In UMGC’s 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.

This program is also available as a minor.

About the Social Science Bachelor's Degree

Your social science coursework 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.

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

Two introductory (100-level) social science courses (6)—Chosen from the following:

  • ANTH 102
  • GERO 100
  • PSYC 100
  • SOCY 100

Required Courses:

  • BEHS 210
  • BEHS 220
  • BEHS 300
  • BEHS 495

Upper-level ANTH, BEHS, GERO, PSYC, and SOCY courses (12 credits)—Focused study in anthropology, gerontology, psychology, or sociology recommended, as follows:

Anthropology

  • ANTH 345
  • ANTH 346
  • ANTH 350
  • ANTH 351

Gerontology

  • GERO 302
  • GERO 311
  • GERO 427
  • GERO 320

Psychology

  • PSYC 321
  • PSYC 338
  • PSYC 351
  • PSYC 354

Sociology

  • SOCY 313
  • SOCY 325
  • SOCY 423
  • SOCY 350

Electives

The bachelor's degree in social science requires 49 credits of minor and/or elective coursework.

General Education Requirements

Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may require you to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Consult an advisor whenever taking advantage of other options. See information on alternate courses (where allowable) to fulfill general education requirements (in communications, arts and humanities, behavioral and social sciences, biological and physical sciences, mathematics, and interdisciplinary issues).

Research and Computer Literacy Courses

  • PACE 111M
    or PACE 111S
    or other PACE 111 course
    (to be taken in first 6 credits)
  • LIBS 150
    or CAPL 398A
    or other general education elective
  • IFSM 201
    or CMST 301
    or another computing course appropriate to the academic major

Communications Courses

  • WRTG 111
    or WRTG 291
    or other writing course
  • WRTG 112
  • SPCH 100
    or other communication, writing, or speech course
  • WRTG 394
    or other advanced upper-level writing course

Math Course

  • STAT 200
    or other 3-credit approved math or statistics course

Arts and Humanities Courses

  • HIST 142
    or HIST 157
    or other arts and humanities course
  • ARTH 204
    or foreign language course or other arts and humanities course

Behavioral and Social Science Courses

  • ECON 201
    or other behavioral and social science course
  • GVPT 170
    or other behavioral and social science course

Biological and Physical Sciences Courses

  • BIOL 101
    and BIOL 102
    or other paired science lecture and laboratory courses
  • NUTR 100
    or BIOL 160
    or other science lecture course


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