Before we look at the percentage of social science graduates, let’s do a quick dive into the various majors that make up social sciences at most of the liberal art colleges While a few colleges also offer niche majors such as econometrics and quantitative finance, urban studies, and general social sciences (yes, indeed that is actually a major) most students in social sciences major in economics, political science, sociology, anthropology and international relations. The national ranks for these majors are:
| Major | National Rank | O's List Rank |
| Political Science | 7 | 22 |
| Economics | 12 | 4 |
| Sociology | 14 | 102 |
| Anthropology | 36 | 69 |
| International Relations | 40 | 15 |
Nationally, political science, economics and sociology are among the most popular majors with 30,000 and 35,000 students graduating nationwide every year. The annual number consists of students graduating from liberal arts colleges, public universities, and other private colleges. Now, getting back to the percentage of students graduating in social sciences from liberal arts colleges.
Now, getting back to the percentage of students graduating in social sciences from liberal arts colleges.
Between 20% and 30% of the graduating students across a large swathe of liberal arts colleges major in social sciences. That range seems to be independent of the size of the graduating class, be it a class of 300 or 900 students. 20-30% is a fairly significant chunk of a graduating class … this just goes on to show that social science majors are fairly sought after, thriving and vibrant departments at liberal arts colleges. This makes pursuing social science majors a wonderful experience for most students.
That sought after effect is reflected in the fact that the social science majors are so popular when we look at the number of students graduation nationally in each major. That fact and the above chart showing such a strong showing for social sciences at liberal arts colleges behooves the question about internships, job placements and graduate school. What is the placement rate for these 20-30% of the graduating class? Where are the students going? To graduate school or their first job and where? Just something to ask the college reps or the college career placement office.
There are a lot of career options for social sciences as well as graduate schools. Many colleges ask their graduates to report on their post-graduation plans. Swarthmore College has published a survey of their graduates's plans. However if possible try to get a more detailed breakdown such as the one from UC Berkeley (yes… it’s not a LAC!) regarding its economics graduates. Wondering about mid-career salaries for social science graduates? Check out Payscale.
In conclusion, social science majors at liberal arts colleges can be a rewarding major to pursue with vibrant departments with a path towards future employment possibilities.