is fast becoming a must-have for teaching postgraduate classes in leading universities.
College lecturers require a good academic record with at least 55% or an equivalent grade at master's degree level in the relevant subject from an Indian University or a foreign University. The eligibility test for lecturers, National Eligibility Test (NET), is conducted by UGC, CSIR or similar tests accredited by the UGC. The State level test SLET is for appointments within the state. The promotion is based on performance, duration of service, and research publications.

Best Places to Study

All leading colleges and universities offer courses in the social sciences. Some courses such as Anthropology and Archaeology are offered only at the postgraduate level. Leading universities include:
Undergraduate Courses

Sociology

University of Delhi, New Delhi
Hindu College
Janki Devi Memorial College
Jesus & Mary College
Lady Shri Ram College for Women
Maitreyi College
Miranda House College
Sri Venkateswara College
Stella Mary's College, Chennai
Queen Mary's College for Women, Chennai
Loyola College, Chennai

Anthropology

Punjab University, 4-year B.Sc. in Anthropology

Archaeology

Viswa Bharti University, Shanti Niketan
Benares Hindu University

History

University of Delhi (all Arts colleges)
D.V.N. Kalakshetram, Vishakhapatnam
S.I.V.E.T College, Chennai
Viswa Bharati University, Shanti Niketan

Political Science

University of Delhi – many colleges
Daulat Ram College, Delhi College of Arts & Commerce, Deshbandhu College, Dyal Singh College, Gargi College, Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College, Hindu College, Indraprastha College for Women, Janki Devi Memorial College, Jesus & Mary College, Kalindi College, Kamla Nehru College, Kirori Mal College, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Maitreyi College, Miranda House College, Ramjas College, Satyawati College, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, Sri Venkateswara College, Zakir Husain College

Geography

University of Delhi
Kirori Mal College
Miranda House College
Bhim Rao Ambedkar College
Dyal Singh College
Kamla Nehru College
Shaheed Bhagat Singh College
Sherubtse College
Shivaji College
Swami Shraddhanand College

Post graduate courses
Sociology

University of Delhi
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi
University of Mumbai
University of Hyderabad
University of Pune
Punjab University
Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi
Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
Queen Mary's College for Women, Chennai
Swami Ramanand Teerth Marathwada University
South Gujarat University
Amravati University
Nagarjuna University
Institute Of Rural Studies and Administration
Bonnifoi College, Bhopal
Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Open University
Madras Medical Mission

Geography, Urban & Regional Planning, Remote Sensing

School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi
Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar
Guru Ram Das School of Planning and Architecture, Amritsar
The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing, Dehradun
Centre for Environmental Planning and Technology, Ahmedabad
Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi
Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad
University of Mysore

Anthropology

University of Delhi
University of Pune
Punjab University
Sardar Patel College, Nagpur
University of Hyderabad

Archaeology

Punjab University, M.A in Archaeology
The Archaeological Survey of India. , Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology
Kurukshetra University , Ancient Indian History Culture and Archaeology
Rajasthan Vidyapeeth, Post Graduate Dip in Archaeology & Ancient History of Rajasthan
Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University, M.A in Culture & Archaeology
Faculty of Arts, Banaras Hindu University, Post Graduate Diploma in Archaeology
Visva- Bharati University, Masters in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archaeology
University of Calcutta, M.A in Ancient Indian History Culture and Archaeology

History