About Social Science

Meet DJ, Social Science

Read about DJ's post-K-State plans and how his major has helped him reach this point.

"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.

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."

Meet Brooke, Social Science and Global Food Systems Leadership with Spanish minor and Nonprofit Leadership certificate

Q: What are one or two highlights from your time here at K-State in Arts and Sciences?

A: 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 K-State has prepared you?

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 non-profit 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 the Social Science and 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 give incoming student? Why would you suggest pursuing an interdisciplinary major?

A: I advise incoming students to take advantage of the opportunities we are given at K-State. K-State offers hundreds of diverse majors and secondary majors to explore. Liberal arts majors 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: What have you gained from your social science major and why did you choose 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 have 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.

Meet Matt McMurray, 2011 Social Science Alum, Store Director of the Manhattan Hyvee, and a 2026 Man of Impact

Q: What has he been up to since graduating from K-State?

A: Since graduating, he has had a variety of professional roles while also increasing his personal roles having met his wife, a fellow KSU alum, and became a father of three. He was an Assistant Manager at AJ's Pizza, Assistant Pro at the Manhattan Country Club, and Bar Manager at The Goose. Then, he found Hvyee, where he was served as manager of different departments at stores in Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa before coming back to Manhattan as the Store Director.

Q: What drew you to study Social Science while you were at K-State?

A: While he was trying to find the right fit of major, he learned that his cousin had recently gone through the program, and he thought it would be a great fit for getting a broad spectrum of knowledge in various areas.

Q: Was there a class, professor, or experience that had a big impact on you?

A: To speak to the value of an interdisciplinary way of thinking and that value and connection can be found in every class, he states: "Biochemistry was my favorite class in college. I was very intimidated by the title and once I started going through the program, I fell in love with it."

Q: How has your social science degree influenced your career path after graduation?

A: "It helped me thrive in social settings. I was very introverted when I first arrived at KSU and it helped me crawl out of my shell." Easy to see from his professional experiences, the benefit of social confidence.

Q: What’s one skill you gained in the program that you use most in your current work/life?

A: "Prioritization! I used to get overwhelmed when a lot of tasks would come my way all at one. Now, I thrive at tackling the tasks at hand."

Q: What advice would you give current students in the social science program?

A: Social Science offers such a broad spectrum of knowledge and areas to study in. Find your niche and "Once you develop the discipline to stay on task, its smooth sailing from there."

Q: What’s one of your favorite memories from your time at K-State?

A: College provides many chances for learning and growth in many ways, which maybe isn't the most often recalled favorite memories from students, but nonetheless so important: "Being on my own has to be what I took away as my favorite part of college. Relying on myself to get done what I needed to helped me grow into the individual I am today."