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Social and Behavioral Sciences ,BA

Social and Behavioral Sciences, BA

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Social and Behavioral Sciences

Anthropology, Cyberculture, Ethnicity, Globalization, Inequality, Interdisciplinary, Justice, Race, Social Sciences, Urban Studies, behavioral sciences, government, politics, social, sociology

Are you passionate about social advocacy? Become immersed in the psychological and social principles that influence behavior in social structures, and gain an in-depth understanding of human behavior to pursue a path as a lifelong advocate.
Program description â–˛

The Bachelor of Arts program in social and behavioral sciences provides students with an understanding of assumptions underlying the social and behavioral sciences, enabling them to develop the research skills necessary for the analysis of complex social issues. This degree program can be tailored to the career goals of the individual student. Students are exposed to a variety of outlooks and challenges, and the program offers individual and group experiences working with faculty on concrete intellectual and policy issues.

The core courses provide students with the requisite background that enables them to better understand psychological and social principles related to the behavior of individuals across multiple social contexts and institutions.

This major is eligible for the Western Undergraduate Exchange program at the following location: West Valley campus. Students from Western states who select this major and campus may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition at a rate of 150% of Arizona resident tuition plus all applicable fees. Students should click the link for more information and eligibility requirements of the WUE program.

At a glance â–˛
  • Second language requirement: No
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
    Any math course that meets the MATH designation.
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Curriculum â–˛

Concurrent program optionsâ–˛
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program optionsâ–˛
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements â–˛

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Tuition informationâ–˛
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirementsâ–˛

A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Attend onlineâ–˛
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

ASU Local

It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.

Transfer optionsâ–˛

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Global opportunitiesâ–˛
Global experience

Studying abroad enables students in the social and behavioral sciences program to develop an understanding of assumptions made about individuals and society. Firsthand experiences inside and outside the classroom help students develop skills to analyze complex social issues that affect them and those around them, domestically and internationally.

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Students in these programs build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network. Participation in a study abroad program provides students with the heightened cultural competency, and leadership and critical thinking skills that enhance their resumes and help them stand out in a competitive career field. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences can explore how their varied fields and interests interact in different settings around the world.

Career opportunitiesâ–˛

This interdisciplinary degree is an excellent option, meshing with the individual's interests and fulfilling many employers' expectations of a bachelor's degree. Such a degree is competitive in most situations in which the disciplinary social and behavioral degrees are accepted, and it is advantageous to graduates seeking entry to broad professional programs such as regional planning or urban studies.

Graduates of this program have a solid background in social sciences and methodologies that prepares them for graduate work in community development, counseling, criminal justice, professional schools (e.g., law, public administration, social work), public policy, social science disciplines, and urban studies or planning.

Careers include:

  • advocate (e.g., immigration, children's, victim's)
  • community developer
  • human relations officer
  • lawyer
  • lobbyist
  • mediator
  • nonprofit manager
  • social services case worker
  • statistical analyst
  • urban planner

Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.


Career *Growth *Median salary
18.4%
$49,710
8.6%
$38,520
7.2%
$59,990
6.5%
$47,290
5.2%
$130,000
Lawyer   Bright Outlook
7.5%
$135,740
5.0%
$64,030
2.5%
$59,860
6.1%
$67,440
9.1%
$74,240
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact informationâ–˛
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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