20+ Best Social Sciences Courses In Nigeria | School and Program Type

The social sciences faculties in most Nigerian universities boast of the highest number of students because the social sciences courses are like a bridge between the pure sciences and the pure arts.

Additionally, the job outlook and the adaptability of the courses to almost any industry found in social sciences are impressive.

With almost 40 social sciences courses in all the Nigerian universities, it’s easy to say that some of these courses might be better than others in terms of prestige, general job outlook, and application in real life.

For this reason, our article will explore the best 20 social science courses Nigerian students should study.

We will also outline the benefits of studying courses in the social sciences and what the future might hold for students who decide to study any of these courses regarding employment.

What are the benefits of taking social science courses?

• Social science courses help students analyze social phenomena, evaluate different perspectives on societal issues, and develop critical thinking skills.
• Completing social science courses and majors allows students to participate in purposeful work and become thriving professionals, earning as much as $69,000 annually (PayScale, 2023).
• Graduates with social science backgrounds are well-equipped for diverse job titles in different fields, including education, research, public service, business, and non-profit organizations.

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20+ Best Social Sciences Courses In Nigeria

Below are some of the best social science courses you can enroll in. They are listed in no particular order and the selection of these courses was not based on any empirical research.

#1. History

The systematic study of anything and everything about people and historical events is known as history. As a result, while enrolled in this course, you will undoubtedly encounter numerous topics under various social science domains.

The academic field typically concentrates on science and technology, money and economics, literature and the arts, politics and government, and culture.

Since there is no one set route after graduation, history has been beset with understandable doubts in recent years regarding its applicability as a major.

A history degree or course equips students with critical thinking skills, data analysis skills, and the ability to understand change. History graduates have the opportunity to land numerous job titles, such as historian, teacher, archivist, lawyer, and journalist.

Ekiti State University is a top-notch university in Nigeria with many interesting courses for you to choose from. If you’re thinking about applying, you probably want to know what courses are available and what marks you need to get in. You can find out here.

#2. Geography

Geography enables us to study locations and their histories. It investigates how the physical characteristics of the world’s regions impact human societies and cultures and how people interact with these surroundings. Thus, physical geography and human geography are the two main subfields of geography.

Students who enroll in this course as a social science learn how human activities and societies are impacted by natural phenomena such as climate, landforms, and ecosystems.

It investigates spatial trends in human behavior, such as migration, urbanization, population distribution, and cultural landscapes. Finally, it aids in their evaluation of how human activity affects the environment and their investigation of methods for resource management and sustainable development.

Careers in geography can be found worldwide in the public and commercial sectors, as well as in governmental and non-governmental organizations and academic institutions.

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#3. Archeology

Archaeology, like history, enables us to learn about the past, starting from a million to two million years ago. To accomplish this, archaeologists examine artifacts based on the following fields of expertise.

• Bioarchaeology, the study of human remains
• Zooarchaeology, the study of animals
• Paleoethnobotany, the study of ancient plants
• Lithics, the study of stone tools

Based on your location, archaeology can be explored as a subfield of anthropology, a component of historical research, and an independent academic discipline. Studying the field may deepen your pocket of historical knowledge of every living organism, when they existed, where they lived, and how they navigated the world in their time.

#4. Political Science

“What is a political science degree?” one may wonder. As a program, it offers a thorough examination of political conduct and the structure and operation of government, linking the past and present to get us ready for future civic engagement.

Since its inception as an academic subject, it has supported and influenced political concepts and theories by using scientific study to examine political events, behavior, and culture.

When taken as a course, it can include a broad range of subjects such as the functions and branches of government, important political philosophies and ideologies, the principles of formulating public policy, and the dynamics of international politics.

In 2021, 31% of social science students majored in political science and government, 28% in economics, and 19% in sociology, among others (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023). – While this is a US-based statistic, you will agree with me that the case isn’t so different in Nigeria.

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#5. Public Administration

Generally, political science is used to classify public administration. But as a course, it teaches students about budget management, public policy, and community leadership, among other things related to public service. It also covers significant problems in public service and practical solutions for them.

Public admin also offers a broad overview of strategic planning, human resource management, and public sector organization management techniques.

It also touches on the significance of responsibility, openness, and moral decision-making.

Public administration professionals work as government officials, municipal planners, nonprofit managers, political analysts, and public health administrators.

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#6. Economics

The production, distribution, and consumption of products and services are the subjects of economic study. This field of study aids in our comprehension of historical economic patterns and occurrences to enhance the financial situation of individuals, nations, and the global community.

Economic research directs us on both our personal and societal travels by offering data-backed predictions of our future financial situation. In general, there are two subfields within economics:

• Microeconomics – the behavior of individual agents (families, firms, etc.) within the economy
• Macroeconomics – overall performance and behavior of an economy as a whole

Workers with an economics degree have found success as quantitative analysts, financial managers, and lawyers, among other profitable occupations.

#7. Psychology

Many people refer to psychology as the study of the mind and behavior. It looks at the internal and external mechanisms that set off actions. Then, established psychological information is applied to enhance human cognition and behavior, build products for improved user experiences, and better understand and treat health conditions.

Many academic institutions offer psychology as a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree program because the study has origins in the natural sciences as well.

The curriculum of the latter covers statistics and mathematics in addition to the natural sciences. It is also an option for interested students to enroll in online psychology programs and finish their degrees in psychology.

As a course and part of the social science context, psychology helps us understand how social influences affect individual behaviors, mental wellness and development, and cultural changes.

Choosing a course of study is a big decision. You want to find something that challenges you, but not something that’ll drive you crazy! Read 20+ Hardest Courses in the World to be sure.

#8. Social Work

Social work focuses on everyday issues that affect vulnerable and marginalized individuals, families, and communities. A social work degree program provides comprehensive education and training to prepare students for professional practice in various social services settings.

It encompasses a wide range of subjects including human behavior, social welfare policy, and clinical practice. Students are also often subjected to field experience requirements.

In contrast, a social work course may cover child welfare, community organizing, or mental health services. It helps students analyze social problems, design effective interventions, and understand the impact of social policies on individuals and communities.

As a profession, it is participatory in that practitioners are allowed to immerse themselves to some extent in the lives of the individuals in need of their assistance. Social work majors have landed essential jobs in many important areas of the community, such as child welfare, health care, policy and planning, and politics.

#9. Sociology

Sociology is the study of social structures and human connections, ranging from the family to society as a whole. The field of study investigates how people move within their communities and interact with one another.

The outcomes of these investigations provide us with information and direction on how to carry out our roles as contributing members of society.

Sociology dives into many topics and issues of public interest, including the following sub-branches:

• Gender and family
• Race and ethnicity
• Crime, law, and punishment
• Immigration
• Inequality and social change

As a course, it guides students to examine social structures and explore key sociological theories that understand and explain social behavior and societal changes. Those who have earned a sociology degree have found careers in different fields, such as social work, market research, and human resources. 

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#10. Anthropology

The American Anthropological Association states that anthropology is the study of what makes humans human (AAA, n.d.).

It looks at and tries to comprehend the various aspects of the human experience, such as how people have lived historically, their biology, and how they vary from other humans and animals in that they can satiate their basic requirements for survival and growth.

In addition, anthropology majors spend time learning how to use ethnographic techniques such as interviews, fieldwork, and participant observation.

As a social science course, it gives students an understanding of how humans and their ancestors evolved across time. Additionally, it gives kids the opportunity to learn about the customs, values, and social mores of many cultures.

Many graduates of anthropology programs obtain careers as researchers, professors, archivists, or museum curators. However, they can also specialize in certain areas, like linguistic, forensic, or cultural anthropology.

Are you a prospective student looking to gain admission to the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) in Nigeria? Here’s a list of courses offered in FUOYE and their cut-off mark.

#11. Accounting

Accounting is the process of recording, classifying, and summarizing financial transactions. It provides a clear picture of the financial health of your organization and its performance, which can catalyze resource management and strategic growth.

Accounting is like a powerful machine where you input raw data (figures) and get processed information (financial statements). The whole point is to give you an idea of what’s working and what’s not working so that you can fix it.

Every business needs an accountant and as long as you know your onions, there is a job with our name out there. This is why it’s on our list of the best social science courses you should study.

#12. Banking and Finance

Banking and Finance explores the dynamic, fast-paced world of money, shares, credit, and investments.

Finance is an essential part of our economy as it provides liquidity in terms of money or assets required for individuals and businesses to invest in the future.

In Nigeria, the banking industry is arguably the biggest when you don’t count the “political industry”.

New banks are opening now and then and the older banks keep getting new branches, and with new banks or branches there is a need for personnel, which makes banking and finance a lucrative course to study and at such one of the best social science courses.

However, it’s important to note that studying this course does not necessarily guarantee you a job. You will need to sharpen your skills to stand, as there are probably hundreds of other people looking for the same opportunities.

#13. Business Management/Management Sciences

Management science is the study of problem-solving and decision-making in organizations. You can think of it as applying the scientific method to management, enabling managers to make decisions for an organization and improve its performance.

So if you think you have what it takes to go down this career path, go ahead and get started with one of the best social science courses.

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#14. Entrepreneurial Studies

Entrepreneurial Studies was introduced to Nigerian universities as a General Studies Course but has become a course any student can study as a stand-alone because of its impact.

It gives you the tools you need to start or expand a business, manage a small business, lead innovation efforts in a corporate environment, or become an effective manager in a fast-growing enterprise.

With a degree, you can work as :

• Regional Marketing Specialist (North East) Moniepoint. …
• Regional Operations Lead, Africa. Binance. …
• Finance Officer. …
• BUSINESS CONTROLLER. …
• VISITING ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR/PROFESSOR OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP. …
• Lecturer. …
• Executive Assistant. …
• Support Manager (Administrative, Financial, HR, and Logistics) in Nigeria.

#15. Criminology

Criminology is the study of crime and criminal behavior, informed by principles of sociology and other non-legal fields, including psychology, economics, statistics, and anthropology.

While this course may not be seen in some public universities in Nigeria, most light federal, state, and private universities offer this course.

The career path for crimiogiest may to be boldly defined in Nigeria yet, but they can work with law enforcement or law firms to solve criminal cases or understand criminals and the reasons behind their actions.

Check out our article on the 15+ International Relations Courses in Nigeria | School and Program Types and the qualifications.

#16. Library and Information Science

Library and Information Science (LIS) is an interdisciplinary field of study that centers on the documentation that records our stories, memories, history, and knowledge.

LIS professionals serve as custodians of printed materials, records, photographs, audiovisual materials, and ephemera, in both analog and digital form.

Librarians and other information professionals collect, organize, preserve, and provide access to these materials and are the stewards of the knowledge that they contain.

While this course features one of the best social science courses, you might need to be sure what you intend to do with the degree, as there are very few libraries in the nation that can accommodate the teeming librarians.

However, if you have the intention of furthering your academics overseas, by all means, go ahead with this course.

#17. Marketing

Marketing is the activity, set of institutions, and processes for creating, communicating, delivering, and exchanging offerings that have value for customers, clients, partners, and society at large.

If you are planning on studying marketing you are on the right path, because no industry doesn’t need marketers.

However, you might need to take further training to brush yourself up on the latest marketing practices that may not be taught in a brick-and-mortar university in Nigeria.

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#18. Religious Studies

Religious studies, alternately known as the study of religion, is an academic field devoted to research into religious beliefs, behaviors, and institutions. It describes, compares, interprets, and explains religion, emphasizing systematic, historically based, and cross-cultural perspectives.

Contrary to most opinions, studying religion in a university in Nigeria does not automatically make you a pastor or a reverend as the case may be.

You’d most likely need to undergo further training in a bible or seminary school. However. studying religion will put you in a better position than your peers when it comes to bible knowledge.

#19. Mass Communication

I studied mass communication and I remember it to be the act of sending messages or information and receiving feedback through a technological process or medium, which can be broadcast, print, or the new media (social media), to a heterogenous audience scattered in space or time.

Some people may say that this course is the GOAT of social sciences, especially as it has gotten so big that some schools in Nigeri have now made it a faculty of its own.

As a graduate of this course, you can work as a journalist news anchor or an OAP or in a marketing and PR setup.

#20. Hospitality and Tourism Management

Nigeria may not have the best tourism and hospitality management industry in Africa, but what we lack in that we make up for is the number of hotels we have.

What some persons erroneously think is what defines how good your hospitality and tourism management is – I digress.

However bad this industry looks right now, there are a few establishments that have kept the flag flying in a positive light, and it’s probably because of this person that we still have an industry.

As a course, it should prepare you to manage, market, and operate restaurants and food services, lodging, attractions, recreation events, and travel-related services.

You can find this course in virtually all universities in Nigeria.

Other social sciences courses you should check out include;

• Human Resources Management
• 20. Insurance

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What is the job outlook for social science jobs?

In general, employment of social science majors is projected to increase faster than the average for most jobs in the U.S. From 2022 to 2032, there will be about 136,800 openings for life, physical, and social science occupations (BLS, 2024b). 

Specific jobs under the social sciences also merit bright employment growth throughout the same decade. For instance, financial managers are looking at an increase of 16%, management analyst positions will grow by 10%, and postsecondary teachers will gain a 4% growth (BLS, 2023). Moreover, for direct jobs resulting from the social courses mentioned above, the job outlook ranges from 1 to 11%.

In terms of occupational groups, in 2021, 20% of U.S. workers with a social science degree were employed in management positions (BLS, 2023). Meanwhile, 14% worked in business and financial operations and 10% were employed both in legal and educational instruction/library positions.

These figures suggest ample opportunities for employment and career advancement for social science majors.

If you are a Nigerian student wondering what businesses you can start with as low as 50k to help supplement the stipend you get from home, this article is for you.

What are the highest-paying jobs for social science majors?

Social science majors often wonder about the financial prospects their degrees can offer. While passion and interest in understanding human behavior, societies, and cultures drive many to these fields, knowing that lucrative career opportunities exist is equally important. Graduates can leverage their analytical, research, and communication skills across various high-paying industries.

On average, employees who end up in the life, physical, and social science industries earn an annual salary of $87,870 (BLS, 2024a). However, specific nuances depend on the actual position, employer and industry types, level of expertise, and location.

FAQs

Conclusion

As you continue to pursue academic excellence it’s important to not forget that all courses matter and that not studying any of the courses listed as the best social science courses doesn’t mean whatever course you are studying isn’t good enough.

Academics have their way of improving one’s life and leading to a fulfilling career if you give your best to your studies, and that is not limited to the best social science courses.

However, if you are still trying to apply for admissions, you might need to pause a bit, explore the pros and cons of each of these courses, and then take the leap. Good luck.

References

• research.com -Social Science Courses: 2024 Guide to Courses & Their Importance
• servantboy.com – List Of Social Science Courses In Nigerian Universities

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