Social Sciences, B.A.

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 4 Years
Mode On Campus
Level Undergraduate
Degree Bachelors Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The B.A. Social Sciences at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) invites you to explore the complex interconnections between society, culture, and human behaviour. This undergraduate degree is ideal for intellectually curious students eager to understand diverse societal structures and challenges, from border studies and communication to sociology and women’s studies. You will develop a sophisticated analytical toolkit to examine pressing social issues, grounded in a multidisciplinary approach that bridges various social science disciplines and their methodologies. This program equips you with a critical lens for understanding the world.

You will pursue this comprehensive degree on campus, studying full-time over four years. The curriculum structure allows you to select a primary field of study from seven options, complemented by two secondary fields, ensuring a personalised academic journey. You will engage with both quantitative and qualitative research methods, preparing you for advanced coursework and a significant capstone project in your final year. Graduates will be well-prepared for further academic study or careers in fields such as public policy, community organizing, research, and social advocacy, armed with a robust understanding of social dynamics.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences program provides a comprehensive understanding of human society and behavior. Students will engage with foundational statistical and research methods, explore interdisciplinary perspectives on social issues, and delve into regional geography. The curriculum emphasizes both quantitative and qualitative approaches, preparing graduates for diverse career paths or further academic pursuits in fields such as sociology, geography, and migration studies.

1 Preparation for the Major (3 Units)

Introductory Statistics in Psychology
Introductory Statistics for the Social Sciences

2 Upper-Division Social Sciences Requirements (6 Units)

Introduction to the Social Sciences: Riddles and Challenges in Making of Everyday Life
Capstone in the Social Sciences

3 Lower-Division (3 Units)

World Regional Geography
World Regional Geography: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Enhanced

4 Upper-Division Requirements (15-16 Units)

Borders: Interdisciplinary Perspectives
Historical Methods and Writing
Quantitative Research Methods
Qualitative Methods in Sociology

5 Elective Requirements (9 Units)

Introduction to Migration Studies
Urban Change and Ethnicity
Trade Routes: Pathways Across Borders
Immigration and Education
Border Water Conflicts
The U.S.-Mexico Border
Patterns of San Diego County
Nature and Society in California
Globalization and Trade
Food Systems and Emerging Markets
Languages in Contact
Language Issues in the United States
Linguistic Anthropology

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 17,106.00
Second Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 17,106.00
Third Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 17,106.00
Fourth Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 17,106.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 68,424.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 3,600.00 - USD 5,400.00
Transport USD 840.00 - USD 1,440.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,200.00 - USD 2,040.00
Estimated Total USD 5,640.00 - USD 8,880.00

Living cost estimates are based on San Marcos Campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

78%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Aerospace ManufacturingAviation Maintenance & RepairAviation Safety & RegulationCustoms, Trade & ComplianceDefense & Military AviationInternational & Human Rights LawPublic Health & EpidemiologyQuality Assurance & ControlRail & Mass TransitReal Estate & Property Law

Top Employers Hiring for this course

California State University San Marcos

City of Encinitas

County of San Diego

Kaiser Permanente

Palomar Health

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

San Marcos Unified School District

Scripps Health

Why Study Social Sciences, B.A. at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM)

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Fast Application response time

California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) typically responds to applications within a week, giving you clarity on your options quickly.

Life at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) in United States

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Social Sciences, B.A. at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM)

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during breaks in the U.S. On-campus work does not require separate permits, but off-campus work needs university approval after the first year.

What English language score do I need for this course?

To meet English requirements, applicants must achieve specific scores on tests like Duolingo (overall score of 95) or TOEFL (overall score of 61). Alternative tests, such as IELTS and PTE, also have minimum score requirements.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Graduates can pursue careers as social workers, policy analysts, researchers, or educators.

What will I actually study in this course?

The Social Sciences Major offers a multidisciplinary approach, covering fields like psychology and political science. Students select one Primary Field and two Secondary Fields to explore various methodologies and interrelated concepts.

When can I start — what are the intake months?

Students can begin the Social Sciences, B.A. program in January or August. Choose the intake that best fits your schedule.
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