Social sciences cover human interaction and society, along with many other social science disciplines. An online social science program can provide you with an immense variety of skills and experience to prepare you for your future career. This academic credential will ready you to contribute to the ever-evolving world of human studies. This article will cover our top choices for online social science programs.
Social sciences include several different specialized academic areas such as; sociology, anthropology, political science, psychology, economics, history, geography, research methods, and communications. Some programs require students to take an internship or partake in an independent research project before graduation. But in general, students in a social science program can expect to use data, statistics, and history topics to learn about and prepare for the future.
A typical social science degree will take four years to complete. Students can consider a social science degree as a stepping-stone and continue to a master’s degree or doctoral program.
Table of Contents
Online Delivery Methods
Online social science programs provide convenience and flexibility. Each program will have distinctive expectations, but all will provide a comprehensive overview of core social science courses and specialized areas of interest. Each curriculum is designed to meet the needs of the specific regulatory body. Most social science degrees offer the following core areas of study:
- Research Methods: A variety of qualitative and quantitative methods for organizing data.
- Statistics: Modern processes used to help students analyze data
- Philosophy: Covers the disciplines of social science theory and history.
Accreditation
For top online social science schools, be sure to research each school’s accreditation to ensure proper performance standards and high-quality educational programs. Accreditation is either national or regional.
The U.S Department of Education and the Council of Higher Education Accreditation can help determine if the school of your choice has received accreditation. Some programs may be accredited by an industry group but most are accredited by public policy organizations.
Professional Organizations
The Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management provides a network of educators and researchers in social science and public policy fields. Students are encouraged to apply for degree programs and a membership that includes a mentor program, professional development opportunities, and potential job placement.
The American Association of Behavioral and Social Sciences provides networking opportunities for students and other scholars to share social science research. This organization provides professional development opportunities and scholarships.
We have researched the top ten best online schools for social science along with their credentials for your convenience.
Methodology
This ranking was determined to find the top institutions offering online degrees in social science. The collected data was taken from the National Centre for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator. This data management system bases the rating on the selectivity rate, which involves the percentage of applicants admitted, the graduation rate, and the cost of in-state tuition.
Out of over 50 of the best institutions, we selected the ten best online schools for social science. The schools are descending in rank with the number one choice at the bottom of the list. If there was a tie in the score, the lowest scoring institution in tuition price was awarded a higher rank.
After the ranking, there will be additional information about potential careers for graduates with degrees in social sciences. The methodology or the ranking system is as follows:
Graduate Tuition/Fees
Less than $10,000/year =3 points
$10,001-$20,000/year =2 points
More than $20,000/year =1 point
Admitted Applicants
Less than 25% =1 point
25% to 50% =2 points
More than 50% =3 points
Graduation Rate
50% or greater =3 points
25%-49% =2 points
Less than 25% =1 point
10 Best Online Schools for Social Science
| School | Tuition | Admission Percentage | Graduate Percentage | Points |
| 10. New York University | $50,464 | 16% | 84% | 5 |
| 9. Judson University | $29,434 | 75.2% | 37% | 6 |
| 8. Southwestern Adventist University | $20,732 | 58% | 40% | 6 |
| 7. Dickinson State University | $6,554 | 49% | 34% | 7 |
| 6. University of Washington | $10,911 | 74% | 83% | 8 |
| 5. Colorado State University | $8072 | 93% | 36% | 8 |
| 4. University of Central Florida | $6368 | 44% | 91% | 8 |
| 3. Troy University | $8908 | 88% | 35% | 9 |
| 2. University of Hawaii West O’ahu | $7440 | 84% | 76% | 9 |
| 1. California State University | $7147 | 81% | 77% | 9 |
10. New York University
New York, New York
Points: 5
Tuition: $50,464
Program Information
New York University draws spirit from the city and its cultural institutions that are in pursuit of engaging the world’s diverse challenges. This program contains nine core focus areas, including politics, sociology, and organizational behavior and change. They are one of our top choices when it comes to online social science degrees, with a graduation rate of 66 percent.
Financing
NYU offers financial aid and scholarship opportunities in social science careers.
Admission Requirements
Potential applicants must have an associate degree along with 45 transferrable credits. Preferable applicants have a minimum of 3.3 GPA.
Students aspiring to become lawyers are known to choose NYU’s bachelors in social science programs.
Job Placement
NYU students will receive virtual career services, coaching sessions, career events, and opportunities for an internship.
9. Judson University
Elgin, Illinois
Points: 6
Tuition: $29,434
Program Information
Judson College is located in Marion, Alabama. This academic institution offers small class sizes to give students the attention and care they deserve. The Online Social Science Students can experience programs in accounting, business, criminal justice, history, psychology, and web design.
The online delivery allows students to complete their undergraduate degrees conveniently from the comfort of their own homes. The graduation rate is 37 percent.
Job Placement
Students can expect smaller classes and opportunities for internships.
8. Southwestern Adventist University
Keen ,Texas
Points: 6
Tuition: $20,732
Program Information
Southwestern Adventist University is located in Keen, Texas. This school is committed to inspiring the pursuit of knowledge, faith, and service. Undergraduate programs in social sciences include topics on online history, relations, public policy, teaching history, and social sciences. Full-time students can expect to graduate in four years. The graduation rate is 36 percent.
7. Dickinson State University
Dickinson, North Dakota
Points: 7
Tuition:$6,554
Program Information
Dickinson State University is located In North Dakota and offers a 21:1 student-to-teacher ratio. The online bachelor of arts in composite social science program offers students opportunities for critical thinking skills, business, social science theories, research methods, and elective coursework.
Full-time students usually complete their degree in four years. The graduation rate is 34 percent.
Financing
Tuition rates may vary, but for those applicants who reside in North Dakota, tuition rates are significantly lower. Scholarships are available.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must provide proof of completion in English, Maths, Science, and Social Studies at the high school level. They must hold a minimum ACT score of 18 or an SAT score of 940.
Job Placement
Career services provide students opportunities for resume assistance and financial guidance.
6. University of Washington
Fredericksburg, Washington
Points: 8
Tuition: $10,911
Program Information
UW’s main campus hosts over 46000 students per year and is known for having one of the largest university libraries. Because of UW’s strong commitment to excellence, we can confidently recommend their online social science programs. Students can apply for a part-time or full-time delivery.
Students can expect a combination of asynchronous online learning methods. The course will include health practices, technology, societies, environment, and intercultural power relations. Classes cover a variety of engaging theoretical and historical topics.
There are several different lengths of the program. The graduation rate is 80 percent.
Financing
Scholarships are available.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have 75 transferable credits from a regionally accredited college and a GPA of 2.0 or higher. New programs start every spring and fall.
Job Placement
Students are expected to create an academic portfolio. The career center offers a resume review service.
5. Colorado State University
Pueblo, Colorado
Points: 8
Tuition: $8072
Program Information
CSU provides quality academic social science programs in a flexible, online delivery format that makes this school one of our favorite choices for remote social science degrees. The school is widely known for its attentive and interactive faculty. The online delivery allows students to complete their undergraduate or graduate degrees from the location of their choice.
Core program topics include psychology, community development, and ethnic relations. The graduation rate is 40 percent.
Financing
CSU has not raised their tuition in over six years, and once the student enrolls, their tuition rates stay the same for the duration of the program. Tuition is the same for both in-state and out-of-state learners. Scholarships are available.
Admission Requirements
Students must have at least 12 transferable credits from an accredited institution. If an applicant’s GPA score falls below 2.3, they can contact the university for alternative options.
Job Placement
Students have experiential opportunities for a practicum experience.
4. University of Central Florida
Orlando, Florida
Points: 8
Tuition: $6368
Program Information
UFC is one of our favorite choices for getting an online social science degree, as they are genuinely dedicated to putting students on the right path to success. This academic institution hosts the largest single-campus enrollment in the United States. Students can expect to take classes in American national government, general psychology, theory, research, and communications methods.
All courses are delivered online, but some prerequisites may be unavailable for distance learners. Distance learners will have access to academic resources, libraries, advisors, and career services. The graduation rate is 73 percent.
Financing
Out of state students pay high tuition, but full scholarships are available.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must send in high school transcripts or any other relevant transcripts. ACT and SAT scores. UCF encourages students to submit a personal essay.
Job Placement
Almost half of the graduates receive one job offer before they graduate.
3. Troy University
Troy, Alabama
Points: 9
Tuition: $8908
Program Information
Although you don’t need to be present at the physical locations to earn your social science degree, Troy University conveniently hosts four campuses in Alabama. This academic institution offers smaller class sizes and an open-door policy with professors. Students can choose either an online undergraduate degree or a graduate degree in social sciences.
Core topics will include anthropology, geography, sociology, psychology, history, and political science. Full-time students can expect to obtain their degree in four years. The graduation rate is 35 percent.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold a high school degree, and if you are over the age of 25, you will need to provide ACT and SAT scores.
2. University of Hawaii West O’ahu
Kapolei, Hawaii
Points: 9
Tuition: $7440
Program Information
Founded in 1976, the University of Hawaii West offers higher education to students seeking a degree in social science. UH, West O’ahu offers students three different online bachelor’s degrees in social sciences. The graduation rate is 32 percent.
Financing
Students can apply for financial aid by submitting their FAFSA results.
Admission Requirements
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.7 and meet all course prerequisite requirements.
Job Placement
Students in the early childhood education and political science program are strongly encouraged to complete an internship. Students will receive career advising and professional development opportunities.
See also: What is the Best Online University in Hawaii? (onlinecollegeplan.com)
1. California State University-Bakersfield Campus
Bakersfield, California
Points: 9
Tuition: $7147
Program Information
California State University is our top choice offering a bachelor and graduate online social science degree. This academic institution is well-known for putting the well-being of students, faculty, and staff first. The student will be expected to study individuals and groups within a culture. The graduation rate is 66 percent.
Admission Requirements
Applicants are required to have an associate degree. They may also qualify if they hold 60 college credits.
Job Placement
Graduates with a bachelor of arts in social science are eligible to take the CSET exam which is required when pursuing a social studies license. Primary specializations students receive career, life planning, networking, job hunting, and interviewing skills from career counselors.
Career Options with a Social Science Degree
Social Sciences offer a wide variety of work opportunities. Because this area of study encompasses such a broad range of subjects, you can expect to find job opportunities in multiple fields.
This table lists just a few career opportunities you could pursue with a social science degree. The salaries listed are based on data found in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational outlook handbook and on Zippia.com.
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