Human Services professional leads a support group session.

Imagine a world where criminals are free to roam the streets unpoliced, jail cells go unguarded, individuals with mental health needs have nowhere and no one to turn to, and children within the social services system, or victims of crime, are left with no advocates in their corner. 

No, this isn’t the plot of the latest dystopian Hollywood blockbuster.  It is a realistic look at what society could look like without social sciences professionals.  That’s right, social science.  What exactly does that mean?  We’re glad you asked.

Graduates with social science degrees (at Baker College, that includes psychology, criminal justice and human services), pursue careers that help individuals, support their communities and are integral to maintaining a safe and healthy society at large.  Career paths may include law enforcement, corrections, case work, child advocacy, victim advocacy, and more.

Kristina Marshall, Baker College program director of social sciences in Owosso and Flint, and department chair of human services, is working hard to combat social sciences’ “awareness” challenges when it comes to recruiting new students and future professionals.

“People may not fully understand what social science professionals do, but they sure would notice if they weren’t doing it,” she says.  “For those that are passionate about giving back, and want to make a difference, impact lives, add value to their communities and help address bigger-picture societal issues, the social sciences may be exactly where you belong.”

With this blog, we shine a light on all of the unsung heroes of the social science professions, and those working hard to become them.    

If you’re interested in learning more about Baker’s College of Social Science, or career opportunities in the social science fields, visit our College of Social Science program page.