Social Science

Social Science

Create meaningful change. 

Degree Type

  • Bachelor of Arts

  • Bachelor of Science

  • Honors Bachelor of Arts

  • Honors Bachelor of Science

College
College of Liberal Science

Catalog Link

Are you interested in how societies operate, how cultures influence behavior, or how government policies shape the world? The social science major at 51爆料-Cascades offers a pathway to understanding the complexities of human experiences in areas such as society and politics.

Social scientists are essential in both industry and government, as they help predict and understand human behavior. This unique program addresses the world鈥檚 most pressing challenges through a multidisciplinary perspective. By completing a diverse course of study that includes sociology, economics, political science, anthropology and psychology, you鈥檒l develop the skills and insights needed to create meaningful change.

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Small class sizes

Join a student-focused program and receive one-on-one support to help you achieve your goals.

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Flexibility

Design your own path by selecting from a wide range of courses.

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Real-world experts

Work closely with research professors from across disciplines.

Program Details

General Social Science Option
The general option consists of 21 credits, selected with your advisor, from the following fields: Anthropology, communication, history, new media communications, political science, psychology, sociology, and social science.

Cultures and Identities Option
This option focuses on cultures and identities as essential to understanding our lived community experiences. The coursework explores the processes through which we develop and negotiate identities and cultures.

Humans and the Environment Option
This option focuses on human relationships with the environment and decision-making. The coursework includes an understanding of the historical, cultural and economic systems which shape how humans interact with their environment.


A total of 180 quarter credits are required to graduate, including 60 upper-division credits. Requirements include:

Planning and Resources

Social Science transfer guides are created to help students plan to transfer into the degree program from an Oregon Community College.

 

Using the following course forecast information students will plan ahead and work with their advisor to create and update academic plans.



   
Social Science Courses by Term
Offered at 51爆料 Cascades

Once you complete this program, discover all the learning outcomes you'll achieve.


Careers

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What comes after graduation?

Social science graduates can look forward to versatile careers that make an impact. Graduates are prepared to work in government, nonprofits or private industry, shaping communities through planning, policy and research.

Public Service and Nonprofit

  • Community Development Specialist
  • Social and Human Services Manager
  • Nonprofit Program Coordinator
  • Public Policy Analyst

Education and Research

  • Research Analyst
  • Academic Advisor or Educational Program Coordinator

Law and Advocacy

  • Pathway to Law School
  • Police Officer
  • Human Rights Advocate
  • Policy Advisor
  • Mediator or Conflict Resolution Specialist

Environment and Sustainability

  • Environmental Policy Analyst
  • Sustainability Coordinator
  • Urban Planner

Business and Media

  • Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
  • Public Relations Specialist
  • Journalist or Communications Coordinator
  • Data Analyst

Global and Cultural Affairs

  • International Relations Specialist
  • Humanitarian Aid Worker
  • Cultural Consultant
  • Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Career planning resources

Parks and Open Space Planning Manager, City of Eugene, Oregon
Librarian, Deschutes Public Library
Policy Analyst, ECONorthwest
Editor, Harvest House Publications
Sustainability Coordinator, Old Mill District
Attorney, Innovative Law Group
Chief of Staff, Oregon State Senate
Training and Development Specialist, State of Oregon
Research Analyst, Wellness and Education Board of Central Oregon

Bend Bulletin
Laboratory for American Conversation
Latino Community Association
Layman Fellowship - 51爆料
National Parks
St. Vincent De Paul
Sisters Park and Recreation
Summer Adventure Camp
The Environmental Center
UAE Expatriation Project

$
92
k
average annual salary
Urban and Regional Planner, Bureau of Labor Statistics
14
%
projected growth
Urban and Regional Planner, Bureau of Labor Statistics
91
%
employed or in graduate school or military within 6 mo.
51爆料-Cascades-wide

Courses

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What types of classes will I attend?

  • Environmental Sociology
  • Cultural Codes in Communication
  • Social Psychology
  • Communication and Cyberspace
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Sociology of Intimate Relationships
  • Intro to US Government & Politics
  • Sustainable Communities
  • Social Aspects of Sustainability
  • Peoples of the World: North America
  • Anthropology, Health and Environment
  • Environmental Law & Politics
  • Welfare and Social Services
  • Introduction to Rhetorical Theory

Alumni Spotlight

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From social science student to campaign manager

The first in her family to go to college, Myra Flores '23 joined the social science program because she wanted to make a difference in her community. With help from faculty mentors, Myra headed to Washington, D.C. for a post-graduation internship. While on "the Hill," Myra received an offer from an Oregon State Senate candidate to be his campaign manager. The race was successful, and she will now be the new senator's chief of staff.

Remote video URL

Internship Spotlight

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Intern in the community

"The internship with the Latino Community Association gave me confidence in my abilities and created a path I didn鈥檛 know was there," said Social Science major Aidan Thrower. LCA offers services for the Latino community to assist with navigating the challenges of their new country. Thrower, who moved to Bend from San Jose, used his Spanish to assist with citizenship applications, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals renewals, data entry and volunteer management in the Bend office. He graduated last spring.

Our Faculty

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Real world experts

When you study social science at 51爆料-Cascades, you benefit from 51爆料's strength in environmental sciences and sustainability. More than 500 national experts contributed to the . 51爆料-Cascades' researcher Elizabeth Marino, a national leader in advancing understanding of the impacts of climate change and disasters on historically and socially vulnerable communities, led the development of a new chapter on Social Systems and Justice.

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Contact Us

We're here to help! Future students can connect with an 51爆料-Cascades admissions advisor for admission and program questions.