Best Online Bachelor's in Social Science Programs

To develop a definitive list of the best online bachelor's degrees in social science, Study.com analyzed data from the United States Department of Education using a comprehensive ranking methodology. With a special focus on affordability and accessibility, we have taken into account factors such as tuition, support for online students, and career resources, among others. If you are a prospective online college student with an interest in social science, this list is an excellent way to learn more about the diverse options in this field.

1. The University of West Florida

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$5,776	31%	46%	90%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

Topping our list is the University of West Florida, in Pensacola, FL, which is home to a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences Community Education degree that emphasizes the training needed to work with students in non-traditional educational arenas, primarily in areas of extreme poverty. Students can explore collaboration and service-learning practices while establishing a foundation in diversity to better understand and meet the needs of children of all cultures, languages and locations. This fully online program features 16-week courses, including a capstone seminar and high-impact practicums and seminars that encourage collaboration with fellow students on service-learning based projects. The University of West Florida also scored major points thanks to its affordability: the typical tuition for online students here is half the average for undergraduate programs in Florida.

2. Brandman University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$12,440	89%	60%	89%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

Irvine, CA's, Brandman University, landed on our list because its cutting-edge Bachelor of Arts in Spatial Social Sciences equips students with up-to-date analytical tools to develop marketable skills. Students get the training they need to put these tools to work creating policy solutions and understanding human and societal motivation. Prospective students can take the unique Brandman Track, a 12-unit prep program that offers an alternative path to admission for any prospective undergraduate student.

3. Central Washington University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,273	85%	58%	90%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

We loved the non-traditional approach to social sciences Central Washington University offers with its online Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies - Social Sciences. This standout program in Ellensburg, WA provides students with the freedom to choose their own courses from disciplines as disparate as geography, political science and American Indian Studies. Here's the beauty of this approach -- it equips students with the skills to take on a huge range of careers and approach them with a fresh perspective.

4. University of Hawaii-West Oahu

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7,584	84%	28%	73%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The West Oahu-based University of Hawaii campus offers three unique online specializations in its Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences program: early childhood education, psychology, and political science. The university stands out for its commitment to online student success - offering students a variety of features like online library services, tutoring support and Handy HelpWall, a social media-like tool that helps online students get assistance and stay connected. These support services aren't just empty promises, either -- students rave about the help they got through online peer mentors and personal relationships with professors.

5. Valley City State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7,707	76%	50%	98%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

At Valley City State University, in Valley City, ND, students can find an online B.A. or B.S. in Social Science that prepares them for a wide variety of careers and work settings. Students explore human communication, history, Native American studies, and government, among other diverse topics while earning this versatile degree. This well-regarded public college encourages students in the social science program to pursue internships (including at the Barnes County Historical Museum) and acquire the practical experience needed to succeed in this field. Students here rave about the customizable curriculum and the personal attention they received from professors.

6. Pennsylvania State University-World Campus

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$13,988	76%	71%	%	No	Yes	AP Credits

Penn State World Campus, based in University Park, PA, offers a flexible approach to learning in its online Bachelor of Science in Integrated Social Sciences. We appreciated the well-rounded curriculum here: students are taught communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that can benefit them in a variety of careers while exploring topics in human behavior, relationships, anthropology, and institutions. Students get the added benefit of interaction with their peers through discussion boards and group projects, along with the expertise of Penn State's esteemed College of the Liberal Arts faculty who lead the online courses.

7. Eastern Oregon University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,084	98%	27%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

Eastern Oregon University in La Grande offers several choices when it comes to studying social science. The university is home to four diverse social science programs offered in a fully online format: B.S./B.A. in Anthropology and Sociology, B.S./B.A. in History, B.S./B.A. in Politics and Economics, and a B.S./B.A. in Public Administration. These programs allow students to select divergent paths, but all offer foundational skills in writing, research, critical thinking, and an interdisciplinary perspective. Online social science students here have the security of a strong support team throughout their time in the program, featuring tuition planners, a transcript team, academic advisors and more.

8. University of North Dakota

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,736	81%	61%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

In Grand Forks, ND, online students can forge their own path in the fully customizable Bachelor of Arts in Social Science offered at the University of North Dakota. The university lets students select courses in common areas like sociology, geography, history, or communication or choose a directed study path in economic and political science studies or health and human services. This online program encourages practical learning through internships and has led graduates to careers in organizations like Wells Fargo, AFLAC, and UnitedHealth Group.

9. Southern New Hampshire University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$3,1136	88%	44%	77%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

Southern New Hampshire University, in Manchester, NH, is home to a robust array of social science bachelor's degrees, spanning in-demand topics from anthropology to geosciences to sociology. Available in fully online formats, these degrees expose students to a systems-based analysis of current social issues, while providing the tools needed to grasp the human behavior and social group traits that make up modern day society. Social science degrees at Southern New Hampshire University are Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degrees and include the subjects of political science, psychology, environmental science, community health education, criminal justice, human services, and business.

10. Troy University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,908	88%	47%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

Located in Troy, AL, Troy University provides social science students with customizable options for earning their bachelor's degree in social science. Students can choose from a general social science major or add concentrations in leadership or geography. Individuals who want to pursue teaching careers can select the general social science major and add a second major in education. The university also offers the state's first accelerated law option that can be added to the social science major, allowing students to complete their bachelor's and J.D. in six years.

11. University of Alaska Southeast

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8,484	61%	26%	75%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

Juneau, AK's, University of Alaska Southeast offers an interdisciplinary B.A. in Social Science in a fully online format. Students create their educational path by selecting a primary focus and two secondary topics of study from the program's five concentrations in sociology, psychology, anthropology, history, and political science. This university stands out for its online cohort model that encourages student interaction and its focus on helping students meet career goals - students in the social science program can expect to create writing portfolios and acquire problem solving and analytical methods that can be put to work immediately after graduation.

12. University of Central Florida

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6,368	44%	72%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

At the University of Central Florida, in Orlando, the fully online B.S. in Social Sciences is flexible and customizable to students' career and educational goals. Students get fundamental education in statistical and research methods before selecting a minor in a key social science field, such as gender studies, political science, anthropology, or communication. Online students at this university benefit from the numerous services available to them, including an online coach who guides students through the entire program, as well as online libraries, academic advisors, and IT support.

13. North Carolina Central University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$6,534	68%	49%	93%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

Durham, NC-based North Carolina Central University offers a unique Bachelor of Science in Behavioral and Social Sciences program designed with adult learners in mind. This program is one of two options in the university's End Zone Initiative, which offers adult learners college credits for previous coursework to accelerate learning, helping students complete their degree plan, graduate, and get into their selected social science careers faster. This interdisciplinary program covers critical areas of social dynamics, public speaking, and psychology to give students the flexible skills they need to pursue careers in a global environment.

14. Kansas State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$10,800	95%	65%	88%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE / NCCRS Credits

Kansas State University, in Manhattan, KS, is a highly ranked university with outstanding programs available in both on-campus and online formats, including the fully online Bachelor's in Social Science, which features an interdisciplinary educational approach. The university offers nine social science disciplines, and students can combine four of those options into an individualized degree plan to meet career goals. This program also stands out on our list because of the flat-rate tuition and incredible variety of support services it offers to online students, which touch on all aspects of student life, from social and emotional support to academic and career planning assistance.

15. Southeast Missouri State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7,800	86%	50%	96%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

Based in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast State University has a lot to offer students in its fully online Bachelor of Arts in Social Science program. This degree can be customized to meet students' career goals, with six unique concentration options. Students benefit from flexible course schedules, ranging from 4- to 16-week course lengths; all of these courses are led by the same social science professionals who teach on campus. Alumni of this program point to the well-rounded courses and foundational tools provided in the classroom as factors in their success in the job market. In fact, alumni have found positions with such well-known companies as Boeing and Nestle Purina or with government agencies like the U.S. Secret Service and Missouri House of Representatives.

16. University of Southern Maine

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,226	81%	40%	97%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

University of Southern Maine in Portland, ME, is home to a flexible online Bachelor of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences program. Students can customize their courses in this program to meet career goals or choose from a variety of specializations, minors, and certificates for individualized study. This program stood out for us because of how it supports students -- there are writing tutors, one-on-one career advisors, peer coaches, career advisors and technology assistants dedicated to helping online students succeed.

17. California State University-Chico

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7,806	72%	67%	76%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

The Chico campus of California State University offers a fully online Bachelor of Arts in Social Science with options to specialize. Students can choose the multidisciplinary studies option for a wider perspective on the field of social sciences or get more customized study through the sociology or career and life planning specialization options. Online students benefit from the numerous social science scholarships available here, including an alumni scholarship. This program stands out for its teacher licensing prep - the courses in the curriculum prepare students to take the CSET teacher credential exam upon graduation.

18. University of Nevada-Las Vegas

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$8171	81%	45%	92%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Science Studies at the Las Vegas-based University of Nevada offers students the opportunity to explore various methodologies for the study of society and social interaction. Students can choose a specific focus for their degree plan and wrap up their degree by participating in a capstone project that showcases their knowledge of social science areas like gender, anthropology, history or sociology. The expert faculty who lead this program are active researchers and well-published in key areas of social science.

19. Great Basin College

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$3,248	No Available Data (2019-2020)	42%	72%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

Known for offering one of the most affordable online programs in the nation, Great Basin College, in Elko, NV, is home to a fully online, flexible Bachelor of Arts in Social Science. This program boasts a diverse student enrollment that enriches the online experience by offering a multicultural viewpoint. After completing this broad-based, multidisciplinary program, graduates have found careers in archaeology, education, and environmental consultation or have been promoted into higher positions in federal agencies or non-profit organizations.

20. Washington State University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11,841	76%	60%	89%	Yes	Yes	AP / ACE Credits

Washington State University's Global Campus features a standout, highly customizable Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences. Current and former students point to the program's commitment to student success - including student mentors and professors - as a key reason for earning this degree. Students appreciate the sheer variety of options available to them, with 12 concentrations to choose from, including women's studies, anthropology, comparative ethnic studies, and political science. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University's social science program features top-level professors with broad experience in the diverse social science subjects offered here.

21. University of Washington-Seattle Campus

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$11,465	52%	84%	57%	Yes	Yes	AP Credits

The University of Washington in Seattle boasts an affordable and flexible online Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Social Sciences. Offered in accelerated full- or part-time formats, this degree can be earned in as little as one to two years, with tuition rates among the lowest of online social sciences programs across the nation. The bachelor's program combines a multitude of social science disciplines and emphasizes critical thinking and communication skills while incorporating cutting-edge technology and current issues to provide a rich academic experience.

22. Franklin University

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$9,577	No Available Data (2019-2020)	28%	96%	No	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

Cutting-edge research techniques, real-world experiences, and a fully customizable degree plan are just some of the pluses of Franklin University's online B.S. in Social Sciences. Students in this program get the benefit of a multidisciplinary educational approach coupled with a capstone that lets them put their classroom knowledge into action. This broad-based program covers key areas of social sciences, such as anthropology, business, and sociology, providing students with a well-rounded education to pursue a variety of careers.

23. Dominican College of Blauvelt

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$29,844	78%	47%	100%	Yes	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences at Dominican College encourages students to become resourceful and effective global citizens by acquiring skills in civic responsibility, problem-solving, and communication. Online students in the social science program have access to an academic advisor from start to finish and can also enjoy other campus resources like the library and career counseling. This Orangeburg, NY-based college caught our eye partly because it boasts a generous transfer policy - up to 90 credits - and a low tuition rate.

24. SUNY Empire State College

Tuition	Acceptance Rate	Graduation Rate	Financial Aid %	Placement Services	Career Services	Accepts
$7,605	No Available Data (2019-2020)	25%	89%	No	Yes	AP / NCCRS Credits

Based in Saratoga Springs, NY, SUNY Empire State College is home to one of the most unique social sciences programs in the country. Students are in control of their degrees here - and can choose from a wealth of specialization topics to create an individualized degree program. Some past examples of social science degrees that students have created at this college include a B.A. in Global Studies, B.A. in Individual and Society, B.S. in Law and Society, and a B.A. in Sociology. Students get to work with faculty mentors to plan their degrees and are well-equipped with the critical thinking, analytical, and research skills needed to work in areas like social ministry, policy structure, law, or government agencies.

To get a more in-depth look at our school ranking methodology, please visit Study.com's ranking methodology page.

'Tuition information is based on published tuition and required fees, per data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Online bachelor's social science degree programs typically include 120 credits of general education courses, core requirements, and electives and may be deliverable fully remotely or in a hybrid curriculum of both digital and in-person coursework. To utilize important online learning tools, such as email communications, forums, assignments, exams, and video instruction, students should have regular access to a computer and the internet.

Students pursuing an online bachelor's degree in social science will usually receive a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS).

Because social science degree programs tend to be multidisciplinary and comprise wide-ranging topics, many curriculums encourage students to concentrate in one or more of the social science branches or niche subject areas.

Bachelor-level social science concentrations usually vary at each school, but students may have the opportunity to specialize in the following study tracks:

• Sociology
• Criminal Justice
• Anthropology
• Psychology
• Economic Sciences
• Political Science
• Social Welfare

Bachelor-level social science curriculums tend to be rather interdisciplinary and students often have the opportunity to take a wide range of courses that investigate different cultures, histories, and societal foundations. Students in bachelor's degree programs usually complete their general education requirements within the first two years of their progran, with the second half of their curriculums devoted to social science core topics and electives.

Variations of the following course titles are usually available in social science bachelor's degree curriculums:

• Introduction to Statistics
• Research Methods in Social Science
• Introduction to Sociology
• Diversity Studies
• Linguistic Anthropology
• Social Psychology

Introduction to Sociology

This course aims to provide an introduction to sociological concepts and perspectives found within the field of sociology. Generally, students may utilize research methodologies to study different social behaviors. Other course discussions tend to include topics in culture, behavior patterns, nonconformity, hierarchies, and societies.

Linguistic Anthropology

This course aims to provide a study of how languages originated and have evolved over time. Students typically explore the different aspects of verbal and nonverbal communication, linguistic families, dialects, and the ways in which language has influenced and been influenced by various cultures.

Social Psychology

This course is designed for students to examine several facets of social influences on human behaviors, including but not limited to aggression, discrimination, selflessness, and attraction. Students may also investigate why certain behaviors and attitudes transpire and how individual and group behaviors may be interrelated.

Online social science bachelor's degree programs typically take about four years to complete. However, there are several factors that may further determine program durations. For example, whether a student is enrolled as part-time or full-time, if summer courses are offered, or if students are required or choose to fulfill other program criteria to earn their degrees (e.g., minors, seminars, internships, study abroad, etc.).

Depending on the program, students may be able to enroll in an accelerated degree program or dual degree program in which they may graduate with a master's degree. For full-time students, dual or accelerated degree programs may take longer than the average four-year bachelor's degree, but less time than a master's degree.

In order to receive federal financial aid, scholarships, grants, or, in some cases, gainful employment, students typically must be enrolled in an accredited school or program by a nationally recognized accrediting agency. Colleges are usually granted accreditation for providing an vetted curriculum, exemplary instruction, and several academic and professional resources to their students.

Social science programs usually do not receive specialized program accreditation; however, some psychology programs, particularly at the graduate level, may be accredited through the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS). Although general social science programs may not attain specific program accreditations, students should still ensure their colleges and universities are accredited through other accrediting organizations, such as the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Additionally, online programs and schools may receive accreditation through the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC).

Students seeking more information about different accreditations may visit their college's website or search the U.S. Department of Education's database of accredited colleges and universities.

Students who wish to enroll in a college or university for an online social science degree program should fill out a digital application through their prospective schools' websites. Many schools accept the Common Application, as well, which allows first-year and transfer students to apply to multiple colleges at one time. Applicants can expect to pay a nominal fee when applying to college.

In addition to the digital application, first-year students will need to submit their official transcripts. Some colleges may or may not request the following supplemental documentation, as well:

• Test scores (SATs, ACTs, etc.)
• Personal statement
• College essays
• Letters of recommendation
• Current resume

Transfer students usually follow similar application procedures; however, they may also be required to meet a minimum grade point average or have completed a certain number of credits at their previous school to be considered for enrollment.

Admissions representatives at each college are available to answer any questions students may have regarding applying for school, deadlines, or specific degree program admissions criteria.

Individuals employed in social science fields may volunteer or be required to pursue licensure and certification. For example, those who wish to become secondary teachers typically must acquire a teaching certification based on their state's criteria. This usually entails passing a background check, completing a certain number of student-teaching hours, and passing an exam. Teachers who plan to teach in a specific subject area, such as history or geography, may need to pass a subject-based test, as well, to demonstrate their knowledge.

Additionally, professionals seeking a career as a substance abuse counselor are required to obtain licensure through their state licensing boards. While each state maintains different education and professional eligibility criteria, candidates typically must pass an exam that focuses on addiction treatment and recovery practices, substance abuse awareness, and community alliance initiatives. The Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC) Network provides contact information for each state's licensing board and numerous resources for substance abuse counseling professionals.

Graduates with bachelor's degrees in social science tend to have many career options available in government, community programs, nonprofit organizations, education, the environmental field, corporations, research, and healthcare.

Undergraduate social science programs are designed to equip students with several competencies that are transferable across industries, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, writing, and interpersonal skills. Social science majors typically have a greater understanding of how societies function with a desire to apply their expertise to improve communities and assist individuals.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in 2019, the following social science careers had a median salary of:

• Market Research Analyst: $63,790
• High School Teacher: $61,660
• Social and Community Service Manager: $67,150
• Human Resources Specialist: $61,920
• Mental Health/Substance Abuse Counselor: $46,240

How to Become a High School Teacher

Graduates with bachelor's degrees in social science may decide to become social studies teachers or another closely-related subject at the secondary school level.

Typically, high school teachers are responsible for providing instruction, assessment, and assistance with regards to students' learning needs; communication with parents, and fostering and challenging their students' academic abilities to better prepare them for college.

High school teachers with social science backgrounds may leverage their expertise in diversity studies, differing perspectives and human behaviors, and problem-solving to create conducive learning environments for their students.

Depending on the state and type of school an individual is seeking employment, prospective teachers may need to obtain a teaching certification in order to work with students. Students should check with their state's Department of Education to determine the requirements for acquiring licensure.

According to the BLS, the job outlook for high school teachers is expected to be four percent (2019-2029). However, this trend may vary by state, school district, or subject area.

How to Become a Social and Community Service Manager

Social and community managers are tasked with planning and overseeing programs that provide essential services to the public. While working alongside several community members and participants, social and community managers seek to improve the effectiveness of programs and services, develop outreach and awareness initiatives, and locate various fundraising opportunities to support their organization's objectives. Depending on the size of the organization in which they work, some social and community managers may also be responsible for hiring and training staff, as well as public relations and administrative duties.

Social and community managers tend to have excellent managerial, communication, and interpersonal skills that allow them to work closely with individuals across several demographics, including children, the elderly, veterans, individuals with substance abuse and mental illness, and the homeless.

According to the BLS, the job outlook for social and community managers is 17 percent (2019-2029).

Individuals with an educational or professional background in the social sciences may decide to join professional organizations within their fields. Professional organizations typically provide opportunities to network with colleagues, gain access to scholarly publications, seek employment or volunteer opportunities, and stay abreast of industry trends and current research.

The American Sociological Association (ASA) offers membership to individuals, students, associates, retirees, adjunct professions, and secondary school teachers in the anthropology field. To join, prospective members can create an account through the ASA website and pay the respective dues based on their membership type. Members gain access to wide-ranging benefits that include teaching resources, archived and current issues of ASA journals, professional development webinars, and discounts on books and travel.

The American Anthropological Association (AAA) also provides similar membership to individuals in the anthropology field, including the following categories: professional/individual, undergraduate and graduate student, retiree, associate, and educator. By joining the AAA, members may benefit from networking opportunities with fellow AAA members, committee and advocacy prospects, peer-reviewed publications, discounts, and career development resources.

Additionally, the American Economic Association (AEA) aims to promote economic research and an exchange of knowledge by offering membership to current and future economists. Professionals and students who join the AEA gain access to current and archived AEA journals, discounts on professional development and continuing education, the opportunity to present research at the AEA Annual Meeting, the ability to vote in annual AEA elections, and the chance to connect with fellow AEA members.

Students can obtain social science degree online or in-person at every level of study (associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctorate). Additionally, undergraduate and graduate-level social science certificates are widely available in various niche subject areas within the social science disciplines. We will explore these certificate options and degrees in further detail below.

There are many benefits of receiving a degree in the liberal arts; students in online social science programs typically gain critical self-discipline, time-management, organizational, and technical skills.

Online Associate Degrees in Social Science

An online social science associate degree is designed to provide students with foundational learning in the seven branches of social science. Students can usually anticipate taking introductory courses related to anthropology, sociology, psychology, or history. In addition to taking a series of core social science courses, students must complete several general education requirements in math, reading, writing, and physical and natural sciences.

Generally, online associate degrees include 60 credits and take about two years to complete. Students typically culminate their studies with an Associate of Arts (AA) or an Associate of Science (AS) in social science and may either decide to pursue entry-level employment or continue their studies in a bachelor's degree program.

Online Master's Degrees in Social Science

Online master's degrees in social science offer an advanced study of the social science disciplines, enabling students to further explore content within their specific concentrations in preparation for cutting edge social scientist, management, research, or education careers.

Typically, master's degrees consist of 30 to 36 credits and take about two years to complete; however, some programs may require students to complete more credits. Most often, students must submit either a capstone project or a thesis/dissertation and defense to demonstrate their learning prior to graduating.

Although some graduate programs offer a comprehensive interdisciplinary curriculum in social sciences, many students choose to pursue an online master's degree in specific social science disciplines or related subjects, such as social science education, psychology, social science administration, or data analytics and computational social science.

An online master's degree in social science usually results in either a Master of Science (MS) or a Master of Arts (MA).

Online Doctoral Degrees in Social Science

An online doctorate in social science is the highest level of scholarship students may obtain to demonstrate their expertise in the field. Students typically enroll in doctoral programs with the intention of pursuing social science careers in research, law, government, clinical psychology, or post-secondary education.

A doctorate typically takes about three to five years to complete and may include approximately 45 to 60 credits, although curriculum requirements tend to vary by school. Students in social science doctoral programs may be required to complete practical training, teaching apprenticeships, or field research. Some students may also have the opportunity to design a unique curriculum under the guidance of a senior faculty member.

An online social science doctorate is usually a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.); students typically choose to obtain their degree in a specific program, such as psychology, sociology, or social and community service.

Online Certificates in Social Science

There are several online social science certificates available in niche subject areas. Students may decide to pursue a certificate in lieu of or in addition to their degree in order to improve or gain new skills, seek career advancement, or prepare for a career change.

Many social science certificates take about a year to complete and may consist of 12 to 18 credits of key social science topics. Students may wish to consider enrolling in specialized certificate programs, such as gender studies, organizational anthropology, diversity studies, legal studies, and crime, psychology, and political science.

Tuition tends to vary from college to college. However, students who need assistance paying for their education may be eligible for different financial aid services, such as federal financial aid, scholarships, or grants. Students can determine how much federal aid they qualify for by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To be eligible, individuals must attend an accredited school or program, show proof of citizenship or eligible noncitizen status, and demonstrate financial need.

Scholarships and grants are also available for students to search and apply for online according to geographical region, degree programs, personal interests and colleges. Additional financial assistance may come from employer tuition reimbursement programs, work-study programs, and military/veteran academic benefits.

Students can contact their school's financial aid offices to speak with a representative regarding tuition and financing opportunities, scholarships, and the process of filing for FAFSA.

Price Benowitz Social Justice Scholarship

Currently enrolled college students who demonstrate an interest and commitment to social justice and community outreach may be eligible for the Price Benowitz Social Justice Scholarship. Applicants should maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and submit the following:

• A current resume
• A 750-word personal statement about the challenges people with disabilities face and how public policy could resolve these issues
• An unofficial transcript

One winner will be selected for a $2,000 award to be applied to their tuition fees and other educational costs.

Garth N. and Marie Clegg-Jones and Family Scholarship

The Garth N. and Marie Clegg-Jones and Family Scholarship is available to undergraduate students majoring in social science at Utah State University. Students with an interest in pursuing a public or community service career in rural sections of Utah, Idaho, or Wyoming may apply by filling out the online application through the school's scholarship website. Additional criteria may include one or more personal statements, a current resume, and recent USU unofficial transcripts. Scholarship awards may vary, although previous winners have received up to $1,000 for tuition fees and related academic expenses.