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You know you want to make a difference. We want you to design the program to do so.

A bachelor’s degree in social science allows you the flexibility to select concentrations tailored for the career you want. From economics to criminal justice to sociology and beyond, you'll choose from six concentrations to match your interest and career goals.

What You'll Do

As an online social sciences major at Southeast, you’ll choose a main area of concentration along with a secondary area of interest to create a well rounded degree. More specifically, you’ll have the opportunity to:

  • Understand the relevance of social science methods across industries.
  • Continue working, secure an internship or balance life’s other responsibilities by taking online courses.
  • Participate in internships and study abroad opportunities to gain real-world experience.

What Can You Do with a Social Science Degree?

Social science graduates work in financial, political, and research settings, as well as in local and state government. Your concentration choices can prepare you for a particular dream job, or leave the door open for you to explore career paths in different fields.

Career Opportunities

  • Survey researcher
  • Market research analyst
  • Human resources manager
  • Policy analyst
  • State and local government
  • Operations research analyst
  • Administrative services manager
  • Social science research assistant

Online: Social Sciences Degree Map

Explore the courses you'll need to complete your degree

Social Science by the Numbers

  • $136K

    Human Resources Manager

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for a human resources manager is $136,350 per year.

  • $74K

    Market Research Analysts

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for market research analysts is $74,680 per year.

  • $104K

    Administrative Services and Facilities Managers

    According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for administrative services and facilities managers is $104,900 per year.

Social Science Curriculum

Degree Map

The social science degree requires a minimum of 120 credit hours to complete, including the general education requirements and at least 39 senior division hours.

  • OS200 Survey of Social Science (3)
  • OS300 Problems in Social Science (3)
  • OS400 Social Science Research Methods (3)

Statistics Requirement-Choose one course:

  • MA155 Statistical Reasoning (3)*
  • MA223 Elementary Probability and Statistics (3)
  • PY271 Introduction to Behavioral Statistics (3)
  • QM257 Business Statistics (3)
  • SO242/SW 242 Statistics for Social Scientists (3)

Choose 21 hours in a concentration in one of the following areas. At least 15 hours must be at the 300-500 level:

  • Anthropology*
  • Criminal Justice
  • Economics*
  • History (any prefix)
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

*Area cannot be completed online unless appropriate prior credits have been completed.

Choose 6 hours from any courses (300-599) in these secondary areas except for the area of concentration:

  • Anthropology
  • Criminal Justice
  • Economics
  • History (any prefix)
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Language and Math/Statistics Options

  • Students may substitute up to 6 hours in foreign language and/or additional math/statistics courses from the above hours, in either category, with the approval of the BASS Coordinator.

General Education Interdisciplinary Program

  • Options UI/IU courses in social science may be substituted in any category with the approval of the coordinator of the social science program. The program will maintain a list of acceptable substitutions.

  • Social and Behavioral Sciences – 6 hours
    • Course 1
    • Course 2
  • Constitution requirement – 3 hours
    • Course 1
  • Written Communication – 6 hours
    • Course 1
    • Course 2
  • Oral Communication – 3 hours
    • Course 1
  • Natural Sciences – 7 hours (from two disciplines, one to include a lab)
    • Course 1
    • Course 2
  • Mathematics – 3 hours
    • Course 1
  • Humanities & Fine Arts – 9 hours (from at least two disciplines)
    • Course 1
    • Course 2
    • Course 3
  • Additional requirements – 5 hours (to include UI100 for native students)
    • UI100/Course 1
    • Course 2
  • Civics examination

Fall

  • Full Term: Aug. - Dec. (3 hours)
  • Full Term: Aug. - Dec. (3 hours)
  • Full Term: Aug. - Dec. (3 hours)
  • 1st 8 Week: Aug. - Oct. (3 hours)
  • 2nd 8 Week: Oct. - Dec. (3 hours)
  • Total: 15 hours

Spring

  • Wintersession: Dec. - Jan. (3 hours)
  • Full Term: Jan. - May. (3 hours)
  • Full Term: Jan. - May. (3 hours)
  • 1st 8 Week: Jan. - Mar. (3 hours)
  • 2nd 8 Week: Mar. - May. (3 hours)
  • Total: 15 hours

Summer

  • 1st 4 Week: June (3 hours)
  • 8 Week: June-July (3 hours)
  • 2nd 4 Week: July (3 hours)
  • Total: 9 hours

College of Humanities and Social Sciences 

This degree is housed within the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. The College prepares students for lifelong careers. We boast programs that train students in problem-solving, critical thinking, communication, organization, and adaptability. Skills employers value, so we prepare you for basically any career field.

Earn Your Degree on Your Schedule.

Do more than dream about the future. Take the first steps to make it all happen.

Getting the Job

Your education is just one piece to launching an extraordinary career. Once you’ve mastered the material, you still have to find the job you want, make the right connections, sell your knowledge and experience—and if all this is giving you anxiety, don’t panic. SEMO’s Career Services office is here to help you with the next step. They’ll provide the expertise and support you need, so you’re landing your dream job in no time.

Preparing you with the critical workforce skills to be a confident, competitive job candidate in today's ever-changing marketplace.

Alumni of the College of Humanities and Social Science are employed by:

  • Ameren logo
  • Boeing logo
  • Missouri Botanical Garden logo
  • Missouri History Museum logo
  • Redwood Logistics logo
  • United States Peace Corps logo
Phone
Advising
(573) 651-5184
Location
Office Location
Kent Library 305
Mailing Address
One University Plaza, MS 4610
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

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