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. 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

  • 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

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

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

Top 15
UMGC's Bachelor of Arts in Social Science was ranked in the top 15 most affordable online social science degree programs

Source: Social Science Careers | 2014

19%
growth predicted in social science jobs by 2020

Source: Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce | "Recovery: Job Growth and Education Requirements Through 2020" | 2013

$$$
a bachelor's degree increases your earning potential

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | "Earning and Unemployment Rates by Educational Attainment" | 2016

Student Clubs and Organizations

  • Pi Gamma Mu

    • 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!

  • Sigma Phi Omega

    • 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.

  • Behavioral and Social Science Student Association

    • 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

  • Top 15 Most Affordable Online Social Science Degree Programs | Social Science Careers | 2014

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