With University of Maryland Global Campus's Bachelor of Science in social science program, 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.

These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2021–2022 academic year. For prior year academic requirements, visit our catalog archive.

About the Social Science Bachelor's Degree

What You'll Learn

Through your coursework, you will learn how to

  • Analyze how quantitative and qualitative methods are used in social science research
  • Communicate social science concepts and research findings effectively to a variety of audiences
  • Examine how micro- and macro-level factors are linked in the social lives of individuals, communities, and societies
  • Analyze complex social issues using theoretical approaches, critical thinking skills, information literacy, technology, or interdisciplinary perspectives
  • Evaluate social science research using ethical principles and standards for professional conduct
  • Apply concepts of diversity, social factors, and global multicultural perspectives to examine practical problems in the workplace and society

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

Total Credits Required: 120

Required Major Courses

  • 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

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.

Recommended Course Sequence

This is our recommended course sequence to progress through this program. This sequence incorporates course prerequisites and program requirements but does not list course alternatives that may be available. You may take multiple courses simultaneously, up to your course load limit. You cannot take a prerequisite with its subsequent course during the same session. Your plan will be unique and dependent on multiple factors, including the number of credits you transfer to this program.

Contact an advisor if you any questions about this plan, course alternatives, or your course load limit.

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

Learn about ways to meet, manage, and lower your education costs.