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

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22 programs in social sciences available

 

Undergraduate degrees (9)

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 »

Undergraduate minors (12)

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

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