Career Options

At OSU-Cascades, students can pursue a social science degree with an option in law and society, cultures and identities, community development and leadership, humans and the environment, or a general social science option. Students will investigate the social and cultural dynamics in our communities, explore how these dynamics impact the development of sustainable communities, and examine how effective community leadership impacts positive social change.

Degree: B.A./B.S. in Social Science

Career planning resources
What Can I Do With A Major in Social Science?

(Some occupations may require further education/licensure)

Public Service and Nonprofit

Community Development Specialist
Social and Human Services Manager
Nonprofit Program Coordinator
Public Policy Analyst

Education and Research

Research Analyst
Academic Advisor or Educational Program Coordinator
Cultural Resource Manager
Market Researcher

Law and Advocacy

Pathway to Law School
Police Officer
Human Rights Advocate
Policy Advisor
Mediator or Conflict Resolution Specialist

Environment and Sustainability

Environmental Policy Analyst
Sustainability Coordinator
Urban Planner
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Specialist

Business and Media

Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Public Relations Specialist
Journalist or Communications Coordinator
Data Analyst

Global and Cultural Affairs

International Relations Specialist
Humanitarian Aid Worker
Cultural Consultant
Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Where are OSU Social Science alumni working?

(Data obtained from LinkedIn)

Operations Director - East Africa, African Clean Energy
Parks & Open Space Planning Manager, City of Eugene
City Administrator, City of Harrisburg
Mayor, City of Redmond
Librarian, Deschutes Public Library
Policy Analyst, ECONorthwest
Editor, Harvest House Publications
Outreach Coordinator, Heart N’Home Hospice & Palliative Care
Lawyer, Innovative Law Group
Sustainability Coordinator, Old Mill District
Chief of Staff, Oregon State Senate
Community Health Worker, PeaceHealth
Case Manager, State of Oregon
Training & Development Specialist, State of Oregon
Research Analyst, Wellness & Education Board of Central Oregon

Where have OSU students participated in experiential learning (internships/research/etc.)?

Bend Bulletin
Laboratory for American Conversation
Latino Community Association
Layman Fellowship - OSU
National Parks
St. Vincent De Paul
Sisters Park and Recreation
Summer Adventure Camp
The Environmental Center
UAE Expatriation Project

Job Search

In addition to our general job, internship, and volunteer search resources, below are some industry specific resources to help you search for opportunities in social science. Don't forget the important process of researching employers and networking with professionals in companies/organizations that you are interested in.

Research Resources

Graduate School

In addition to our general Graduate/Professional School resources, utilize the following resources for researching advanced degrees in Social Science.

U.S. News and World Report Best Social Science and Humanities Programs, Public Policy Programs, Public Health Programs, Cultural History Programs, Political Science Programs, Sociology Programs, Environmental Sciences

Professional Associations

Involvement in professional associations can expand your network, keep you up to date on current trends in the field, and give you access to additional job and internship opportunities.

Additional Resources

Public Health Online

Career Development Center

The Career Development Center is here to help you navigate your future path.

Contact Career Development Center