UMUC

School of Undergraduate Studies

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 is important, including business administration, elder care, government, health services, law enforcement, human resources and community service.

Objectives

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

  • Explain basic foundational concepts of sociology.
  • Identify similarities and differences among the social science disciplines in terms of theories, methods and applications.
  • Apply micro and macro levels of analysis to social science investigation.
  • Describe the principles and ethical standards that underlie professional responsibilities and conduct for social scientists.
  • Critically analyze social science issues within larger historical and global contexts.
  • Analyze social issues through integration and synthesis of concepts and research methods from different social science disciplines.
  • Explain the role of evidence and qualitative and quantitative methods across social science disciplines.

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; 41 credits in general education requirements; and 49 credits in the minor, electives and other degree requirements. At least 15 credits in the major must be earned in upperlevel courses (numbered 300 or above).

Course Requirements for the Social Science Major

Recommended Sequence

The following course sequence will fulfill all 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 advisor whenever taking advantage of other options.

Coursework for the major is indicated by ‡

First Courses (to be taken within the first 18 credits)

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

  • EDCP 100 Principles and Strategies of Successful Learning (3)
    (strongly recommended as first course)
  • LIBS 150 Information Literacy and Research Methods (1)
  • WRTG 101/101X Introduction to Writing (3)
  • MATH 106 Finite Mathematics (3) or higher-level math course

Introductory Courses (to be taken within the first 30 credits)

Note: General education courses may not be applied towards major requirements.

  • GVPT 170 American Government (3) or other ANTH, BEHS, ECON, GERO, GVPT, PSYC, SOCY or eligible AASP, CCJS, GERO or WMST course to fulfill the first behavioral and social sciences requirement
  • Both 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 biological and physical sciences lecture and laboratory requirement
  • WRTG 291 Expository and Research Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ writing requirement
  • IFSM 201 Introduction to Computer-Based Systems (3) or CMST 303 Advanced Application Software
  • PHIL 140 Contemporary Moral Issues (3) or a foreign language course or other ARTH, ARTT, HIST, HUMN, MUSC, PHIL, THET, dance or literature course to fulfill the arts and humanities requirement
  • PSYC 100 Introduction to Psychology (3) or other course to fulfill the second behavioral and social sciences requirement (discipline must differ from first)
  • ‡ BEHS 210 Introduction to Social and Behavioral Science (3)

Foundation Courses (to be taken within the first 60 credits)

  • ‡ STAT 230 Business Statistics (3) or STAT 200 Introduction to Statistics
  • NSCI 100 Introduction to Physical Science (3) or ASTR 100 Introduction to Astronomy or other course to fulfill the biological and physical sciences lecture requirement
  • ‡ SOCY 100 Introduction to Sociology (3)
  • 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 arts and humanities requirement in historical perspective (discipline must differ from other humanities course)
  • SPCH 100 Foundations of Speech Communication (3) or COMM 380 Language in Social Contexts or other course to fulfill the communications/ writing or speech requirement
  • ‡ GERO 100 Introduction to Gerontology (3) or ECON 203 Principles of Microeconomics or other foundation course for the major
  • IFSM 304 Ethics in the Information Age (3) or other course to fulfill the interdisciplinary issues/computing requirement
  • ANTH 344 Cultural Anthropology and Linguistics (3) (recommended elective)

Additional Required Courses (to be taken after introductory and foundation courses)

  • WRTG 391/391X Advanced Expository and Research Writing (3) or other course to fulfill the communications/ upper-level advanced writing requirement
  • ‡ The first of three core course in a single area (3) (recommendations available on social science degree planning worksheet)
  • ‡ A second core course for the major (3) (in the same discipline as the first)
  • ‡ A third core course for the major (3) (in the same discipline as the first and second)
  • ‡ A supplemental major course (3) (recommendations available on the social science degree planning worksheet)
  • ‡ A supplemental major course (3)
  • ‡ A supplemental major course (3)

Minor and/or Elective Courses (to be taken in the last 60 credits along with required major courses) (43)

Total credits for BS in social science: 120