Social Sciences, General

Also known as: Social Studies, Interdisciplinary Social Science, Humanities and Social Sciences (General Track), Liberal Arts with Social Science Focus

You will delve into the complexities of human behavior, societies, and institutions, exploring diverse perspectives from disciplines like sociology, psychology, political science, and anthropology. This program focuses on developing your critical thinking, research, and analytical skills to understand and address pressing global and local social issues. You'll learn to interpret data, evaluate theories, and propose solutions for societal challenges, preparing you to contribute meaningfully to various fields.

Social SciencesResearchAnalysisCommunity DevelopmentHuman ServicesPsychologyPolitical ScienceManagementData Analysis

A Week as a Student

Your alarm pulls you up for an 8 AM Intro to Sociology lecture, examining social structures and inequalities. Later, a Principles of Psychology seminar delves into cognitive biases, sparking a lively debate among your peers. You grab a quick lunch before heading to the library, sifting through academic articles for your upcoming research paper on group dynamics. A friend texts; you meet for coffee, discussing classes and weekend plans. You end the day reviewing notes, preparing for tomorrow's Cultural Anthropology reading assignment.

High School Preparation

Required Subjects

English/LiteratureAlgebra I/IIUS HistoryWorld HistoryGovernment/CivicsPsychology or Sociology (elective)

Recommended GPA

3.0-3.5+

Advanced Courses (AP/IB/Honors)

AP US History
AP European History
AP Psychology
AP Government and Politics (US/Comparative)
IB Social and Cultural Anthropology
Honors Sociology

Recommended Activities

Debate Club or Model UN
Student Government
Volunteer work with non-profits or community organizations
School newspaper or yearbook
Peer tutoring or mentoring
Participation in a research project

Application Essay Topics

Discuss a significant social issue in your community and propose a solution, drawing on social science perspectives.
How has a historical event or cultural phenomenon influenced your understanding of society and human behavior?
Reflect on a time you encountered a differing social or political viewpoint and how it challenged or affirmed your own beliefs.
Describe a personal experience that ignited your interest in understanding societal structures or human interactions.

Alternative Path

You can often begin your journey at a community college, earning an Associate of Arts (AA) degree with a focus on general studies or social sciences. These credits are typically transferable to a four-year university, allowing you to seamlessly continue your Bachelor's degree without starting over.

Core Subjects

Click on "i" to learn more about each subject

Career Prospects

Growing Study Prospects

Graduates find roles in various sectors, including government agencies (e.g., policy analysis, social services), non-profit organizations (e.g., program management, advocacy), education (e.g., teaching, academic advising), human resources, market research, and public relations. You could work as a Research Assistant, Community Organizer, Policy Analyst, or Program Coordinator, applying your analytical and critical thinking skills.

Impact of AI on this Study

AI is increasingly transforming social science research, enabling large-scale data analysis, sentiment analysis of texts, and predictive modeling of social trends. You will learn to utilize AI tools for qualitative and quantitative research, understand the ethical implications of AI in society, and critically analyze how AI shapes human behavior and social structures, preparing you for an AI-integrated world.