Best Online Social Science Programs

The social sciences include sociology, psychology, political science, and other disciplines. Students majoring in social science study the concepts and methodologies social scientists use to understand society and human behavior.

The National Center for Education Statistics reports that in 2019-2020, full-time, first-year students at four-year public colleges paid an average of $9,400 in tuition and fees. Students attending private schools spent an average of $36,700. The cost of attending a top online school is comparable to the cost of earning a degree on campus. However, some online programs may be more affordable.

Some graduates of social science bachelor’s degree programs go on to pursue careers in education or social services. Others earn graduate degrees in social science disciplines, such as political science or anthropology. PayScale reports that graduates of bachelor’s in social science programs earn an average annual salary of $69,000, as of 2023.

Keep reading to find out about the best online bachelor’s in social science programs, how to apply, and career options once you graduate.

During the 2020-2021 academic year, postsecondary schools in the United States gave out 160,827 social science and history bachelor’s degrees. History and social science degrees were the third most frequently awarded bachelor’s degrees that year. Only health professions and business degrees were more popular.

If you have a broad interest in social dynamics, a bachelor’s in social science may be right for you. Both on-campus and online bachelor’s degree programs in social science include at least 120 credits of coursework. Most students earn their degrees within four years. Many social science bachelor’s programs allow students to concentrate in a specific discipline, such as anthropology, sociology, women’s studies, or criminal justice.

Typically, social science majors earn either a bachelor of arts (BA) or bachelor of science (BS) degree. BA programs often feature general education courses in the humanities, such as history and communication. In contrast, BS programs frequently require students to complete general education courses in math, biology, and the physical sciences.

In general, BA programs emphasize qualitative skills, such as observational research and critical thinking. In contrast, BS programs help develop students’ quantitative skills, such as the ability to work with and interpret numerical data.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

In this survey course, students study the social and cultural principles informing ethnographic descriptions. Students also learn how to apply anthropological concepts and methods to the study of everyday life.

Students learn about various social scientific disciplines, their methods, and how they relate to each other. Additionally, students consider ethical issues in social science and how social scientists integrate insights derived from different disciplines.

This course encourages students to think critically about prejudice, discrimination, and stereotypes and the impact they have on society. Students also reflect on how social science might help solve problems related to discrimination and social biases.

Students study how evidence-based approaches in healthcare and social services facilitate healthy aging in older adults. The course also addresses how students can advocate for this population.

Students learn how to conduct social scientific research. The course covers the distinction between quantitative and qualitative research. It teaches students how to use various methods within specific disciplines.

Social science is consistently one of the most popular college majors. This may be because the degree opens up many different career opportunities.

For example, many social science graduates assume management positions in social service agencies. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs for social and community service managers will increase 9% between 2022 and 2032.

This is faster than the average job growth rate across all U.S. industries. Social and community service managers earn a median annual salary of $74,240, as of May 2022.

Social science graduates also may decide to work in fields requiring an understanding of human psychology, such as human resources and education. The BLS projects that jobs for human resource specialists will see a 6% increase between 2022 and 2032, while jobs for high school teachers may increase 1% during this period.

High school teachers earn a median yearly income of $62,360, as of May 2022. Human resource specialists earn a median salary of $64,240 per year.

See where a bachelor’s in social science can take you. Learn more about social science careers.

High school teachers instruct students in grades 9-12. Some cover core subjects, such as math and science, while others teach electives, including music, art, and physical education. Public school teachers must hold state licenses. However, states typically do not require private school teachers to obtain licenses.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2022): $62,360

Social and community service managers oversee social programs. They write grants, meet with donors, and assess the effectiveness of programs and outreach efforts. Social and community service managers work for government agencies, religious organizations, hospitals, and residential care facilities.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2022): $74,240

Health education specialists develop social programs to promote public health and well-being. They also secure funding for programs and create educational materials. Community health workers work closely with individuals and groups, addressing health concerns and serving as an intermediary between communities and healthcare providers.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2022): $59,990

Human resource specialists recruit, screen, and interview new employees. They also perform administrative tasks related to employee compensation and benefits. Bachelor’s in social science programs can prepare students for careers in human resources by developing their communication skills and understanding of cultural differences.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2022): $64,240

Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors treat people struggling with alcoholism, drug addiction, and psychological issues. They evaluate clients, develop treatment plans, and provide counseling. Most mental health counseling roles require a master’s degree. However, a bachelor’s degree is sufficient for some positions.

Median Annual Salary (as of May 2022): $49,710

Some graduates go on to earn master’s or doctoral degrees in sociology, anthropology, political science, and other social science disciplines. According to a 2013 study of social science majors in the U.K., 10.1% of graduates surveyed pursued further education.

Some graduates of bachelor’s in social science programs choose to become social workers. Typically, a bachelor’s in social work is necessary to obtain entry-level roles in this field. However, social science graduates may be eligible for some positions. They may also earn their master’s degrees in social work and pursue state licensure as clinical social workers. Licensing requirements vary by state.