Online bachelor's degree programs in social science

You're concerned about the way the less fortunate are treated. You're called to public service. You know you can do a better job administering social programs. If you want to cut red tape and help people, online bachelor's degree programs in social science can prepare you for an exciting career.

Coursework offered by online bachelor's degree programs in social sciences

Online degree programs are flexible, allowing you to build your career skills in the social sciences without interfering with your current family or work commitments. In the broad social science field, you might enroll in courses in:

• Political science and government
• Statistics
• Sociology
• Urban studies
• Research techniques
• Psychology
• Economics

Many public service, governmental administration or non-profit organizations recognize online bachelor's degree programs in social science as the required degree for employment. Some recruiters may prefer completion of a master's degree, and you can qualify for entry to a post-graduate program by completing:

• online bachelor's degree programs in human services, or
• political science and public administration degrees

Some career choices for social science degree graduates

• Social workers are employed by governmental, healthcare and social assistance agencies. To qualify, complete online bachelor's degree programs in human services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 16 percent job growth during the 2008-2018 decade. May 2009 median wage: $49,420.


• Sociologists and Political Scientists may take jobs as researchers, policy analysts, administrators and writers. Online political science and public administration degrees can prepare you for many positions in the field, although some employers prefer a master's degree. The BLS projects job growth at 21 percent, 2008-2018. May 2009 median wage: $69,620.


• Federal Government Workers are employed as social service employees with agencies serving interests in housing, health care, veterans affairs, labor, education and taxation. You can apply for many positions after completing online bachelor's degree programs in human services. The BLS projects job growth at 10 percent, 2008-2018. May 2009 median wage: $74,403.


• Counselors are often the backbone of a social service agency. You may qualify for several counseling positions upon completing online bachelor's degree programs in social science or psychology. The BLS projects job growth at 18 percent, 2008-2018. May 2009 median wage: $41,320.


• Urban and Regional Planners work for county and local governmental agencies. While some employers prefer graduate degrees, completing online bachelor's degree programs in social science with demographics, GIS or mapping specialties can get you in the door. The BLS projects job growth at 19 percent, 2008-2018. May 2009 median wage: $61,820.

If you're unsure of the right career for you, our Guide to College Majors in Social Sciences explores major career paths in the social sciences more fully. You can also learn more about majors in human services, degrees in social work and undergraduate programs in sociology.

Or browse the online bachelor's degrees in social science below to refine your search. Fill out an information request to prospective college programs and an admission representative will respond shortly.

Careers in the social sciences afford unique opportunities to make a difference in people's lives. Helping others will almost bring positive changes to your own life, as well!

• Degrees by Level