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.
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.
What You'll Learn
Through your coursework, you will learn how to
Coursework Examples
In past projects, students have had the opportunity to