Direct Paths to Humanities, Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Analyze the human experience and build the communication and empathy needed for a career in law, media, or public service. Explore Direct Paths below, search Indirect Paths, or view the full Career Paths directory.
Key
M = Minor available, which is an optional specialization alongside your major
✦ = Accelerated program available
* = A career path that often requires extra schooling or certification beyond a Bachelor's degree (e.g., law, medicine, education)
Asian American Studies (M)
Asian American Studies prepares you for careers focused on culture, advocacy, and community engagement through Asian American perspectives.
Career Paths: Civil rights advocate, community organizer, cultural affairs coordinator, journalist, librarian*, museum curator*, refugee services specialist, policy researcher*, intelligence analyst*
Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.
Asian Studies
Asian Studies explores Asian cultures, politics, and economics through an interdisciplinary lens to launch careers in international relations, business, or education.
Career Paths: Cultural consultant, diplomat*, international business specialist, media analyst, nonprofit staff member, tourism professional, translator
Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.
Business Economics
Business Economics connects economics with the humanities by examining how culture, institutions, and human behavior shape markets and policy.
Career Paths: Economic consultant*, economist*, market research analyst, policy analyst*, public affairs specialist, strategy analyst
Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.
Economics (M)
Economics supports careers in government, finance, consulting, global orgs, and academia.
Career Paths: Budget analyst, business analyst, economic consultant*, economist, financial analyst, market researcher, policy analyst*, risk manager
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Economics/Administrative Studies
Economics/Administrative Studies prepares for careers across business, government, and nonprofit sectors.
Career Paths: Economic consultant*, financial manager, human resources specialist, management consultant, operations manager, policy advisor, project manager, public administrator*
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English (M)
English is designed for careers in media, education, business, and law.
Career Paths: Communications manager, content creator, editor, journalist, lawyer*, literary agent, proposal writer, public relations specialist, teacher/professor*, technical writer
Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.
Ethnic Studies
Ethnic Studies focuses on storytelling, preserving culture, analyzing ideas, and helping people understand the human experience.
Choose from: African American Studies (M), Asian American Studies (M), Chicano Studies (M), Ethnic Studies (M), Native American Studies (M)
Career Paths: Civil rights advocate, community organizer, cultural affairs manager, government researcher, intelligence analyst*, journalist, librarian, museum curator, NGO researcher, refugee services worker, think tank researcher
Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.
Gender and Sexuality Studies (M)
Gender and Sexuality Studies is well-suited for education, public service, law, healthcare, and media fields.
Career Paths: Community outreach coordinator, counselor*, human rights advocate, journalist, nonprofit coordinator, policy analyst, social justice advocate, social worker*, teacher/professor*
Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.
Global Studies (M)
Global Studies is relevant to careers in international affairs, business, government, and nonprofits.
Career Paths: Cultural advisor, diplomat*, foreign correspondent, global policy analyst, humanitarian aid coordinator, international business consultant, lawyer*, nonprofit staff member, translator
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History (M)
History enhances careers in education, media, law, public service, and cultural institutions.
Career Paths: Archivist, curriculum developer, documentary researcher, government affairs specialist, historical consultant for film/TV/games, journalist, lawyer*, museum professional, policy analyst
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History/Administrative Studies
History/Administrative Studies connects the humanities with business, government, and nonprofit careers.
Career Paths: Communications officer, cultural program administrator, historical consultant, human resources professional, nonprofit program director, policy analyst, project manager, public affairs specialist
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Languages and Literatures
Languages and Literatures explores language, culture, and literature to understand human expression.
Choose from: Chinese (M), Classical Studies (M), Comparative Ancient Civilizations, Comparative Literature, French (M), Germanic Studies (M), Japanese (M), Languages, Russian Studies (M)
Career Paths: Archivist, communications strategist, content developer, cultural program coordinator, foreign language teacher/professor*, grant writer, interpreter, librarian, literary critic, museum curator, speechwriter
Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.
Latin American Studies
Latin American Studies is relevant for careers in education, government, law, media, and global organizations.
Career Paths: Community outreach specialist, foreign service officer*, immigration advocate, international development expert, international trade analyst, media correspondent, NGO coordinator, policy analyst, translator
Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.
Liberal Studies
Liberal Studies supports careers in education, community outreach, and communication.
Career Paths: Academic advisor, curriculum developer, education program coordinator, nonprofit leader, school administrator*, teacher/professor*, training and development coordinator, writer/editor
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Media and Cultural Studies (M)
Media and Cultural Studies is perfect for careers in media, entertainment, advocacy, and beyond.
Career Paths: Brand strategist, content creator, cultural critic, film writer, marketing coordinator, media researcher, public relations specialist, reporter, social media manager
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Middle East and Islamic Studies (M)
Middle East and Islamic Studies is relevant for careers in government, media, education, and global business.
Career Paths: Cultural advisor, diplomat*, foreign correspondent, human rights advocate, international relations specialist, interpreter, NGO coordinator, policy analyst*, security analyst
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Philosophy (M)
Philosophy examines knowledge, ethics, existence, and reasoning to deepen critical thinking.
Career Paths: AI ethics professional, cognitive scientist*, human rights advocate, legal advisor*, mediator*, minister, public relations specialist, public speaker, researcher, speechwriter
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Political Science (M)
Political Science studies power, governance, and society to understand political systems and impact.
Career Paths: Community organizer, intelligence analyst*, lawyer*, legislative assistant, nonprofit manager, policy analyst*, political consultant, public administrator*, urban planner
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Political Science/Administrative Studies
Political Science/Administrative Studies studies political systems to shape governance and institutions.
Career Paths: Budget analyst, city manager*, civil service official, compliance officer, community engagement manager, government officer, intelligence analyst*, legal assistant*, lobbyist*, political consultant, public administrator*, public affairs specialist
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Political Science/International Affairs
Political Science/International Affairs examines global politics and diplomacy to address international issues.
Career Paths: Conflict resolution specialist, cultural affairs officer, diplomat*, embassy staff member, foreign service officer*, global affairs consultant, international development officer, international law assistant*, trade compliance analyst
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Political Science/Public Service
Political Science/Public Service focuses on governance, civic engagement, and public policy.
Career Paths: Budget analyst, city manager*, emergency management coordinator, ethics and compliance officer, government relations officer, public affairs specialist, public health administrator, school board policy advisor, social policy researcher
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Psychology (M)
Psychology opens doors to careers in healthcare, education, business, and social services.
Career Paths: Behavioral health technician, case manager, clinical assistant, human resources specialist, market research analyst, mental health therapist*, public health coordinator, rehabilitation professional, school psychologist, social worker*
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Public Policy (M ✦)
Public Policy advances policy, advocacy, and research for social impact.
Option: Choose a 4-year Bachelor's degree or get your Bachelor's and Master's degrees through a 5-year plan of study.
Career Paths: Cultural resource manager, grant writer, lawyer*, librarian*, museum curator*, nonprofit manager, policy analyst*, public historian*, public relations specialist, social worker*, technical writer, urban planner*
View success resources in the School of Policy.
Religious Studies
Religious Studies builds skills for education, social services, counseling, advocacy, and cultural careers.
Career Paths: Chaplain, cultural advisor, human rights advocate, interfaith coordinator, museum expert, nonprofit organizer, public relations specialist, social worker*, spiritual counselor
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Religious Studies/Administrative Studies
Religious Studies/Administrative Studies is well suited for careers needing communication, critical thinking, and people skills.
Career Paths: Chaplain, cultural advisor, faith-based organization staff, hospital chaplaincy*, social worker*
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Sociology (M)
Sociology can be applied to careers in social services, government, education, business, and nonprofit fields.
Career Paths: Academic researcher, criminal justice professional, human resources specialist, market researcher, public relations coordinator, social worker*, urban planner
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Sociology/Administrative Studies
Sociology/Administrative Studies is ideal for careers in business, government, and nonprofit sectors.
Career Paths: Business operations manager, community development coordinator, human resources manager, nonprofit program director, organizational consultant, public affairs officer, social services administrator
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Spanish (M)
Spanish explores Spanish language and cultures to promote communication and global engagement.
Career Paths: Bilingual customer service agent, court interpreter*, diplomatic staff, healthcare interpreter*, intelligence analyst*, international journalist, social services caseworker, study abroad advisor, travel and tourism coordinator
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Sustainability Studies
Sustainability Studies studies environmental, social, and economic systems to create sustainable solutions.
Career Paths: Conservation manager*, corporate social responsibility manager*, energy efficiency analyst, environmental compliance inspector, green building advisor, supply chain analyst, sustainability analyst, water resources manager
Discover all majors in the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.
Indirect Paths to Humanities, Social Sciences, and Interdisciplinary
While some of these majors aren’t direct business programs, they could be paired with a double major, minor, or internship to shape your career path. An academic advisor can help you create a plan that aligns with your goals. If you’re looking for something different, visit Career Paths for more possibilities.
Key
M = Minor available, which is an optional specialization alongside your major
✦ = Accelerated program available
* = A career path that often requires extra schooling or certification beyond a Bachelor's degree (e.g., law, medicine, education)
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Biochemistry
Biochemistry
Biochemistry connects science, society, and ethics to tackle complex biological challenges.
Career Paths: Bioethicist*, clinical research coordinator, environmental consultant, health policy analyst*, pharmaceutical sales representative, public health researcher*, science communicator, science policy advisor*, technical writer
Check out other majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
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Bioengineering (✦)
Bioengineering (✦)
Bioengineering integrates engineering, biology, and social impact for ethical, sustainable tech.
Option: Choose a 4-year Bachelor's degree or get your Bachelor's and Master's degrees through a 5-year plan of study.
Career Paths: Bioethicist*, clinical research coordinator, health policy analyst*, medical device regulatory specialist, medical writer, product manager*, public health researcher*, science policy advisor*, technical writer
Explore all majors in the Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering.
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Data Science (Science Track)
Data Science (Science Track)
Data Science (Science Track) solves challenges in digital humanities, behavioral data, and social research.
Option: UCR also offers Data Science (Engineering Track).
Career Paths: AI/ML engineer*, bioinformatics analyst*, data analyst, data engineer, data scientist*, quantitative analyst*, research scientist*, statistician*, technical consultant, visualization specialist
Check out other majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
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Education, Society, and Human Development (✦)
Education, Society, and Human Development (✦)
Education, Society, and Human Development focuses on improving learning, human development, and social systems.
Options: Choose the 4-year Bachelor's degree or the 4-year accelerated program to earn both a Bachelor's degree and a Teaching Credential (the state-issued license required to teach in public schools). Once admitted, customize your major with one of two concentrations:
- Education for Social Justice Concentration
- Learning and Behavioral Studies Concentration
Career Paths: Community organizer, counselor*, curriculum developer, education policy analyst*, educational administrator*, human services specialist, nonprofit program manager, social worker*, youth development specialist
See success resources in the School of Education.
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Environmental Sciences (M)
Environmental Sciences (M)
Environmental Sciences drives policy, advocacy, and solutions in sustainability and environmental stewardship.
Career Paths: Climate scientist*, environmental consultant, environmental educator, environmental engineer*, environmental policy analyst, hydrologist*, natural resource manager, park ranger, sustainability coordinator, wildlife biologist*
Check out other majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
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Genetics and Molecular Biotechnology
Genetics and Molecular Biotechnology
Genetics and Molecular Biotechnology combines biology, technology, and ethics for careers in medicine, research, and biotechnology innovation.
Career Paths: Bioethicist*, biotechnology research and development scientist*, clinical genetics researcher*, genetic counseling specialist*, genetic engineering specialist, genomic data analyst*, molecular diagnostics developer, patient advocacy specialist, pharmaceutical and biotechnology laboratory analyst, public health genomics researcher*, science policy analyst*
Check out other majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.
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Statistics (M ✦)
Statistics (M ✦)
Statistics is ideal for careers related to social research, political polling, and psychometrics.
Option: Choose a 4-year Bachelor's degree or get your Bachelor's and Master's degrees through a 5-year plan of study.
Career Paths: Data journalist, demographer*, education data analyst, policy data analyst*, political data consultant, program evaluator*, public health data analyst*, social science data analyst, survey methodologist*, urban data analyst
Check out other majors in the College of Natural and Agricultural Sciences.