Social sciences and humanities degrees
Sociology, psychology, history, philosophy, literature, political science, social work and several more: the degrees in humanities and social sciences are studied at universities and institutes in different Spanish-speaking countries.
If you like asking yourself why people do what they do, reading, debating in history class or understanding how your neighborhood, your country or the world works, there are studies that start from that.
What the social sciences and humanities degrees have in common
Studying social sciences and humanities is usually, above all, reading, writing, analyzing and discussing. You work with texts, data, interviews and real cases to understand people, societies and ideas, and to explain it with your own arguments.
Many combine theory with practice: researching a topic, working with a community, doing fieldwork or reviewing sources. They are usually assessed with essays, reports and presentations, rather than with single-correct-answer exercises.
Several are halfway between areas. Psychology touches on health, Economics and Human Resources touch on business, and Cultural Management overlaps with art. Each university puts its own emphasis, so read the curriculum.
The social sciences and humanities degrees
Society, politics and territory
For those who want to understand how a society is organized, who makes the decisions and how they affect daily life: Sociology, Political Science, International Relations, and also Economics, which studies how resources are distributed, Geography, which studies how territory is occupied, and Contemporary Strategy, which prepares you to plan a country's defense.
People, groups and behavior
For those who are interested in how people think, feel and relate to each other, and in helping them be better: Psychology, Social Work, social education, addiction prevention and other ways of supporting individuals and communities.
Past, ideas and words
For those who enjoy reading, writing, translating or wondering where we come from and what we believe: History, Philosophy, Literature, archaeology, theology and translation.
Culture and heritage
For those who want to care for, organize or study what a society preserves and creates: books, cultural assets, music and cultural events.
Where to study social sciences and humanities
Universidad de Chile (UChile)Santiago · PublicGeographyMusicologyAnthropologyArchaeologySociologyPsychologySocial WorkPhilosophyHistoryLiteraturePublic AdministrationPolitical Science
Universidad del Rosario (UR)Bogotá · PrivateAnthropologyPolitical ScienceEconomicsPhilosophyHistoryInternational RelationsSociologyPsychologySocial SciencesCultural ManagementPublic AdministrationHuman Resources
Universidad del Salvador (USal)Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires · PrivateEconomicsHuman ResourcesPsychologyLiteratureHistoryPhilosophyPolitical ScienceSworn TranslatorInternational RelationsSocial WorkSociologyAddiction Prevention
Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA)La Paz · PublicAnthropologyLibrary SciencePolitical ScienceEconomicsPhilosophyHistoryGeographySworn TranslatorLiteraturePsychologySociologySocial Work
Corporación Universitaria Minuto de Dios (UNIMINUTO)Bogotá · PrivateReligious StudiesPhilosophyLiteraturePsychologySocial WorkSocial SciencesHuman ResourcesPublic AdministrationEconomicsCultural ManagementPolitical Science
Universidad Nacional de La Plata (UNLP)La Plata · PublicHistoryEconomicsAnthropologyLibrary SciencePhilosophySworn TranslatorGeographyLiteratureSociologyPsychologySocial Work
Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes (UAA)Aguascalientes · PublicCultural ManagementLiteratureEconomicsHuman ResourcesPolitical SciencePhilosophyHistoryPsychologySociologySocial Work
Universidad Autónoma de Baja California (UABC)Mexicali · PublicLiteraturePublic AdministrationInternational RelationsEconomicsSworn TranslatorPsychologySociologyHistoryPhilosophyPolitical ScienceHow to choose between them
Pay attention to what you do when no one asks you to: if you read late into the night, if you keep thinking about a group discussion, if you usually listen to your friends' problems, if you research a topic out of curiosity or if you write without being told to. That clue says a lot about which perspective attracts you.
Then ask yourself what interests you most: understanding a person, a group or an entire society; explaining the past; or taking action in the present. Someone who enjoys helping others might feel more at home in Social Work than in Philosophy, and someone who enjoys reading and writing, in Literature or History.
If you're torn between two, compare the subjects for each one in its profile and the admission requirements. Sociology and Social Work, for example, start from the same question about society: one focuses on understanding it and the other on improving people's well-being. If you want another clue, the career test suggests where to start.
To read before choosing
Frequently asked questions
What do you study in social sciences and humanities?
You study people, societies, culture and ideas: how we live, how we think and how we got here. Each degree looks at a different side, from politics to literature.
Do I need to be good at writing to study these degrees?
You will read and write quite a lot, and it is a skill you build as you study. What helps most is enjoying reading and thinking about what you read.
How long do social sciences and humanities degrees take?
Social Work and Archaeology tend to be among the longest, and the rest, from History to Political Science, take a similar amount of time.
Can I study these degrees if I don't know exactly which one I want?
Yes. Some, like Social Sciences, are broad and show you several perspectives on society. Read the profiles and compare what subjects each one includes.
Can they be studied online?
It depends on the program. Some offer online or blended formats, and others require in-person attendance. Check the format at each institution.