Social science is a branch of science that studies human society and the relationships among individuals within those societies. Social scientists use scientific principles to analyze social systems, draw conclusions, and implement strategies towards affecting change or swaying opinion in a given population. The term "social science" encompasses a wide array of academic disciplines, including anthropology, archaeology, economics, human geography, linguistics, management science, communication science, political science, psychology, social work, and sociology. Social scientists study how societies work, exploring everything from the triggers of economic growth and the causes of unemployment to what makes people happy. Their findings inform public policies, education programs, urban design, marketing strategies, and many other endeavors.

Social scientists hold an indispensable place in a number of industries, from government agencies that analyze socio-economic trends to businesses that assess their target demographics. They may work as advertisers, economists, psychologists, teachers, managers, social workers, and more. Social scientists may work alone or as part of a research team, and they may be required to travel to particular sites and conduct research with populations around the globe. They usually have regular hours, but some may do fieldwork.

To become a social scientist, one needs a strong foundation in both the humanities and the sciences. Education and training requirements vary depending on the specific field of social science, but most social scientists have at least a bachelors degree in their field of study. Some social scientists advance to top-level research and administrative positions, and advancement often depends on the number and quality of publications.