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 2020–2021 academic year. Read this year's program catalog to see our recommended course sequence for this program. For prior year academic requirements, visit our catalog archive.
About the Social Science Bachelor's Degree
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: 30
- Minor and Elective Courses: 49
- General Education Courses: 41
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
Vertical Pathway
Through a vertical pathway, students who complete this program may be eligible to reduce their total coursework for a Master of Arts in Teaching.
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.
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.
Facts & Figures
Source: Social Science Careers | 2014
Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce | "Recovery: Job Growth and Education Requirements Through 2020" | 2013
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | "Earning and Unemployment Rates by Educational Attainment" | 2016
Student Clubs and Organizations
Type: Honor society
Available To: Undergraduate
Pi Gamma Mu is the international honor society that recognizes outstanding scholarship in the social sciences at UMGC. Students interested in anthropology, criminal justice, economics, gerontology, history, political science, social psychology, sociology, and women's studies may qualify for membership. The society recently named UMGC's Maryland Theta chapter to its Roll of Distinction, the highest honor that the society grants. Winner of the 2020 UMGC Student Organization Awards Best in Show Activities and Events Award!
Type: Honor society
Available To: Undergraduate
Sigma Phi Omega is a national academic honor and professional society in gerontology. It was established in 1980 to recognize excellence among students studying gerontology and aging and to acknowledge the outstanding service of professionals who work with or on behalf of older persons. The society provides a much-needed link between educators, practitioners, and administrators in various settings where older persons are served. Sigma Phi Omega seeks to promote scholarship, professionalism, friendship, and services to older persons and to recognize exemplary attainment in gerontology and aging studies and related fields.
Type: Student organization
Available To: Undergraduate and Graduate
The Behavioral and Social Science Student Association provides its members with information and resources on careers in social science-related fields. Events and activities include guest speakers speakers in the field, discussions on making an impact in one's own community, and sharing research opportunities.
Awards & Recognition
About the Faculty
Our world-class faculty members combine academic credentials with a wealth of experience in the field.
Faculty members in this program hold or have recently held positions including
- Demographer
- Director of advancement
- Nonprofit executive director
- Statistician
- Social science researcher
Our faculty work or have worked at organizations including
- AARP
- National Institute on Aging
- National Institutes of Health
- Planned Parenthood
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- U.S. Army
- Westat
- YMCA
Featured Faculty

Katherine Im
Program Chair, Sociology, Behavioral Sciences, and Gerontology, and Collegiate Associate Professor
What You'll Learn
Through your coursework, you will learn how to
Coursework Examples
In past projects, students have had the opportunity to