Online Degree in Social Sciences
The Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences program examines the basic nature and evolution of human society around the world and over time. Through interdisciplinary study in anthropology, political science, psychology, and sociology, and by employing a full range of research methods and comparative perspectives, students gain essential analytical, interpretive, communication, and research skills that can be applied to complex problems and issues.
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Graduates will be prepared to:
- Explain how individual identity and society-level constructs of gender, race, class and culture are mutually constructed
- Apply the insights of various social science disciplines to analyze the behavior and beliefs of individuals and groups
- Analyze how various disciplines in the social sciences explain social problems, social change, and the ways that individuals and groups vary from one another
- Demonstrate proficiency in the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods to answer questions and inform problem solving
- Apply critical and creative thinking, information literacy, and interdisciplinary perspectives to analyze and evaluate proposed solutions for practical problems in the social sciences
To prepare graduates for diverse career paths in a range of fields, the Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences program offers an interdisciplinary and customizable curriculum. Students complete eight core courses and choose a major concentration in Law and Policy, Health, Science, and Society, or Social Justice. Social Sciences students also select an elective certificate comprised of four courses from outside of the major.
The Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences degree requires 45 units total, including the major core, concentration, and elective certificate courses, as well as writing and foundational disciplines requirements, and elective courses.
Core Courses
Complete All Eight
- SOC SCI 211-DL Human Cultures and the World
- POLI SCI 250-DL Introduction to Comparative Politics
- PSYCH 110-DL Introduction to Psychology
- SOCIOL 201-DL Social Inequality: Race, Class, and Power
- SOCIOL 288-DL Institutions and Society
- SOCIOL 303-DL Analysis and Interpretation of Social Data
- SOC SCI 389-DL Qualitative Research in the Social Sciences
- SOC SCI 398-DL Social Science Capstone
Major Concentrations
Choose one
Elective Certificates
Choose one
Elective certificates provide students with the opportunity to build skills in a wide range of areas to meet career objectives and earn a stand-alone credential to demonstrate expertise in the professional arena.
Degree Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences
Writing & Foundational Disciplines | Major | Electives | Total |
---|---|---|---|
Writing: 2 units Foundational Disciplines: 12 units |
Core courses: 8 units Concentration: 4 units |
Certificate courses: 4 units Other electives: 15 units |
45 units |
To earn the Bachelor of Science degree, students complete a total of 45 units, including a writing requirement, a foundational disciplines requirement, and the major core, concentration, and elective certificate requirements, and electives.
Two writing courses (ENGLISH 111 and 205) and courses in three foundational disciplines—humanities, scientific inquiry and quantitative reasoning, and social sciences—are required. Two courses in the foundational disciplines requirement apply perspectives on power, justice, and equity: one course focused within the United States and one course focused globally. A philosophy course on professional ethics is also required.
See detailed Bachelor of Science degree requirements.
More about the Online Social Sciences Degree
Online Social Sciences Degree Admission & Transfer Policy
Application to Northwestern University School of Professional Studies bachelor's degree programs is completed online. Once admitted, many students create a shorter path to degree completion by applying transfer credit. View detailed application instructions and transfer credit policies on the Admission & Transfer Policy page.
Online Social Sciences Degree Tuition & Financial Aid
The School of Professional Studies offers competitive tuition rates for undergraduate courses. The Tuition & Financial Aid page lists current per-course tuition rates in addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Online Registration for Social Sciences Degree
Registration for courses opens 8 to 10 weeks before each quarter and is accessed CAESAR, Northwestern's online student records system. View course registration timelines and instructions on the Registration Information page.