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