Change your life — then, the world
If you want to create positive change in your community, the social sciences are a great place to start. You’ll work with expert faculty to explore what makes us human and gain a better understanding of the cultural and socioeconomic systems that impact our collective lives.
Explore online degrees, certificates and microcredentials below and learn how Oregon State can support you on a path to a rewarding career.
Explore all that OSU has to offer in natural resources online bachelor's degrees.
Browse online social science programs
27 programs in social sciences available
Undergraduate degrees (11)
Anthropology
B.A. or B.S.
Study the sciences and humanities and sharpen your critical thinking. You’ll learn to apply cutting-edge theory and methods to solve pressing social problems in a wide range of careers.
Cultural resource management Research design and data analysis Forensic analysis Critical thinking Complex social systems problem solving AI and IT interface
Archaeologist Cultural resource manager Educator Ethnographer Cultural anthropologist Museum curator User experience researcher Human resource coordinator
Economics
B.A. or B.S.
Become a skilled analyst of data, marketing trends and human behavior, so you can help businesses and governments make more informed decisions and influence economic policy for the betterment of all.
Economic policy analysis Cost-benefit analysis Economic modeling Microeconomics Data analysis Macroeconomics Quantitative methods
Financial analyst Economist Business analyst Data analyst Market research analyst Economic consultant Actuary
Environmental Economics and Policy
B.S.
Develop a strong economic skill set – supplemented by education in biological, physical or social sciences – as you prepare for a multifaceted career in environmental analysis.
Applied economics Natural resource economics and policy Measuring resource and environmental impacts Microeconomics Macroeconomics Environmental law Benefit-cost analysis
Environmental economist Land use planner Data analyst Research analyst for environmental nonprofit Environmental policy specialist Compliance analyst Pre-law
Liberal Studies
B.A. or B.S.
Customize your liberal studies major to meet your unique academic goals. Work with an advisor to develop a cohesive program of study that will foster critical skills for your career.
Writing Critical thinking Communication Planning Organization Self-reflection
Non-profit managers/coordinators Event planner Travel journalist Law enforcement Pre-law
Marine Studies
B.A. or B.S.
Navigate social, political and cultural issues of marine systems through the lens of the humanities, arts and sciences — with a focus on sustainability.
Marine ecology Critical thinking Cultural resource management Scientific reasoning Communication Marine environmental justice Ethical reasoning
Marine policy analyst Coastal communication specialist Marine entrepreneur Conservation outreach coordinator Community education specialist Aquarium outreach coordinator
Political Science
B.A. or B.S.
Investigate the theory and practice of politics and government at a local, national and global level, so you can better understand today’s rapidly evolving political climate and help shape society's future.
Constitutional law Gender and law Political analysis Rural policies Media analysis Global food politics and policy Data interpretation
Political analyst Legislative director Campaign manager Journalist Geopolitical analyst Government affairs specialist Intelligence analyst
Psychology
B.A. or B.S.
Analyze the scientific and humanistic perspectives of psychology, and come to appreciate human diversity in identifying, understanding and solving complex problems in others’ lives.
Brain behavior Human lifespan development Social psychology Psychological research Abnormal psychology Cognitive psychology Ethical reasoning
Human and social service Market research Law enforcement Education and training Social justice Human resources Criminal justice
Public Policy
B.S.
View the world through multiple lenses thanks to courses in economics, political science, sociology and specialization topics that will empower you to develop workable solutions for emerging issues.
State and local politics Governmental problem-solving Public administration Ethical reasoning Policy research Public economics Policy analysis
Community organizer Federal program specialist Legislative aide Lobbyist Strategic planner Public interest paralegal
Sociology
B.A. or B.S.
Study society and human behavior through an exploration of topics such as social inequality, crime and justice, social services and natural resources, equipping you to make an impact on your community.
Evidence evaluation Research proposal creation Quantitative data analysis Qualitative data collection Presentation development Report writing
Social service worker Marketing consultant Public policy researcher Teacher User experience specialist Public relations coordinator
Tourism, Recreation and Adventure Leadership
B.S.
Learn how to facilitate outdoor experiences that respect and protect natural resources and cultural heritage. Gain real-world skills from a program focused on sustainability, justice and equity.
Land use planning Natural resource management Environmental interpretation Program management Sustainability Accessibility in outdoor recreation Public lands policy
Outdoor educator Ecotourism manager Naturalist Park ranger Natural resource planner Recreation manager Outdoor adventure guide
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
B.A. or B.S.
Acquire extensive knowledge in social sciences and humanities that focuses on gender issues and women’s experiences. Examine feminist and anti-racist work that contributes to social justice.
Gender and science Women of color Feminisms Queer studies Ecofeminism Transgender lives Feminist philosophies
Domestic violence or homeless shelter director Human rights advocate Journalist Lawyer Legislative aide Professor Social worker
Undergraduate certificates (1)
Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
Undergraduate Certificate or Minor
Engage in a broad study of gender and women's issues in a program that emphasizes a diversity of experiences through a focus on disciplinary-based knowledge about women's lives.
Gender and science Issues related to women of color Feminism Queer studies Ecofeminism Transgender issues Feminist philosophy
Domestic violence shelter director Human rights advocate Journalist Lawyer Legislative aid Social worker
Undergraduate microcredentials (10)
Applied Behavior Support Basics
Microcredential (advanced)
Develop the skills to understand developmental milestones, promote inclusive and supportive practices, and apply behavior modification techniques as you support people at all life stages.
Human development Disability justice principles Behavioral intervention
Autism and Neurodiversity: Lifespan Development and Disability Justice
Microcredential (advanced)
Gain insight into human lifespan development and the psychological aspects of disability as you learn how to approach neurodiversity with a focus on empowerment and inclusion.
Social development Neurodiverse-affirming practice Disability justice principles Neurodevelopmental disorders
Child and Youth Development
Microcredential (advanced)
Gain a broad understanding of human development from infancy through adolescence, including the influence of family, community, school and peers.
Childhood development adolescent development parenting styles discipline and attachment observing youth developmental practices collaborative strategies
Children and Youth With Disabilities
Microcredential (advanced)
Learn how to promote more inclusive support for children with diverse needs and abilities by better understanding the associated developmental, educational and family challenges.
Developmentally appropriate practices collaborative strategies ethical principles disability rights principles observing and interpreting behavior
Disparities and Discrimination Through an Economic Lens
Microcredential (advanced)
Take part in the economic analysis of disparities with a focus on theories and evidence of discrimination, sources of employment and wage disparities, and policies to remedy economic inequality.
Human capital analysis Public policy analysis Economic analysis of discrimination Measurement of inequality
Economic Foundations
Microcredential (introductory)
Study how institutions allocate resources, the consequences of resource distribution, and learn to analyze decisions in markets and everyday settings.
Analysis of decision-making Economic analysis Market analysis Public policy analysis
Human Lifespan Development
Microcredential (introductory)
Study the physical, cognitive and social changes that occur in humans from infancy to adulthood while gaining the skills that enable you to support people and communities effectively.
Psychological science Scientific reasoning Lifespan development
Indigenous Studies
Microcredential (introductory)
Study Indigenous experiences and learn how to critically assess colonialism and power dynamics, so that you can respectfully engage and collaborate with tribal communities.
Indigenous history contextualization Sovereignty advocacy and support Colonialism and power analysis
Public Policy Foundations
Microcredential (introductory)
Learn how to conduct research, analyze and interpret qualitative data, and present this data to inform new policies, so you can help create workable solutions for issues in the public and private sectors.
Policy analysis Policy implementation Program evaluation
Serving LGBTQIA+ Communities
Microcredential (introductory)
Study key concepts, histories and political frameworks that will help you better understand and engage in applied work and direct services for LGBTQIA+ communities.
Applied learning Intersectional analysis Advocacy Community resilience Cultural responsiveness
Graduate degrees (1)
Public Policy
MPP or Executive MPP
Become an expert in policy theory, design and implementation. Learn how to integrate groundbreaking science and data analysis into emerging policy practices that can influence local, regional and international policy decisions.
Social research Quantitative and qualitative data analysis Public policy analysis Ethics Economic analysis Problem-solving Sociology Energy impact analysis
Policy advisor Non-profit/government program manager Consultant Legislative aide Public affairs specialist Economic analyst City/regional planner Energy analyst
Graduate certificates (3)
Energy Policy
Graduate Certificate
Broaden your knowledge of U.S. energy policy, how it impacts the development of energy markets, and the technologies and resources currently in use and under development.
Renewable energy policy Energy economics Stakeholder engagement Policy implementation Energy policy evaluation Climate policy
Energy policy analyst Renewable energy project manager Legislative policy director Urban or regional planner Sustainability manager Business operations specialist
Public Policy Analysis
Graduate Certificate
Develop your leadership style and gain advanced research and analytical skills, so you can successfully analyze, design and implement policy change.
Quantitative data analysis Qualitative data analysis Effective leadership Policy theory Equitable research analysis Problem-solving
Federal program specialist Legislative aide Lobbyist Strategic planner Urban renewal coordinator Rural development coordinator Policy analyst
Rural Policy
Graduate Certificate
Address the unique needs of rural communities through targeted initiatives that ensure equitable and sustainable access to healthcare, education, transportation and economic development in rural areas.
Comparative policy analysis Policy brief writing Economic development Data analysis Natural resources policy Stakeholder engagement Policy implementation
Agricultural policy analyst Rural or city planner Agritourism coordinator Economic development specialist Rural grants manager Health policy analyst Advocacy and outreach coordinator
Graduate microcredentials (1)
Public Policy Leadership
Graduate microcredential (advanced)
Learn social science research methods and gain the analytical skills you need to become a leader in policy design and implementation.
Policy analysis and evaluation Policy implementation Leadership
B.A. in Anthropology
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