Difference between Social Science and Social Studies

Introduction

Many individuals often think of social sciences and social studies as interchangeable terms, oblivious to the fact that they differ in many respects. ​Although they may seem similar, they actually represent two distinct areas of study.​ Understanding the differences between social science and social studies is important for a better grasp of their specific focuses and methodologies. Continue reading to explore these distinctions in greater detail.

What is Social Science? 

Social science is a wide-ranging academic field dedicated to the systematic study of human society and social interactions. It uses scientific methods to analyze and interpret social phenomena, seeking to identify patterns, trends, and underlying causes. There are a number of branches of social science.

Specialisations in Social Science

Unlike social studies, social science is a higher education field offering in-depth specialisations and research opportunities. Students can pursue advanced degrees such as MA, MSc, or PhD across multiple domains.

Core Social Science Specialisations:

• Sociology – Study of social institutions, behaviour, and cultural patterns.
  
• Economics – Analysis of markets, resources, and economic systems.
  
• Political Science – Governance, public policy, and political structures.
  
• Anthropology – Human evolution, societies, and cultural development.
  
• Psychology – Human behaviour, cognition, and mental processes.
  

Emerging & Interdisciplinary Specialisations:

• • International Relations – Diplomacy, trade, and foreign policy.
    
  • Development Studies – Poverty, sustainability, and global development.
    
  • Criminology & Forensic Studies – Crime analysis, justice systems, and law enforcement.
    
  • Environmental Studies – Climate change, sustainability, and environmental policy.
    
  • Gender & Migration Studies – Equality, rights, and social justice.

What is Social Studies?

Social studies is an interdisciplinary field that combines elements of the social sciences and humanities to help students understand society, citizenship, and the world around them. It is a core subject in primary and secondary education, designed to prepare learners to become informed and responsible members of society.

Key focus areas within social studies include:

• History – Study of ancient, medieval, and modern events to understand how societies and cultures evolved.
  
• Civics (Political Awareness) – Basics of democracy, governance, laws, policies, and citizens’ rights.
  
• Geography – Exploration of landscapes, climates, resources, and environmental challenges.
  
• Basic Economics – Introduction to trade, budgeting, markets, and financial literacy.
  
• Culture & Society – Awareness of diversity, traditions, heritage, equality, and global citizenship.

Methodology in Social Studies

Teaching in social studies often involves storytelling, case studies, discussions, and interactive activities. It emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and developing informed perspectives on societal issues.

Also Read: Everything you need to know about social studies!

Difference Between Social Science and Social Studies

Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, there is a clear difference between social science and social studies. Social science is an academic discipline that uses research and analysis to study human society, whereas social studies is an educational approach that integrates elements of social science and humanities to teach students about citizenship, culture, and society. The table below highlights the key differences between social science and social studies:

Explore: Montpellier 3 University | Hub of Humanities and Social Sciences

Social Science vs Social Studies: Understanding the Syllabus

The difference between social science and social studies becomes more evident when comparing their syllabi. While social studies is introduced at the school level to build awareness of society, social science comes into focus in higher education with specialized subjects and research-based learning.

Syllabus of Social Studies at the School Level

At school, social studies brings together elements of history, civics, geography, economics, and culture into one curriculum. Its main purpose is to develop civic responsibility, cultural understanding, and awareness of how society functions.

Key areas covered in school social studies:

• History: Ancient, medieval, and modern periods.
  
• Civics: Rights, duties, democracy, and government structure.
  
• Geography: Landforms, climate, environment, and natural resources.
  
• Basic Economics: Trade, budgeting, and growth fundamentals.
  
• Culture & Society: Traditions, diversity, and heritage.

How Social Studies Builds the Path to Social Science

The basic knowledge gained in social studies serves as a gateway to social science in higher education.

• Social studies introduces students to society, politics, and culture in an integrated way.
  
• At the college and university level, these areas are studied deeply as individual disciplines within social science.

Examples of progression:

• Civics → Political Science
  
• Cultural Studies → Anthropology / Sociology
  
• Basic Economics → Economics / Development Studies

Social Science vs Social Studies: Higher Education Opportunities Abroad

The difference between social science and social studies becomes especially clear when exploring higher education pathways. While social studies serves as a foundation at the school level, social science offers extensive opportunities for undergraduate, postgraduate, and research studies abroad.

Popular Undergraduate Programs in Social Science

• BA in Sociology / Anthropology / Political Science
• BSc in Psychology / Behavioural Science
• BA in International Relations / Global Studies
• BSc in Economics / Development Studies
• BA in Criminology / Public Policy

Social studies itself is not offered as a standalone degree abroad, but the foundational knowledge it provides at school level helps students transition into these specialised programs.

Popular Postgraduate Programs in Social Science

• MA in Social Sciences (Interdisciplinary)
• MSc in Data Analytics for Social Research
• MA in Development Studies / International Affairs
• MSc in Environmental Policy & Sustainability
• Master’s in Public Policy / Human Rights / Gender Studies

Research and PhD Opportunities Abroad

For students aiming to pursue research or academic careers, universities worldwide offer advanced PhD programs in areas such as:

• Comparative Politics
• Global Development Studies
• Social Psychology
• Migration & Human Rights
• Digital Society & Behavioural Analytics

Top Global Universities Offering Social Science Programs

Several leading universities worldwide provide world-class social science programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and research levels. These institutions are known for their academic excellence, global exposure, and career opportunities in the field.

Social Science vs Social Studies: Cost of Studying Abroad

One of the key differences between social science and social studies lies in the cost of pursuing them. Social studies is taught as part of the school curriculum, while social science involves advanced undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs abroad—each requiring tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs.

Career Prospects in Social Science and Social Studies

The career scope of social science and social studies varies based on the level of study and specialization. While social studies equips students with foundational knowledge and civic awareness at the school level, social science leads to advanced, research-driven, and globally recognised career opportunities.

Top Careers After Social Science Degrees

Graduates with a degree in social science can explore diverse roles across academia, research, policy, and international sectors. Popular career options include:

• Policy Analyst / Public Policy Expert – Advising governments, NGOs, or global organisations.
  
• Economist / Development Economist – Working with financial institutions, think tanks, or international agencies.
  
• Sociologist / Anthropologist – Contributing to academic research, consultancy, or cultural studies.
  
• Psychologist / Behavioural Scientist – Engaging in clinical, research, or organisational roles.
  
• International Relations Specialist / Diplomat – Serving in embassies, international organisations, or trade bodies.
  
• Data Analyst (Social Research) – Applying statistical and analytical skills to social research and policy studies.

Job Opportunities and Salaries

For social science graduates, global career prospects come with competitive pay packages. 

Careers in Social Studies Education

Students with a social studies background usually enter careers in education and community-based roles, such as:

• School Teacher / Educator – Teaching history, civics, or geography.
  
• Curriculum Developer – Designing subject content and teaching resources.
  
• Educational Consultant / Administrator – Supporting schools, academic boards, or government programs.
  
• Community Outreach Coordinator – Working with NGOs or social development initiatives.

Social studies primarily supports careers in teaching, education, and civic engagement, helping shape future generations.

Why Understanding the Difference Between Social Science and Social Studies Matter

The difference between social science and social studies is not just academic—it has practical implications for learners, educators, and society as a whole. Recognizing how they differ helps in choosing the right educational paths, creating effective teaching strategies, and fostering responsible citizenship.

• For Students: Understanding the difference helps them make better academic and career choices.
  
• For Educators: It enables teachers to design balanced curricula that integrate both theory and practice.

A clear distinction encourages informed decision-making, civic participation, and social awareness.

How to Choose Between Social Science and Social Studies?

Deciding between social science and social studies depends on your academic level, personal interests, career aspirations, and long-term goals. Here are the key factors to consider:

Academic Level

• Social Studies – Best suited at the school level, offering a broad introduction to society, history, civics, and culture.
  
• Social Science – Designed for higher education, focusing on specialised fields and research opportunities.
  

Interests

• Social Studies – Ideal if you enjoy learning about culture, geography, governance, and civic awareness.
  
• Social Science – Suitable if you are inclined towards research, critical analysis, and deeper exploration of subjects like sociology, economics, anthropology, and political science.
  

Career Goals

• Social Studies – Supports careers in teaching, education, and community development.
  
• Social Science – Opens pathways to careers in policy-making, research, international organisations, development studies, and higher education abroad.
  

Skill Development

• Social Studies – Builds civic awareness, cultural understanding, and foundational knowledge.
  
• Social Science – Develops analytical thinking, research skills, problem-solving, and data interpretation abilities.
  

Time Commitment

• Social Studies – Short-term, as it is a school-level subject.
  
• Social Science – Requires a long-term commitment through undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs.

Key Takeaways

• The difference between social science and social studies lies in their orientation—while social studies draws from social science disciplines, it applies them in an educational and civic-learning context.
• Social studies should remain a core subject at all levels of education, as it builds the foundation for civic awareness and societal understanding.
• The collaboration between social science and social studies is essential. Without their integration, human beings and society would struggle to progress and develop over time.
  

Liked this blog? Read next: All you need to know about pursuing a Political Science course

FAQs

Question 1. Who is considered the father of social studies?

Answer. Émile Durkheim is widely recognized as the father of sociology for his significant contributions to understanding society and education.

Question 2. Is psychology part of social science?

Answer. Yes. Psychology is classified as a social science in most universities, bridging the gap between natural science and social science by studying human thoughts, behavior, and mental processes.

Question 3. Are social science majors popular among students?

Answer. Yes. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, social science majors rank among the most chosen programs in higher education.

Question 4. What is the difference between social science and social studies?

Answer. The main difference is that social science focuses on research, data analysis, and in-depth study of society, while social studies is a school-level subject that introduces students to history, civics, geography, and culture to build civic awareness.

Question 5. Is social science the same as social studies?

Answer. No, they are not the same. Social science involves advanced academic disciplines like sociology, economics, and political science, while social studies integrates these topics in a broader, foundational way for school students.

Question 6. Should students choose social science or social studies?

Answer. Choosing social science or social studies depends on your academic goals and interests. Opt for social studies for foundational knowledge and civic awareness at school level, and social science for specialized study, research opportunities, and international career paths.

WRITTEN BY

Aastha

Sr. Content Writer

Aastha Arya is a Senior Content Writer at iSchoolConnect who writes about topics covering study abroad trends, exclusive news updates and prolific college courses. She has a 4-year of experience in this field and also likes to keep tabs on recent events, visa policy changes, and many other concerns that affect international students.

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