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Social Studies is a group of academic disciplines dedicated to scrutinizing human behavior and how exactly people interact with one another, develop as a culture, influence the world, and behave. It generally relies on empirical data and approaches, allowing social scientists to delve deeper into how society works.
Social Sciences has five branches: Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Economics, and Anthropology. Through these disciplines, social scientists investigate the causes of unemployment, economic growth, and people’s happiness. Their findings are used to make decisions regarding educational programs, marketing strategies, urban designs, and public policies, to name a few.
Although Social Science is a relatively new field of scientific study that only became prominent in the 20th century, societies generally rely heavily on its qualitative research methodologies and interpretations. Unlike natural sciences, which study the physical world, Social Science closely examines the relationships between societies and individuals and the development of societies.
Nowadays, numerous colleges and universities offer Social Science bachelor’s degree programs. Some of the academic departments that fall under the Social Sciences category include:
- Anthropology
- Cognitive Science
- Demography
- Geography
- History
- Political Economy
- Sociology
- Psychology
- Political Science
Generally, Social Science online bachelor’s degree graduates become advertisers, psychologists, teachers, lawyers, social workers, economists, and managers. Most Social Science curricula feature core and elective courses that provide students with a foundational knowledge of human behavior, attitudes, and relationships, which are useful in business settings.
The social science field of economics is a crucial aspect of the business sector, making economists some of the most in-demand and highest-paying careers in the United States. Graduates of Social Science programs make $68,000 in annual median pay, according to recent Labor Statistics data.
Additional Resource: Best Schools with Online Bachelor’s in Political Science
Quick Summarization
An online bachelor’s degree in Social Science provides students with an interdisciplinary knowledge of society, people’s behavior, and its effects on the world. This online degree program features holistic coursework and practical hands-on learning experiences to train students to become economists, survey researchers, and psychologists.
Methodology
We put together the Best Schools with an Online Bachelor’s in Social Science in the United States. We used the following criteria, ensuring that each school or bachelor’s program has these attributes:
- Offered as an online or hybrid program with relatively affordable, provides great value for money without compromising quality,
- Delivers an extensive curriculum that shapes students to become strategic critical thinkers and problem solvers,
- Features rigorous coursework to train students to demonstrate academic strength and fully equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in this field,
- Offers financial assistance to all students, including federal student aid, grants, loans, and scholarships, to make earning a bachelor’s degree more attainable,
- Facilitated by top-notch faculty members with terminal degree holders through virtual classrooms,
- Provides students with easy access to student support services, including free library services, tutoring, mentoring, career advice, and internship placement,
- Fully accredited by renowned accrediting bodies, including the AACSB Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.
For details, visit our Methodology page.
University of Washington
The University of Washington offers a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Social Sciences degree. Students are taught the fundamentals of understanding the functions of complex groups and societies and how they change and interact. By studying Social Science, undergraduates can develop an interest that will change their lives forever, as this bachelor’s program will provide them with knowledge and skills that will help them easily adapt to the careers of tomorrow.
Social Studies students will become adept at learning and taking advantage of technology using state-of-the-art learning tools. At the end of the program, they will be able to develop their technical and analytical abilities and demonstrate their academic accomplishments once they start applying for work.
The University of Washington has gained an impressive reputation over the years. Aside from that, it has ranked among the best online colleges offering a bachelor’s Liberal Studies program and the best online bachelor’s in Social Science. This ensures that students are guaranteed the online degree they earn is the same as the one offered on campus.
Some of the degree requirements for the University of Washington’s BA in Integrated Social Sciences include:
- Race, Gender, and Sexuality in the Media
- Anthropology of Gender, Women’s Health, and Reproduction
- Introduction to Public Speaking
- Communication, Cities, and Sustainability
- Comparative Media Systems
University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida’s online Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences degree program teaches learners to delve deep into the amazing world of human societies and relationships. It is designed to provide adult students with a flexible degree that they can tailor to suit their specific needs and interests.
Studying Social Sciences allows students to gain a robust understanding of research methods and statistics while enhancing their analytical and critical thinking skills. They can choose a minor in communication, anthropology, women’s and gender studies, sociology, psychology, and political science. As a result, Social Sciences graduates of UCF will have the confidence and competence to enter various fields, including social work, human resources, journalism, and politics.
Through this online degree program, undergraduates will gain a solid knowledge of various social phenomena, including cultural practices, human behavior, political processes, societal structures, and economic systems.
They explore complex social issues from various angles, helping them develop a holistic understanding of human society. Plus, they develop valuable skills in problem-solving, data interpretation, and critical thinking, which are all required in many professional contexts.
Course requirements for UCF’s BS in Social Sciences include:
- GIS Methods in Anthropology
- Communication Research Methods
- Scope and Methods of Political Science
Troy University
Those who want to prepare for a career that understands and contributes to society meaningfully should enroll in Troy University’s Bachelor of Science in Social Science. This program can be taken online or on campus.
Troy University’s Social Science major program will prepare students to use technology, creative and critical thinking, and an interdisciplinary perspective to solve complex problems in the future. They will learn how to identify improvements, recommend appropriate solutions, and analyze societal issues using data analysis and statistics. They will be taught how to communicate effectively and assess individual and community needs.
As they begin to have the ability to analyze complex social problems, they will learn to work toward providing practical solutions using acceptance, appreciation, and awareness of social factors and global multicultural perspectives.
Social Science students will need to choose classes from various disciplines, including:
- Anthropology
- Geography
- Sociology
- Psychology
- History
- Economics
- Political Science
As for the areas of concentration, Social Science majors can choose from the following:
- Leadership
- Geography
- General Social Science
BS in Social Science majors at Troy University can take advantage of its accelerated law option program. Through the university’s partnership with Thomas Goode Jones and Cumberland Schools of Law, students can complete their bachelor’s and Juris Doctor degrees in only six years.
Once they reach their junior year, students will be allowed to apply to law school with the condition that they meet the GPA and LSAT score requirements. After completing their first year of law school, the student’s GPA will be evaluated again to determine whether they should be given a bachelor’s degree from Troy.
Below are some of the general studies requirements for Troy University’s BS in Social Science majors:
- Introduction to Social Science
- Fundamentals of Geographical Information and Analysis
- Social Science Theory
- Social Science Statistics
- Research Methods in the Social Sciences
Washington State University
Washington State University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences program. This online degree program lets students customize their degrees to fit their schedules and other commitments, allowing them to earn a bachelor’s degree at their own pace.
This degree is a student-centered program emphasizing studying the world through social science lenses. Students in this program can choose an area of concentration, study various disciplines, and take advantage of the university’s generous transfer credit policy.
Through WSU’s Social Sciences program, students develop marketable skills that are highly in demand by most employers. These include analytical, critical thinking, communication, and cultural awareness and sensitivity, which will open many doors to various career paths, including business, education, government, law enforcement, social services, and public service. Moreover, this program would be an excellent step toward graduate studies.
Concentrations for this online degree program include:
- Anthropology
- Administrative Studies
- Communication
- Comparative Ethnic Studies
- Criminal Justice
- Economic Sciences
- History
- Human Development
- Political Science
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Women’s Studies
The following are some of WSU’s BA in Social Sciences course requirements:
- Inquiry in the Biological Sciences
- Non-Written Communication
- Inquiry in the Physical Sciences
- Inquiry in the Social Sciences
- Inquiry into Global Cultural Diversity
Kansas State University
The online Bachelor of Science in Social Science at Kansas State University offers an interdisciplinary program that scrutinizes society’s institutions and how human behavior affects and is affected by them.
This flexible program allows students to build their program of study from four of the nine social science disciplines: Anthropology, Economics, Geography, History, Mass Communications, Psychology, Political Science, Sexuality Studies, and Sociology. Students interested in this program can use 45 credit hours of electives toward an individualized program.
BS in Social Science majors will be more than prepared to take on various jobs, including community service manager, case manager, childcare program director, business and training specialist, claims assistant, manager, loan processor, crisis shelter personnel, public relations personnel, youth counselor, and research investigator.
KSU’s BS in Social Science program curriculum includes courses in Fine Arts, Philosophy, Western Heritage, Physical Science, and Natural Sciences department, among others.
California State University Chico
Primarily, California State University Chico’s online Bachelor of Arts in Social Science is designed to train social scientists who will study the interrelationships of individuals and groups within society. This program also provides students with a solid background that allows them to develop a sensitivity to the way people relate with one another.
CSU Chico’s Social Science program provides undergraduates with various educational opportunities, both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary. For the multidisciplinary studies option, students get to explore the main currents of the world, learn basic facts and concepts, and acquire geographic literacy. This option is also for those seeking a California teaching credential in Social Science, as it meets the Subject Matter Competence for the pre-credential program.
On the other hand, the specialized studies option is for those looking to work with social organizations, such as college and high school advising or career placement, or those who want to acquire social science knowledge and skills for careers that cross traditional academic boundaries.
The BA in Social Science program at CSU Chico offers the following concentration areas:
- Anthropology
- Child Development
- Career and Life Planning
- Community Organizing for Social Change
- Family Relations
- Gerontology
- Environmental Planning
University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland Global Campus’ Bachelor of Science in Social Science degree helps learners develop interdisciplinary professional skills. It prepares undergraduate students for successful careers or a graduate degree.
Through an online Bachelor in Social Science degree from UMGC, students will gain perspectives from various fields, including anthropology, behavioral sciences, psychology, sociology, and gerontology. They get to dig deep and focus on various fields to advance their professional experience. Its curriculum combines theories with real-world applications and practical skills and is designed with input from industry experts, scholars, and employers.
One of the major plus points of this Social Science program from UMGC is that its coursework is drawn from the professional experience and expertise of the university’s well-respected faculty. Through the program’s coursework, students can gain transferable knowledge and skills to assess how quantitative and qualitative methods are being used in social science research.
They will be able to effectively communicate research findings and various concepts to a wide variety of audiences. They will be able to investigate the link between micro and macro-level factors and people’s lives and communities.
At UMGC, Social Science majors evaluate complex issues using technology, theoretical approaches, and critical thinking skills. They analyze research using ethical standards and principles for professional conduct. Plus, they examine real problems by applying diversity concepts and global multicultural perspectives.
Those enrolled in UMGC’s Social Science degree program will be asked to take these courses:
- Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
- Introduction to Sociology
- World Prehistory and Archaeology
- Gender and Aging
- Psychosocial Aspects of Aging
University of Maine at Augusta
The University of Maine at Augusta’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Science program trains students to study, understand, and use the many different contexts that affect people’s lives and societies.
Studying Social Science at UMA means students learn about theories that explain why the world works the way it does. They also get to test theories by observing the world and determining whether it works exactly the way theories suggest.
They gain various skills in social research by studying different techniques, including experiments and surveys. They get to analyze using hard numbers and in-depth qualitative field notes and use opportunities for applied research in topics such as climate change community study, policy scholarship, social media analytics, and social network analysis.
Social Science majors will gain the ability to analyze the value of information with a critical eye and develop new knowledge about the world around us. They will learn many different disciplines, various ways of knowing, and a broad range of courses. Because of this, UMA’s Social Science degree is perfect for those looking for a flexible program that fits their needs.
Through UMA’s BA in Social Science, students will learn to identify conceptual elements, theories’ scopes and limitations, and the ethical implications of such theories. They will be able to articulate the historical and ongoing development of different theories and compare, contrast, and critique them. They will also be able to showcase their knowledge and skills in research terminology, ethics, and methods.
Below are some of the courses included in UMA’s BA in Social Science curriculum:
- Introduction to Social Sciences
- College Writing
- Introduction to Computing
- Introduction to Literature
- Race, Class, Gender and Sexuality: American Culture
University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas has a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Social Science Studies that emphasizes different social science disciplines structure and advance knowledge, deal with various theories within specific fields, and ask and answer analytical questions.
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Social Science Studies program focuses on developing critical awareness of various methodologies applied to the common questions about human subjectivity, social interactions, and society.
Students will work closely with their advisers to develop a study program that meets the required competencies in their chosen area of focus. Moreover, the program features a capstone in the final semester to demonstrate the incorporation of their chosen area of focus into a paper, project, or presentation.
By the end of the program, students determine the knowledge and procedures of the social sciences, write lucidly and analytically, and describe and apply various research methods. Aside from that, they synthesize the findings and protocols of at least two disciplines into a research and analysis plan. Plus, they will know how to communicate the principal findings of a synthesized research plan, either in oral or written form.
This program and university are accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU).
These are some of the course requirements for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Social Science BA:
- Critical Thinking and Reasoning
- Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies
- Interdisciplinary Inquiry
New York University
With New York University’s Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences program, students will be trained to become well-rounded individuals adept in thinking creatively and critically, solving problems, and having an in-depth understanding of the world and its complexities. This empowers students to pursue career paths across various fields, including management, law, government, education, social work, economics, finance, and psychology.
NYU’s BA in Social Sciences degree offers a comprehensive liberal arts education with 11 concentrations. This means that this degree will add great value to the graduates’ resumes, indicating the valuable knowledge, skills, and intellectual curiosity to start and advance their careers and enrich their lives.
This Social Science program offers 11 concentrations to choose from. These include:
- Anthropology
- Economics
- History
- International Studies
- Media Studies
- Organizational Behavior and Change
- Politics
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Sustainability
- Urbanism
Before students can choose an area of concentration, they must complete a series of foundation courses within the Social Sciences major. The area of concentration a student chooses will determine the combination of required courses and elected humanities and social sciences courses that will make up the foundation curriculum of the major.
Some of the course requirements for NYU’s BA in Social Sciences include:
- American Politics
- The Global Economy
- International Relations
- Intro to Psychology
- Understanding Media
Roger Williams University
The web-based Bachelor of General Studies in Social Science degree at Roger Williams University prepares students for various careers, including social work, administration, business, marketing, and more. This degree focuses on providing a strong liberal arts education and developing marketable skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, analytical, and writing skills.
Through RWU’s BGS in Social Science, students develop an understanding of various topics, ranging from culture to politics. They will gain transferable skills, such as teamwork, interpersonal, oral and written communication, analytical, technical, problem-solving, organization, and critical thinking. The program will also allow students to consider their professional goals, interests, and personalities.
The following courses are included in RWU’s BGS in Social Science program:
- How Writing Works
- Critical Writing for the Professions
- Mathematics in the Modern World
- Effective Speaking Across Audiences
This program is offered online, in-person, or hybrid to suit students’ needs and interests. Students can utilize individualized support, financial aid options, and accelerated paths. Students can consult with a Resource Specialist to learn more about the university’s transfer credit policy and how to apply earned credits to the general education requirements.
Great Basin College
The online Bachelor of Arts Social Science program offered by Great Basin College emphasizes these core social science disciplines: Anthropology, History, Political Science, and Psychology. Courses within these areas help provide students with foundational knowledge and hone marketable critical thinking and communication skills.
Through this program, students will develop a skill set that can be useful in various professional careers or graduate studies. These include careers in archaeology, counseling, education, environmental consultation, higher education, and human resources. This Social Science program graduates can also successfully enter graduate studies in education, law, library science, social work, and sociology.
All course requirements and capstone classes for GBC’s BA in Social Science can be taken online to allow students to fit their education into their schedules and achieve their personal and professional pursuits. Because of the program’s accessibility, affordability, and student diversity, its interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary perspective has also increased.
These are some of the upper-division core course requirements for GBC’s BA in Social Science program:
- Origins of Inequality
- Environmental Policy
- Public Opinion and Political Behavior
- American Environmental History
- Globalization
Portland State University
Portland State University’s online Bachelor of Arts in Social Science degree program helps students relate to others in an ever-increasingly multicultural, polarized, and diverse society. This program also challenges students to be more aware of what’s happening in the world, know their role, and think critically about how the world can be better.
Through this BA in Social Science program, undergraduates will develop fundamental knowledge of the world around us and in-demand skills that will prepare them to make an impact on various careers, including public speaking, critical reasoning, research and analysis, creative problem-solving, writing and presentation, and environmental consciousness.
Additionally, course requirements will provide them with a strong knowledge and appreciation of the different perspectives on modern social issues through multiple disciplines, such as child and family studies, anthropology, history, indigenous nations studies, political science, psychology, international studies, urban studies and planning, systems science, and women, gender, and sexuality studies.
Classes for this program will be online and facilitated by the same instructors who teach on-campus students. It features online coursework in the university’s recognized University Studies program. Students can tailor their major to suit their needs and professional goals.
California State University, San Bernardino
California State University, San Bernardino’s College of Extended and Global Education offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences degree, a degree completion program. It is designed to provide students with a multidisciplinary insight into the social sciences and help develop their understanding of their chosen discipline.
Social Sciences majors can choose a primary concentration in Economics, Geography, Psychology, Political Science, and Sociology to supplement its core curriculum that combines social sciences and history education.
Those who complete this online degree program will be well prepared to apply for a Single Subject Teaching Credential program within Social Sciences. Students interested in teaching must pass 2 California pre-credential exams and coursework to be admitted into a Teaching Credential Program.
Course requirements for the BA in Social Sciences offered by the California State University, San Bernardino, include:
- Global Issues and Perspectives
- Revolutions and Revolutionary Ideas
- Perspectives on Gender
- Expository Writing for the Social Sciences
- Introduction to Sociology
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An undergraduate degree concentration is crucial when pursuing a bachelor’s degree. This is because it can have a major impact on both the student’s academic and professional paths. Picking the right area of concentration allows students to boost their earnings, explore other passions, and advance in their careers in the future.
So, how to choose the best concentration for a bachelor’s in Social Science?
Do diligent research on coursework and career outcomes.
The first step a student needs to take is to identify and articulate their specific academic and professional goals. They need to look closely into the curriculum offered by the program they are interested in. It’s best to browse each area of emphasis, including course requirements, career outlooks, and learning outcomes.
Evaluate one’s strengths, interests, and experiences.
A student’s strengths, interests, and experiences can serve as guides when choosing a concentration. They need to ask themselves questions that will help identify their aptitudes, capabilities, and skills, as well as the challenges they may face. Past experiences can also be a good basis for effectively making sound decisions.
Additionally, students can consider subject areas they have enjoyed or passions that will drive them to excel in a particular field. This may include anthropology, economics, communication, history, psychology, or political science.
Ask peers and experts for practical advice.
Most colleges and universities offer student support services that can help students create a study plan that suits their interests, needs, and goals. Students should take advantage of these to get valuable insights from professionals. They can get guidance on course selection and the subject area they are considering.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to the Labor Statistics data, the median annual salary for life, physical, and social science-related occupations is roughly $74,330.
Below are the median annual wages for the following occupations that graduates with Social Science degrees can successfully enter:
- Anthropologists and Archaeologists – $63,940
- Economists – $113,940
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians – $48,380
- Geographers – $88,900
- Geoscientists – $87,480
- Historians – $64,540
- Political Scientists – $128,020
- Psychologists – $85,330
- Sociologists – $98,590
- Urban and Regional Planners – $79,540
- Survey Researchers – $60,410
Many Social Science graduates go on to pursue graduate studies in anthropology, political science, sociology, and other disciplines. This leads to gaining a new skill set that will provide graduates with more opportunities. This is especially true for those who want to venture into other careers and have a broad range of humanities and social sciences interests.
Each college or university has varied credit requirements to complete undergraduate online degree programs in Social Science. Students must complete 180 total credit hours at Portland State University, while Roger Williams University only requires 120 credits.
Key Points to Ponder
- An online bachelor’s in Social Science prepares students for various careers, including finance, economics, marketing, business, social work, and more.
- An online bachelor’s in Social Science provides students with a robust liberal arts education and develops their critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Choosing an area of concentration within the Social Science major helps strengthen a student’s understanding of a particular discipline, opening more doors of opportunities upon graduation.
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