100%
Online Option
$270
Tuition Cost per Credit
2 years
Average Completion*
Understand Society. Explore Perspectives. Shape Your Future.
The world is shaped by people—their ideas, relationships, cultures, institutions, and communities.
The Bachelor of Science in Social Science at Athens State University gives you the opportunity to explore the forces that influence human behavior and society while developing the analytical, research, communication, and problem-solving skills needed to understand and respond to a changing world.
If you’re interested in people, communities, culture, government, history, or the social forces that shape our everyday lives, the B.S. in Social Science provides a versatile foundation you can apply across a wide range of careers and educational pursuits.
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Social Science provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding individuals, groups, and society. Rather than limiting your studies to a single academic discipline, the program draws on multiple areas of the social sciences to help you examine complex issues from different perspectives.
You’ll explore how people interact with one another and with the institutions and communities around them. By connecting ideas from fields such as sociology, psychology, history, political science, economics, and related disciplines, you’ll develop a broader understanding of the social, cultural, political, and economic forces that influence our world.
This interdisciplinary approach can be particularly valuable if you have broad interests or a career goal that doesn’t fit neatly into a single academic field. It allows you to build a strong academic foundation while developing skills that can be applied in a variety of professional settings.
What You’ll Learn
As a Social Science student at Athens State, you’ll examine the many factors that influence individuals, communities, and societies. Your studies will introduce you to different ways of understanding human behavior and social institutions while encouraging you to consider how history, culture, economics, politics, and social relationships interact.
You’ll learn to evaluate information, conduct research, recognize patterns and relationships, and consider complex social issues from multiple perspectives. Through your coursework, you’ll develop the ability to gather and interpret information, evaluate evidence, communicate ideas effectively, and use critical thinking to better understand the world around you.
Because Social Science is inherently interdisciplinary, you’ll also learn to connect ideas across academic fields. This broader perspective can help you approach problems with greater context and flexibility—skills that can serve you well in both professional and academic environments.
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
The versatility of a Social Science degree is one of its greatest strengths. Because the program develops broadly applicable skills in research, analysis, communication, problem-solving, and understanding people and organizations, graduates can pursue opportunities across a variety of industries and professional settings.
Depending on your interests and career goals, a Social Science degree can provide preparation for careers in areas such as government and public service, nonprofit organizations, community services, education, business, human resources, communications, research, and other people- and information-focused fields.
The degree can also provide a strong foundation for students who plan to continue into graduate or professional education. Additional study in areas such as social work, public administration, counseling, education, law, psychology, or other related disciplines can build upon the interdisciplinary foundation developed through the program.
Most importantly, you’ll graduate with skills that can adapt as your career evolves. The ability to understand people, evaluate information, communicate effectively, and think critically is valuable in virtually every workplace.
Explore your career pathways with the Social Science degree, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.
$58k
Social Science Researcher Estimated Entry Salary
$61k
Social Science Researcher Estimated Median Salary
Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.
Admissions & Aid
Ready to take the next step toward your degree? Athens State University offers a transfer-friendly admissions process designed to help you make the most of the college credits you’ve already earned.
Whether you’re transferring from another university or community college or returning to college after time away, our admissions and financial aid teams can help you understand your options and navigate the process of becoming an Athens State student.
From scholarships and grants to other forms of financial assistance, Athens State provides resources to help make completing your bachelor’s degree more attainable.
Explore Admissions & Aid to learn more about requirements, application steps, transfer credit, scholarships, and financial assistance.
Why Choose this Program at Athens State?
Life doesn’t stop while you’re earning your degree. That’s why the Social Science degree is offered through a variety of flexible course formats, allowing you to complete coursework when it fits your schedule without sacrificing academic quality.
Built for Today’s Professionals
You shouldn’t have to choose between advancing your education and advancing your career. Athens State’s degree programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Flexible learning options allow you to pursue your degree while continuing to meet your professional and personal commitments.
Invest in Your Future The Smart Way
Athens State University is committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education. As Alabama’s most affordable public, state university, we give you the opportunity to earn an advanced degree while making a smart investment in your future, without unnecessary debt. Plus, our learning partnerships make a degree from Athens Sate even more accessible.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Our faculty combine academic excellence with real-world experience, bringing current industry practices into every course. At Athens State, you’re not facing the journey alone—our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way, providing personalized guidance and support.
Additional Information
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*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.