Social Science

Students may seek an academic major in social science.

Major in Social Science

The social science major provides breadth of knowledge in the social sciences through interdisciplinary study in areas such as anthropology, behavioral sciences, economics, gerontology, government and politics, psychology, and sociology and depth through focused study in a single area. It also offers depth and focus through selection of core courses in one social science area. Graduates in social science may pursue a variety of careers in which understanding of social science issues is important, including business administration, elder care, government, health services, law enforcement, human resources, and community service.

Intended Program Outcomes

The student who graduates with a major in social science will be able to

  • Analyze issues, identify improvements, and recommend solutions using statistics, data analysis, and appropriate quantitative and qualitative methods for social science research and/or program evaluation.
  • Communicate effectively to professional and nonprofessional individuals and groups through an appropriate media to provide information about social science research, services, or programs.
  • Apply an understanding of the relationship between micro- and macro-level problems and issues to identify and evaluate individual and community needs.
  • Analyze complex social problems and work toward realistic solutions using diversity awareness and global multicultural perspectives.
  • Recognize and apply ethical principles and standards to support the professional responsibilities and conduct of social scientists in the workplace.
  • Apply critical and creative thinking, information literacy, technology, and an interdisciplinary perspective to solve practical problems in the social sciences.

Degree Requirements

A degree with a major in social science requires the successful completion of 120 credits of coursework including 30 credits for the major (indicated by Required by major); 41 credits in general education requirements (GERs); and 49 credits in the minor, electives, and other requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upper-level courses (numbered 300 or above).

Requirements for the Social Science Major

Coursework for a major in social science includes the following:

  • Required foundation courses (6 credits): BEHS 210 and 220
  • Other foundation course (3 credits): Chosen from SOCY 100, ANTH 102, PSYC 100, and GERO 100
  • Required statistics course (3 credits): STAT 225 (or STAT 200 or 230)
  • Required research methods course (3 credits): BEHS 300
  • Core courses (9 credits in a single focus area): Chosen from upper-level ANTH, GERO, PSYC, or SOCY courses
  • Supplemental major course (3 credits): Any ANTH, BEHS, GEOG, GERO, PSYC, or SOCY course, or WMST 200
  • Required capstone course (3 credits): BEHS 495

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all of the requirements for the BS in social science. Since some recommended courses fulfill more than one requirement, substituting courses for those listed may make it necessary to take additional courses to meet degree requirements. Students should consult an academic advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

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) may be found in the General Education Requirements.

Social Science Major Courses

First Courses

(to be taken within the first 18 credits)

Note: Placement tests are required for math and writing courses.

LIBS 150 Introduction to Research (1)

WRTG 101 Introduction to Writing (3)

MATH 103 College Mathematics (3)

or MATH 107 College Algebra
or a higher-level math course

Introductory Courses

(to be taken within the first 30 credits)

GVPT 170 American Government (3)
or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GEOG, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY, or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO, or WMST course to fulfill the first general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences

BIOL 101 Concepts of Biology (3)

and BIOL 102 Laboratory in Biology (1)

or BIOL 103 Introduction to Biology
or other course(s) to fulfill the general education requirement in biological and physical sciences with related laboratory

WRTG 291 Research Writing (3)
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/ writing

IFSM 201 Concepts and Applications of Information Technology (3)

or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software

PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3)
or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance, literature, or foreign language course to fulfill the first general education requirement in arts and humanities

PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3)
or other course to fulfill the second general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences
(discipline must differ from first)

BEHS 210Required by major Introduction to Social Sciences (3)

Foundation Courses

(to be taken within the first 60 credits)

CMIS 111 Social Networking and Cybersecurity Best Practices (3)
or other course to fulfill the second general education requirement in interdisciplinary issues/computing

STAT 225Required by major Introduction to Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3)

or STAT 230 Introductory Business Statistics

or STAT 200 Introduction to Statistics

NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3)

or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy
or other course(s) to fulfill the general education requirement in biological and physical sciences

SOCY 100Required by major Introduction to Sociology (3)
or other foundation course for the major
(see Requirements for the Major)

HIST 142 Western Civilization II (3)

or HIST 157 History of the United States Since 1865
or other ARTH or HIST course to fulfill the general education requirement in arts and humanities for the historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)

SPCH 100 Foundations of Oral Communication (3)

or SPCH 101 Introduction to Public Speaking
or other course to fulfill the general education requirement in communications/ writing or speech

BEHS 220Required by major Diversity Awareness (3)

Additional Required Courses

(to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

WRTG 391 Advanced Research Writing (3)
or other course to fulfill the upper-level advanced writing requirement

BEHS 300Required by major Research Methods in the Social Sciences (3)

A first of three core courses in a single areaRequired by major (3)
(see Requirements for the Major)

A second core course for the major in the same discipline as the firstRequired by major (3)
(see Requirements for the Major)

A third core course for the major in the same discipline as the first and the secondRequired by major (3)
(see Requirements for the Major)

ANTH 344Required by major Culture and Language (3)
or other supplemental major course
(see Requirements for the Major)

Capstone Course for the Major

(to be taken in the last 15 credits)

BEHS 495Required by major Advanced Seminar in Social Sciences (3)

Minor and/or Elective Courses

(to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (49)

Total credits for BS in social science 120


UMUC Europe Undergraduate Catalog


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Last updated: 30 June 2011