Social Sciences Jobs in the Federal Government

Job Profiles

Here are examples of recent job openings. Explore more and apply now at USA Jobs.

Economist

Salary Range: $28,620 - $62,086 per year
Duty Locations: Washington, D.C.
Job Summary: The Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) promotes a better understanding of the U.S. economy by providing the most timely, relevant, and accurate economic accounts data in an objective and cost-effective manner. BEA is one of the world's leading statistical agencies, and produces some of the most closely watched economic statistics that influence the decisions made by government officials, business people, households, and individuals.
Major Duties: Serve as an entry level economist working on segments of larger projects designed to provide experience and familiarity with work of the organization. Analyze data using tables, charts, etc. developed from statistical software packages. The incumbent will receive further training in the detailed study, planning, collection and compilation of data from primary or secondary sources, preparation of preliminary interpretive reports; and use of computer applications in economic research.

Public Affairs Specialist

Salary Range: $35,452- $46,088 per year
Duty Locations: Vienna, VA
Job Summary: Become part of the team that safeguards the financial system from the abuses of financial crime. Financial Crimes Enforcement Network is at the forefront in preventing and detecting terrorist financing, money laundering, and other financial crime. Serve at the nation’s financial intelligence unit and protect the U.S. financial system from criminals and terrorist financiers.
Major Duties: Involved in communications about the activities of FinCEN with the general public, the media, governmental agencies, and a variety of specialized audiences, both domestic and international; participates in a variety of communication activities, such as individual and group briefings, web site interchanges, use of print media, broadcasting, and taping, among others. Participates with senior specialists in developing communication approaches and in planning and implementing communication activities.

Examples of Internships

Full-time research internships at the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Behavioral Science Unit (BSU) allow undergraduate and graduate students to assist in research, analysis and reporting of data from various projects ranging from hate crimes to counterterrorism. Applicants should be at least in their junior year of college, and students majoring in criminal justice or a related field, such as sociology or psychology, are preferred. Interns receive hands-on experience in areas such as crime analysis and researching criminal behavior.
http://www.fbi.gov/employment/academy.htm

Participants in the Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) summer internship program receive exposure to the budget process and policymaking at the federal level. The CBO is the agency that provides Congress with the analyses needed for economic and budgetary decisions. Interns work in areas as varied as health care, the environment, budget and tax policy and education. Internships are typically 10 weeks long and include a stipend based on academic level and work experience. http://www.cbo.gov/employment/intern.cfm

Jobs by the Numbers

Number of Social Sciences Positions by Field

Field	Number of Full-time and Permanent (FTP) Positions
Social Insurance Administration	28,506
Intelligence	7,753
Social Science	7,352
Foreign Affairs	5,309
Social Work	4,985
Economist	4,668
Psychology	3,234

Source: Fedscope 03/05

Percentage of Social Sciences Positions by Region

social science jobs

Source: Fedscope 12/06

Number of Social Sciences Positions by Agency

Agency	FTP Social Sciences Positions
Social Security Administration	28,344
Department of Defense	9,604
Department of Veterans Affairs	7,911
Department of Justice	5,636
Department of Health and Human Services	3,689
Department of State	2,509
Department of Labor	1,895
Department of Agriculture	1,704
Department of the Interior	1,263
Department of Homeland Security	1,054
Department of Commerce	708
Department of Treasury	523