Social Sciences, General

Overview

Programs in general social sciences teach people about human behavior.

Students learn about global issues, history, and urban affairs. They also learn how to do social research.

Social sciences programs include topics such as:

U.S. and world history
Sociology
Political Science
Geography
Economics
Psychology
Communication
Statistics and research methodology

Independent study is common in social science programs. This means that students can decide which courses to take, depending on their interests. For example, if they're interested in population issues, they could take courses in demography and global economics.

Schools

Community colleges and other two-year schools offer associate degree programs in social sciences. An associate degree usually takes two years to complete. After earning an associate degree students can transfer to a college or university for further study.

Many colleges and universities offer bachelor's degrees in social sciences. A bachelor's degree usually takes about four years of full-time study.

Most schools do not offer graduate degrees in social sciences. Instead, graduate degrees are offered in specific disciplines, such as history, sociology, economics, psychology, and political science. There are some universities that offer graduate degrees in social sciences. A master's degree typically requires two years of study beyond a bachelor's degree. Doctoral (PhD) degree programs usually require two or more years of study beyond the master's degree.

See schools that offer this program.

Related Educational Programs

Related Careers

Careers to Consider

Program Admission

You can prepare for this program by taking courses in high school that prepare you for college. This typically includes four years of English, three years of math, three years of social studies, and two years of science. Some colleges also require two years of a second language.

Below is a list of high school courses that will help prepare you for this program of study:

Advanced English Composition courses
Advanced U.S. History courses
Anthropology
Economics
Political Science
Probability and Statistics
Sociology

Typical Course Work

Program Courses

This undergraduate program typically includes courses in the following subjects:

American Political Theory
Comparative Religions
Contemporary Social Problems
General Psychology
Government and Politics
The Individual and Society
International Relations
Introduction to Sociology
Principles of Economics
Research Methodology
Statistics
US History
World Geography
World History

Things to Know

Many people who study social sciences also become certified to teach at the high school level.

Programs in social science can be used as preparation for future study in a specific social science. It also is a good background for graduate study in law, business, public policy, criminal justice, or social work.