How F&M Does Social Sciences

Social sciences study the human-made world: how people interact, how we build social institutions and how our lives are affected by larger patterns of inequality and opportunity. Subjects like anthropology, history, sociology, economics, government, and more are part of the social sciences.

Social sciences study the human-made world: how people interact, how we build social institutions and how our lives are affected by larger patterns of inequality and opportunity. Subjects like anthropology, history, sociology, economics, government, public health, public policy, business, organizations and society and more are considered part of the social sciences.

The way we teach the social sciences at F&M shapes minds, builds curiosity, launches careers and has an impact on students for a lifetime.

Working side-by-side with deeply engaged faculty on innovative social research projects — whether it be interviewing urban migrants on a study abroad program in Latin America, discovering long-neglected aspects of Lancaster’s history in local archives, designing a survey on people’s health practices or investigating your own ideas about educational reform, you’ll develop a specialized understanding of societies and the human impact on our world.

Excavation Site by J Rojas '23

Out-of-the-Classroom Learning

When you study social sciences at F&M, you’ll have opportunities to go beyond the classroom and step into the societies you’re studying. You can put what you’ve learned to practice through field study and research opportunities, internships and more. Social sciences students have engaged in research projects in F&M’s home city of Lancaster, as well as Spain, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand.

Explore experiential learning at F&M

Careers in the Social Sciences

After graduating from F&M, many of our students pursue advanced degrees in a variety of social science disciplines at leading programs around the world. Other students leverage the skills they've gained from the sciences — analyzing, writing, collaborating with others, and critical thought among others — and find success in careers in business, healthcare, medicine, social work, law, government, international relations, education and more.

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See Social Sciences at F&M in Action

May 7, 2024

Student Explores Food in Italian Slow-Food Culture

Franklin & Marshall College senior Jonathan Izzo combined his twin passions for his family’s Italian heritage and for sustainable food systems to cap his academic career.

May 6, 2024

Five Facts About Jason Cone ’99, Commencement Speaker

Get to know Jason Cone ’99, chief public policy officer of Robin Hood and former U.S. executive director of Doctors Without Borders.

May 1, 2024

Chilamo Taylor ’24 Forges Unique Path to Japan

How did football and fashion lead Franklin & Marshall senior Chilamo Taylor to a prestigious postgraduate fellowship in Japan? Learn more about his upcoming Princeton in Asia fellowship.