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Online Bachelor's Degree

Social Science

Social Science
Bachelor of Science
AT A GLANCE
  • 120 credits
  • Transfer up to 90 credits
  • All courses available online
  • Select hybrid courses available
TUITION
  • $318 per credit (in-state)
  • $499 per credit (out-of-state)
  • $250 per credit (military)
  • Other fees may apply
Apply Now

Study how cultures, organizations, and institutions function in our online social science degree program.

With an online bachelor’s degree in social science from University of Maryland Global Campus, you'll gain perspectives from the fields of anthropology, the behavioral sciences, gerontology, psychology, and sociology. You'll also have the opportunity to drill down and focus on one of these fields to advance your professional experience. The curriculum, designed with input from employers, industry experts, and scholars, combines theories with real-world applications and practical skills.

Total Credits Required: 120

Required Major Courses: 30 Credits

  • 6 credits of introductory (100-level) social science coursework, chosen from the following:
    • (3 Credits, ANTH 102)
    • (3 Credits, GERO 100)
    • (3 Credits, PSYC 100)
    • (3 Credits, SOCY 100)
  • (3 Credits, BEHS 210)
  • (3 Credits, BEHS 220) or (3 Credits, BEHS 250)
  • (3 Credits, BEHS 300)
  • (3 Credits, BEHS 495)
  • Upper-level ANTH, BEHS, GERO, PSYC, or SOCY courses (12 credits): Focused study in anthropology, gerontology, psychology, or sociology recommended

Related Required Course

The following may be applied to general education or elective requirements:

  • (3 Credits, STAT 200)

Degree Focus

To align with the 12-credit upper-level requirement listed above, we recommend you choose from one of the following groups of classes below to align with your career interests:

Anthropology Focus

  • (3 Credits, ANTH 345)
  • (3 Credits, ANTH 346)
  • (3 Credits, ANTH 350)
  • (3 Credits, ANTH 351)

Gerontology Focus

  • (3 Credits, GERO 302)
  • (3 Credits, GERO 311)
  • (3 Credits, GERO 427)
  • (3 Credits, GERO 320)

Psychology Focus

  • (3 Credits, PSYC 338)
  • (3 Credits, PSYC 354)
  • (3 Credits, PSYC 386)
  • (3 Credits, PSYC 437)

Sociology Focus

  • (3 Credits, SOCY 313)
  • (3 Credits, SOCY 325)
  • (3 Credits, SOCY 423)
  • (3 Credits, SOCY 350)

General Education Courses: 41 Credits

Review the options available to fulfill the 41 credits of general education coursework for bachelor's degrees.

Minor and Elective Courses: 49 Credits

Review a list of available academic minors or see the course catalog or Schedule of Classes to help you select elective courses.

Sequence Course Requirement(s) Fulfilled
1 (3 Credits, PACE 111S) General Education: Research & Computing Literacy
2 (1 Credit, LIBS 150) General Education: Research & Computing Literacy
3 (3 Credits, WRTG 111) General Education: Communication
4 (3 Credits, CMST 301) General Education: Research & Computing Literacy
5 (3 Credits, NUTR 100) General Education: Biological & Physical Sciences
6 Choose the course that aligns with your degree focus:
Anthropology: (3 Credits, ANTH 102)
Gerontology: (3 Credits, GERO 100)
Psychology: (3 Credits, PSYC 100)
Sociology: (3 Credits, SOCY 100)
Major
7 (3 Credits, SPCH 100) General Education: Communication
8 (3 Credits, STAT 200) General Education: Math; Major
9 (3 Credits, WRTG 112) General Education: Communication
10 (3 Credits, SOCY 100) Major
11 (3 Credits, HUMN 100) General Education: Arts & Humanities
12 (4 Credits, BIOL 103) General Education: Biological & Physical Sciences
13 (3 Credits, BEHS 103) General Education: Behavioral & Social Sciences
14 (3 Credits, ARTH 334) General Education: Arts & Humanities
15 3-credit elective course Elective
16 (3 Credits, ECON 103) General Education: Behavioral & Social Sciences
17 (3 Credits, BEHS 210) Major
18 3-credit elective course Elective
19 (3 Credits, BEHS 220) or (3 Credits, BEHS 250) Major
20 3-credit elective course Elective
21 (3 Credits, BEHS 300) Major
22 3-credit elective course Elective
23 Choose the course that aligns with your degree focus:
Anthropology: (3 Credits, ANTH 345)
Gerontology: (3 Credits, GERO 302)
Psychology: (3 Credits, PSYC 338)
Sociology: (3 Credits, SOCY 313)
Major
24 (3 Credits, WRTG 391) General Education: Communication
25 3-credit elective course Elective
26 Choose the course that aligns with your degree focus:
Anthropology: (3 Credits, ANTH 346)
Gerontology: (3 Credits, GERO 311)
Psychology: (3 Credits, PSYC 354)
Sociology: (3 Credits, SOCY 325)
Major
27 3-credit elective course Elective
28 3-credit elective course Elective
29 Choose the course that aligns with your degree focus:
Anthropology: (3 Credits, ANTH 350)
Gerontology: (3 Credits, GERO 427)
Psychology: ((3 Credits, PSYC 386)
Sociology: (3 Credits, SOCY 423)
Major
30 3-credit elective course Elective
31 3-credit elective course Elective
32 Choose the course that aligns with your degree focus:
Anthropology: (3 Credits, ANTH 351)
Gerontology: (3 Credits, GERO 320)
Psychology: (3 Credits, PSYC 437)
Sociology: (3 Credits, SOCY 350)
Major
33 3-credit elective course Elective
34 3-credit elective course Elective
35 3-credit elective course Elective
36 3-credit elective course Elective
37 3-credit elective course Elective
38 3-credit elective course Elective
39 3-credit elective course Elective
40 (3 Credits, BEHS 495) Major
41 (1 Credit, CAPL 398A) Elective

Accelerated Pathway

Through an accelerated pathway, students who complete this program may be eligible to reduce their total coursework for a Master of Arts in Teaching by up to 12 credits.

Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2023–2024 academic year. For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

In addition to the specific course requirements outlined on each bachelor’s degree webpage, UMGC maintains certain requirements for all bachelor’s degrees.

Program Highlights

Develop skills and gain knowledge through coursework that draws from the expertise and experience of our respected faculty.

Industry Snapshot

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.

Jiannela Z. (left), Rutherford, NJ

4/5
Employers
Four out of five employers agree that all students should acquire broad knowledge in the liberal arts and sciences.
Source: Association of American Colleges and Universities | "Liberal Arts Graduates and Employment: Setting the Record Straight" | 2014

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Student Organizations

Sigma Phi Omega (Gerontology & Aging Services)

Sigma Phi Omega recognizes excellence among students studying gerontology and aging, and acknowledges the outstanding service of professionals who work with or on behalf of older persons. The society provides a link between educators, practitioners, and administrators in various settings. It is available to undergraduate students. To be eligible, you must be in at least your second term of enrollment at UMGC, have completed a minimum of 12 credits, and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.3. Membership is open to undergraduate students majoring or minoring in gerontology and aging services, social science majors focusing on gerontology, and students in related fields with an interest in aging. For more information, please email spo@umgc.edu

Behavioral & Social Science Student Association

The Behavioral and Social Science Student Association provides resources on careers in social science-related fields. Activities have included guest speakers, discussions on making an impact in your community, and sharing research opportunities. It is available to students, alumni, staff, and faculty. Students and alumni can join the Behavioral and Social Science Student Association group on CareerQuest.

Contact Us

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