About Social Science

Meet our Social Science Students:

Meet DJ, senior in Social Science

Read about his plans following his time at K-State as well as how his major has helped get him to this upcoming future:

I have already accepted a job as a Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual. K-State's Social Science degree gave me a strong background in critical thinking, problem-solving, and communicating with others, all of which are very important skills in the field of financial advising. I've improved my ability to understand and analyze complicated human behaviors, how people make financial decisions, and how markets work by taking classes in sociology and economics. Also, my studies have helped me value things like diversity and acceptance, which are important traits for getting along with clients from different backgrounds and earning their trust. Also, belonging to a number of different student groups has helped me improve my leadership and teamwork skills, which are important for working with others to find complete financial solutions. Overall, my degree in social science has given me not only the technical skills I need but also the empathy and flexibility I need to do well in a client-centered job like financial advising at Northwestern Mutual

Next meet Brooke, senior double majoring in Social Science and Global Food Systems Leadership with a minor in Spanish and a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership Studies

Q: Talk about one or two highlights during your time here at K-State in Arts and Sciences.

A: I am a dual major in Social Sciences and Global Food systems with a minor in Spanish and a certificate in Nonprofit leadership studies. Through my Spanish minor, I had the opportunity to study abroad during the summer of 2023 in Madrid, Spain. Additionally, I exercised my Social Science skills while studying the history of LGBTQIA and Modern European Art. Each of these classes strengthened my knowledge about the history behind political influences, both on a domestic and international level.

Q: What are your plans for after graduation? How do you feel your major/time at KSU has prepared you for that path?

A: Following graduation, I plan to pursue a fellowship with the National Hunger Center or with the Bill Emerson fellowship program. In the future, I aspire to work for an NGO or nonprofit organization that targets international development through food systems. I aim to exercise my strengths in Social Sciences to navigate social issues in low-income countries, specifically through political and economic instability. I believe that both Social Sciences and the Leadership programs have allowed me to view our changing world through a systems lens, and therefore better identify solutions to global challenges.

Q: What advice would you impart upon an incoming student at K-State? -Why would you suggest a student pursue an interdisciplinary major?

A: I advise incoming students to take advantage of the opportunities we are given at Kstate. Kansas State offers hundreds of diverse majors and secondary majors to explore. Majors in the liberal arts department are unique and can be curated to a student's individual strengths. The Social Science program connects students with several outreach programs and hands on learning. Students should dedicate as much time as their schedule permits to these programs, as they will diversify your resume and give you an edge in the workforce.

Q: Talk about what you’ve gained from your major in Social Science and why you chose to major in it.

A: The Social Sciences are a perfect option for students determined to make a tangible difference in the world—be that through politics, education, law, or international relations. The options are endless because these degrees improve writing, research, communication, data collection, and critical-thinking abilities—all highly transferrable skills. Personally, Social Sciences and Global Food Systems Leadership has curated a unique set of strengths that I may capitalize on to broaden my career opportunities. My degree allows me to view social issues from multiple perspectives, and therefore better create solutions that are sustainable and inclusive to all.