Social Science Department
Wondering whether a degree in social science might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our advisors.
Phone: 530-898-5688
Email: sosc@csuchico.edu
- Home
- Academics
- Majors and Programs
- Social Science BA Online
Social Science BA Online
Program Type Undergraduate Major
Delivery Type Online
Social science is the Swiss Army Knife of bachelor’s programs, allowing you to take the best parts of psychology, economics, anthropology, sociology, and political science to create your own path to a career.
In our online major, designed to provide you the flexibility you need to succeed, you’ll dive into the intricacies of human behavior, societies, cultures, and institutions from various angles. And you’ll learn how to critically analyze and evaluate systems using scientific tools and methods and become a problem-solver who can tackle the world’s most pressing social issues, from healthcare disparities to poverty and sustainability.
Broadening Intellectual Horizons
From classes in modern history and human cultural evolution to an immersive introduction to wine and seminar in family relations, you will be prepared to think openly and critically about the world and forge your own meaningful path.
Major Options
Our program has two options, or tracks of study, to best meet the needs of our students: multidisciplinary studies and specialization studies.
Multidisciplinary Studies
You'll take classes in anthropology, economics, geography, political science, and history in order to prepare students for jobs in the public, private, and non-profit sectors and for graduate studies in a variety of social science disciplines, including the California Social Science teaching credential. Students who want to pursue a teaching will get a jump-start, as this option allows graduates to waive the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) and the California Basics Skills Test (CBEST).
Specialization Studies
This option prepares students to be informed citizens who use concepts, theories, and methods from the social sciences to respond to a range of human experiences, events, and real-world social problems. You choose from 20 areas of concentration like anthropology, career and life planning, child development, and community organizing for social change, to prepare for a career of your choosing or graduate studies, including Chico State's Social Science Blended BA/MA program.
Become a Problem-Solver
Social scientists have the critical thinking and research skills to lead and add value at any organization, regardless of size or mission. Our graduates work in education, human resources, government, and nonprofit organizations, addressing critical issues like poverty, inequality, healthcare disparities, sustainability, and more. Some organizations where our graduates work include:
- State of California
- Butte County Behavioral Health
- Smartronix, LLC.
- Stanford University School of Medicine
- Cengage Group
“
I chose the social science program because of its emphasis on understanding society and using that understanding to change things for the better.
Flexible and Engaging Education
A Celebrated Culture of Belonging
The social sciences program prepares you with many of the skills needed to be a leader outside the classroom.
Built For Flexibility
Your coursework is 100% online and fully asynchronous, meaning assignments can be completed around your schedule. You will also receive opportunities to engage with faculty.
Community Classroom
Our program’s learning lab is your community. We actively promote an understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion, the value of research and service to the community, the importance of social and environmental responsibility, and active participation in civic life.
Personalized Support
You’ll be paired with a dedicated major advisor whose goal is your academic success. That means you will have help in planning your schedule, accessing resources, and connecting with a community of fellow online students—including virtual meetups.
Discover Stories and More
Chico State Today
Chico State to Break Ground on First Net-Zero Building with Future Home for College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
In what will be the first net-zero building on campus and only the third in the entire CSU, Chico State will break ground on the new building to host the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
5 Questions with Educator and Distinguished Alumna Kathleen Grave
Kathleen Grave has worked in Silicon Valley, taught at Pepperdine University, and is CEO of a CBD company—she is also being honored as a Distinguished Alumni for the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
Five Minutes with a Chico State Tour Guide
Sarah Wood, a junior social science major, talks about her experiences as a tour guide, her favorite spots on campus, and why she chose Chico State.
/
-
Chico State to Break Ground on First Net-Zero Building with Future Home for College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
In what will be the first net-zero building on campus and only the third in the entire CSU, Chico State will break ground on the new building to host the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
-
5 Questions with Educator and Distinguished Alumna Kathleen Grave
Kathleen Grave has worked in Silicon Valley, taught at Pepperdine University, and is CEO of a CBD company—she is also being honored as a Distinguished Alumni for the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences.
-
Five Minutes with a Chico State Tour Guide
Sarah Wood, a junior social science major, talks about her experiences as a tour guide, her favorite spots on campus, and why she chose Chico State.
Related Programs
Social Science Department
Wondering whether a degree in social science might be right for you? Contact our office to ask questions or set up a conversation with one of our advisors.
Phone: 530-898-5688
Email: sosc@csuchico.edu