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.

Best Online Bachelor's Programs 2024 - U.S. News & World Report

Browse online social sciences programs

List view

 

24 programs in social sciences available

 

Undergraduate degrees (11)

Anthropology

B.A. or B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

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.

Learn more »

Economics

B.A. or B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

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.

Learn more »

Environmental Economics and Policy

B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

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.

Learn more »

Liberal Studies

B.A. or B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

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.

Learn more »

Marine Studies

B.A. or B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Navigate social, political and cultural issues of marine systems through the lens of the humanities, arts and sciences — with a focus on sustainability.

Learn more »

Political Science

B.A. or B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

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.

Learn more »

Psychology

B.A. or B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Analyze the scientific and humanistic perspectives of psychology, and come to appreciate human diversity in identifying, understanding and solving complex problems in others’ lives.

Learn more »

Public Policy

B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

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.

Learn more »

Sociology

B.A. or B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

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.

Learn more »

Tourism, Recreation and Adventure Leadership

B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

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.

Learn more »

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

B.A. or B.S.
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

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.

Learn more »


Undergraduate certificates (1)

Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Undergraduate Certificate or Minor
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

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.

Learn more »


Undergraduate microcredentials (7)

Child and Youth Development

Microcredential
Overview    |    Classes    |    Skills

Gain a broad understanding of human development from infancy through adolescence, including the influence of family, community, school and peers.

Learn more »

Children and Youth With Disabilities

Microcredential
Overview    |    Classes    |    Skills

Learn how to promote more inclusive support for children with diverse needs and abilities by better understanding the associated developmental, educational and family challenges.

Learn more »

Disparities and Discrimination Through an Economic Lens

Microcredential
Overview    |    Classes    |    Skills

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.

Learn more »

Economic Foundations

Microcredential
Overview    |    Classes    |    Skills

Study how institutions allocate resources, the consequences of resource distribution, and learn to analyze decisions in markets and everyday settings.

Learn more »

Indigenous Studies

Microcredential
Overview    |    Classes    |    Skills

Study Indigenous experiences and learn how to critically assess colonialism and power dynamics, so that you can respectfully engage and collaborate with tribal communities.

Learn more »

Public Policy Foundations

Microcredential
Overview    |    Classes    |    Skills

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.

Learn more »

Serving LGBTQIA+ Communities

Microcredential
Overview    |    Classes    |    Skills

Study key concepts, histories and political frameworks that will help you better understand and engage in applied work and direct services for LGBTQIA+ communities.

Learn more »


Graduate degrees (1)

Public Policy

MPP or Executive MPP
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

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.

Learn more »


Graduate certificates (3)

Energy Policy

Graduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

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.

Learn more »

Public Policy Analysis

Graduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

Develop your leadership style and gain advanced research and analytical skills, so you can successfully analyze, design and implement policy change.

Learn more »

Rural Policy

Graduate Certificate
Overview    |    Careers    |    Skills

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.

Learn more »


Graduate microcredentials (1)

Public Policy Leadership

Graduate microcredential
Overview    |    Classes    |    Skills

Learn social science research methods and gain the analytical skills you need to become a leader in policy design and implementation.

Learn more »


Joshua Chan Burgos-200x200, an ahtropology graduate of Oregon State University Ecampus
Earning my degrees online gave me a chance to invest in myself, and I think that's the best investment I could have made.”
Joshua Chan Burgos, '19
B.A. in Anthropology
An Ecampus enrollment specialist in an office space wearing a phone headset.

Contact us directly

Our knowledgeable staff of enrollment services specialists will answer your specific questions about OSU Ecampus online degree programs, courses, the application process and how to get started.

800-667-1465

ecampus@oregonstate​.edu

8 a.m.–4 p.m. PT, Monday–Friday

Request
information

Required fields marked with

    • What program are you most interested in?
    • Please select a degree type.
    • Please select the program you're interested in.
    • Please select the delivery type you're interested in.
    • Please select your student type.
    • Please enter your name.
    • Please enter your name.
    • Please enter a valid email address.
    • Please select your country.
      • Please select your state.
    • xxx-xxx-xxxx

      Please enter your phone.
    • Please check all affiliations that apply to you.
      • Please select one affiliation that applies to you.
      • You have selected that you're an employee of a Guild partner company. We encourage you to complete the Guild pre-application instead of this form because you'll receive information that's specific to your Guild enrollment. If you have additional questions after your pre-application, consider emailing our Enrollment Services team directly. They can answer your questions and get you on the right track.

    • Learn more about how this program facilitates licensure within the U.S. state(s)/territory(s) where licensure is intended.
    • Please indicate you have read the requirements.
    • You can earn an honors degree online in any undergraduate degree program.
    • Please indicate if you are interested.

To ensure that you receive emails from us, please add "ecampus@oregonstate.edu" and these domains to your safe senders list: “@oregonstate.edu,” “@discover.oregonstate.edu” and “@email.oregonstate.edu.”

 â€  All mobile information you share will remain confidential and will never be given to external sources. Any costs associated with receiving a text message are the responsibility of the individual receiving the message. Opting in to this mobile text messaging service from Ecampus is free of charge, however, message and data rates may apply from your wireless carrier.

Login