Gain insight on pressing social issues by studying how groups, cultures, organizations, and institutions function by pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social science.

With University of Maryland Global Campus' bachelor's degree program in social science, you'll gain a breadth of knowledge through interdisciplinary study that encompasses perspectives from the fields of anthropology, behavioral sciences, gerontology, psychology, and sociology. You'll also have the opportunity to drill down and focus closely on one of these fields.

Students who complete this program may be eligible to reduce their total coursework for the Master of Arts in Teaching by 12 credits.

About the Social Science Bachelor's Degree

Your social science degree will help you learn to address social issues from an interdisciplinary perspective, communicate with a diverse audience, develop strong critical thinking skills, articulate the range of research methods used in the social sciences, and recognize good evidence. In addition, you'll learn to identify the implications of social science on various issues to develop policies and programs that enhance human welfare.

What You'll Learn

Through your coursework, you will learn how to

  • Integrate theoretical perspectives and research findings in the social sciences by using quantitative and qualitative data and applying social science research methods
  • Communicate effectively to a variety of audiences
  • Explain how micro- and macro-level factors are linked in the social lives of individuals, communities, and societies
  • Analyze complex social problems and work toward realistic solutions using awareness, acceptance, and appreciation of diversity, social factors, and global multicultural perspectives
  • Recognize the ethical principles and standards for professional conduct that guide the work of social scientists
  • Apply critical and creative thinking, information literacy, technology, and interdisciplinary perspectives to solve practical problems in the social sciences

Coursework Examples

In past projects, students have had the opportunity to

  • Prepare a professional research poster that could be presented at a professional conference
  • Learn about the methodologies commonly employed across different social science disciplines
  • Develop a personal plan in which goals are established for putting diversity skills into action

Social Science Bachelor's Degree Requirements

Our curriculum is designed with input from employers, industry experts, and scholars. You'll learn theories combined with real-world applications and practical skills you can apply on the job right away.

Courses in the Major

This program requires 30 credits of coursework in the major.

  • 6 credits of introductory (100-level) social science coursework, chosen from the following:
    • ANTH 102
    • GERO 100
    • PSYC 100
    • SOCY 100
  • BEHS 210
  • BEHS 220
  • BEHS 300
  • BEHS 495
  • Upper-level ANTH, BEHS, GERO, PSYC, or SOCY courses (12 credits): Focused study in anthropology, gerontology, psychology, or sociology recommended; see Degree Focus tab

Related Required Course

The following may be applied to general education or elective requirements:

  • STAT 200

Degree Focus

Choose from one of these recommended groups of classes or mix and match to align with your career goals and interests.

Anthropology Focus

  • ANTH 345
  • ANTH 346
  • ANTH 350
  • ANTH 351

Gerontology Focus

  • GERO 302
  • GERO 311
  • GERO 427
  • GERO 320

Psychology Focus

  • PSYC 321
  • PSYC 338
  • PSYC 351
  • PSYC 354

Sociology Focus

  • SOCY 313
  • SOCY 325
  • SOCY 423
  • SOCY 350

Electives

This program requires 49 credits of minor and/or elective coursework. We recommend EDTP 500 and EDTP 535 if you are qualified to take those courses and are planning to enter the Master of Arts in Teaching program. Note the prerequisites for these courses and contact an advisor before registering.

General Education Requirements

UMGC outlines the options available to fulfill the 41 credits of general education coursework for bachelor's degrees on the General Education Requirements webpage.

In addition to the major, elective, and general education courses and requirements outlined on this page, please review the overall bachelor's degree requirements.

Career Preparation

This program is designed to help prepare you for careers in policy analysis, research, program development, and management in fields that include business administration, elder care, government, health services, law enforcement, human resources, and community service.



Finance Your Education

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