Social Sciences

Social Sciences, Policy & Business: Translating Your Major Into Career Readiness

The skills you develop through your major extend far beyond the classroom. Research projects, internships, field experiences, presentations, data analysis, community engagement, leadership roles, and collaborative work all help you build the competencies employers value most. As you prepare your résumé, review the NACE Career Competencies and identify examples from your coursework and experiences that demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and impact.

Anthropology & Archaeology

Anthropology & Archaeology students explore human cultures, societies, and behaviors through research, fieldwork, experiential learning, and community engagement. The department emphasizes contemporary issues such as social justice, environmental sustainability, cultural heritage, and applied research, while providing opportunities for archaeological field schools, museum studies, study abroad, and collaborative projects. Graduates develop strong research, analytical, writing, and presentation skills that prepare them for careers in government, nonprofits, museums, cultural resource management, public health, international development, law, journalism, and advocacy. [washcoll.edu], [catalog.washcoll.edu]

Career Competencies Often Demonstrated:

• Critical Thinking
• Equity & Inclusion
• Communication
• Career & Self-Development
• Professionalism

Business Management

The Business Management program approaches business as an active liberal art grounded in ethics, social responsibility, and leadership. Students gain practical experience through internships, faculty research, study abroad, experiential projects, and participation in programs such as the student-managed investment fund. Coursework develops skills in finance, marketing, management, strategy, data analysis, teamwork, and organizational leadership. Graduates pursue careers in business, finance, consulting, accounting, marketing, government, law, and nonprofit organizations. [washcoll.edu], [washcoll.edu]

Career Competencies Often Demonstrated:

• Leadership
• Communication
• Professionalism
• Critical Thinking
• Technology

Communication & Media Studies

Communication and Media Studies prepares students to become effective communicators, media creators, critical thinkers, and storytellers. Students develop strengths in public speaking, persuasive writing, project management, media literacy, research, leadership, and multimedia production. These highly transferable skills support careers in marketing, public relations, journalism, media production, nonprofit work, advocacy, government, and corporate communications. [washcoll.edu]

Career Competencies Often Demonstrated:

• Communication
• Leadership
• Teamwork
• Technology
• Critical Thinking

Economics

Economics students examine how decisions, policies, and markets influence individuals, businesses, governments, and societies. Through coursework in economic theory, data analysis, mathematical modeling, and policy evaluation, students develop strong quantitative and analytical skills. The major provides excellent preparation for careers in finance, consulting, business, public policy, government, law, research, international affairs, and graduate study. [washcoll.edu], [washcoll.edu], [catalog.washcoll.edu]

Career Competencies Often Demonstrated:

• Critical Thinking
• Technology
• Communication
• Professionalism
• Leadership

Education

Education Studies combines the liberal arts with practical field experiences that help students understand how people learn and develop. Students engage in classroom observations, internships, independent research, and partnerships with schools and community organizations. Whether pursuing teaching, educational leadership, counseling, nonprofit work, youth development, or public service, graduates leave with strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills. [washcoll.edu], [washcoll.edu]

Career Competencies Often Demonstrated:

• Communication
• Leadership
• Equity & Inclusion
• Teamwork
• Career & Self-Development

History

History majors learn to analyze evidence, conduct research, interpret complex information, and communicate compelling arguments. Through archival work, internships, independent research, museum experiences, and the Senior Capstone Experience, students develop skills applicable to numerous professions. Graduates pursue careers in law, government, education, public history, museums, archives, journalism, publishing, business, and nonprofit organizations. [washcoll.edu], [washcoll.edu], [catalog.washcoll.edu]

Career Competencies Often Demonstrated:

• Critical Thinking
• Communication
• Career & Self-Development
• Leadership
• Professionalism

Political Science

Political Science students study political institutions, public policy, international relations, political thought, and government systems. Experiential learning is central to the program, with opportunities to participate in research, advocacy projects, simulations, internships, conferences, study abroad experiences, and public affairs programming. These experiences prepare graduates for careers in law, public policy, government service, international affairs, nonprofit leadership, advocacy, and political consulting. [washcoll.edu], [washcoll.edu]

Career Competencies Often Demonstrated:

• Leadership
• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Equity & Inclusion
• Professionalism

Sociology

Sociology students examine how social systems, institutions, and inequalities influence individual and group behavior. Through research methods, statistical analysis, policy studies, internships, and community-based projects, students develop the ability to analyze complex social issues and create evidence-based solutions. Graduates pursue careers in social services, public health, law, criminal justice, human resources, nonprofit management, research, education, and public policy. [washcoll.edu], [washcoll.edu], [catalog.washcoll.edu]

Career Competencies Often Demonstrated:

• Equity & Inclusion
• Critical Thinking
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Career & Self-Development

Connecting Your Major to Your Résumé

As you review the NACE Career Competencies, consider how your coursework, internships, research, campus leadership, athletics, volunteer experiences, student employment, and community involvement demonstrate these skills. Employers want to understand not only what you studied, but how you applied your education to solve problems, lead projects, work with others, analyze information, and make meaningful contributions. Identifying these examples will help you create stronger résumés, more compelling cover letters, and more confident interview responses.