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California State University, Chico
College of Behavioral and Social Sciences

Social Science BA

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  • Program Type

    Undergraduate Major

  • Delivery Type

    On Campus

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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. 

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.

Cultivating Critical Thinking Through Diverse Studies

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.

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    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).

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    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 Sciences prospect performing community outreach

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.
Jackson Mehr (Social Science, ’22)

A Celebrated Culture of Belonging

The social sciences program prepares you with many of the skills needed to be a leader outside the classroom.

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    Community Classroom

    Our program’s learning lab is the 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.

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    Nationally Ranked Study Abroad Program

    Our robust study abroad program offers a wealth of opportunities to develop an invaluable global perspective on public service and to learn from cultures across the globe.

Discover Stories and More

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