Latest List of SSCI-Indexed Journals

Last Updated March 2024

Have you ever wondered how to discover the most influential research within the social sciences? Whether you’re exploring fields such as anthropology, economics, sociology, or law, one resource stands out as a global standard for social science literature: the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI). Created by the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI)—the same organization that developed the Science Citation Index (SCI)—SSCI offers an extensive citation database that helps researchers evaluate and track social science research trends worldwide.

Fast-Tracking Your Research in Social Sciences: A Guide to High-Impact SSCI Journals

When it comes to publishing research in the social sciences, selecting the right journal can significantly enhance your academic visibility and impact. Comprehensive journals, which cover a broad spectrum of topics, are ideal platforms for researchers looking to share their work quickly. In this post, we explore some of the top journals in fields like education, sports, economics, and more, known for their fast-track publication processes and high-impact factors. These journals not only offer a wide range of research topics but also ensure efficient editorial workflows, helping you get your research published with minimal delays.

Education Journals

Education research is a diverse field, and there are several high-impact journals that cater to a broad range of topics, from educational theories to practical teaching strategies. Here are some comprehensive journals in the education domain with efficient publishing workflows:

• Educational Researcher
  • Impact Factor (IF): 5.4
  • Recommended For: Publishing articles with broad relevance to education research, including topic articles, reviews, and papers.
  • Why It’s Great: As a top-tier journal with a high impact factor, it’s ideal for those looking to contribute significant findings in education. It’s highly regarded for its quick editorial process.
• Studies in Higher Education
  • Impact Factor (IF): 3.7
  • Recommended For: Research articles addressing issues in higher education from disciplinary or multidisciplinary perspectives.
  • Why It’s Great: This journal consistently attracts quality submissions and has a quick turnaround time for reviews, making it a strong option for academics in the field.
• Educational Review
  • Impact Factor (IF): 3.1
  • Recommended For: Research in educational psychology, philosophy, sociology, and comparative education.
  • Why It’s Great: With a moderate impact factor and efficient review processes, this journal is a good choice for educators wanting to publish in a well-respected, multidisciplinary outlet.

Sports Journals

Sports science is a rapidly growing field, with several journals offering quick acceptance rates and solid reputations. Here are a few you might consider:

• Psychology of Sport and Exercise
  • Impact Factor (IF): 3.1
  • Recommended For: Research focusing on the psychological aspects of sports and exercise.
  • Why It’s Great: Despite being in a competitive field, this journal offers both Open Access and subscription options and maintains a good reputation within the community. It's relatively quick and easy to publish in.
• Kinesiology
  • Impact Factor (IF): 0.9
  • Recommended For: Research in kinesiology and physical education.
  • Why It’s Great: Known for its incredibly fast review process (around a month) and high acceptance rate (90%), this journal is a fantastic choice for those in the sports sciences field.
• Sport in Society
  • Impact Factor (IF): 1.5
  • Recommended For: Articles covering the sociocultural aspects of sports.
  • Why It’s Great: This journal is incredibly approachable for submissions and offers a quick review process, making it an excellent option for early-career researchers or those looking to publish quickly.

Economics Journals

In the field of economics, some journals stand out for their solid reputation and efficiency in publishing research. Here are a few to consider:

• Journal of Economics
  • Impact Factor (IF): 1.6
  • Recommended For: General economic research.
  • Why It’s Great: The journal has a quick review process, averaging four months from submission to acceptance, and offers a relatively low bar for entry, making it an ideal option for those looking to publish without excessive hurdles.
• Resources Policy
  • Impact Factor (IF): 10.2
  • Recommended For: Economic and environmental policy research.
  • Why It’s Great: With a high impact factor and an increasing reputation, Resources Policy is a solid journal with fast acceptance rates and an option for non-Open Access submissions.
• Energy Economics
  • Impact Factor (IF): 12.8
  • Recommended For: Research in energy economics.
  • Why It’s Great: Known for its thorough peer review process and high acceptance rate, Energy Economics is a prestigious journal that still offers relatively quick publication times.

Asian Studies Journals

For those researching Asian cultures and societies, there are several journals that provide a great balance of accessibility and impact. Here are a few that provide fast-track publication options:

• Journal of Southeast Asian Studies
  • Impact Factor (IF): 0.4
  • Recommended For: Research on Southeast Asia.
  • Why It’s Great: Despite being a niche journal, it’s relatively easy to get published in this journal, which has no publication fees and a low-risk submission process.
• Inter-Asia Cultural Studies
  • Impact Factor (IF): 0.3
  • Recommended For: Interdisciplinary cultural research with an emphasis on Asian studies.
  • Why It’s Great: With a focus on cross-disciplinary research and a moderate acceptance rate, this journal is a great option for those looking to contribute to the growing field of cultural studies in Asia.

Linguistics Journals

Linguistics is another area with a range of journals that accept papers on a variety of topics, from multilingualism to pragmatics. Here are some options for fast-track publication:

• Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development
  • Impact Factor (IF): 2.7
  • Recommended For: Research on multilingualism and multicultural development.
  • Why It’s Great: With a broad scope and no publication fees, this journal is a great choice for those working in the linguistics and cultural development fields.
• Language Policy
  • Impact Factor (IF): 1.4
  • Recommended For: Studies on language policies around the world.
  • Why It’s Great: A new addition to the SSCI, this journal offers a relatively fast review process, making it a great option for those looking to get their work out there quickly.

Key Takeaways for Fast-Tracking Your Academic Publication

1. Impact Factor and Speed: High-impact journals with efficient editorial processes are key to getting your research out there faster. Look for journals with both a good reputation and quick review cycles.
2. Journal Scope: Comprehensive journals across various disciplines give you the flexibility to submit diverse types of research. Be sure to target journals that align with your work to increase your chances of acceptance.
3. Open Access vs Subscription: Consider whether an Open Access journal or a subscription-based journal best suits your needs. Open Access journals often have higher visibility, while subscription-based ones may have faster publishing processes.
4. Global Reach: Many of the journals discussed have a strong international presence, ensuring your work can reach a global audience. Always consider the journal's reach to ensure your research gets the visibility it deserves.

Choosing the right journal is critical to speeding up your academic journey. By focusing on journals that offer fast-track publication options and aligning with your research field, you can ensure your work gets the attention it deserves quickly and efficiently.