Bachelor of Arts in Social Science

Gain a broad perspective in the social sciences when you study areas of history, culture, psychology and sociology for your Bachelor of Arts in Social Science degree from Ashford University.

Degree Focus
Your Bachelor of Arts in Social Science degree examines the implications of cultural diversity, and helps you to acquire a foundation of research skills from the social sciences, including history, psychology, and sociology. You will develop a sound understanding of the society we live in - individuals, families, communities, governments, and cultures - from various perspectives. Benefit from a multidisciplinary approach, where the perspectives of different social sciences are combined and applied to real-world issues.

Career Opportunities
The core knowledge you gain with your Bachelor of Arts in Social Science degree creates a solid foundation for a wide range of careers that concern people - understanding them, leading them, or helping them. Opportunities are available for qualified, educated people. As a graduate, you can pursue a position in many different fields including:

• Advertising and public relations
• Arts and culture
• Consulting
• Computing and IT
• Education
• Financial and legal
• Language-related careers
• Leisure, tourism, and travel
• Media, communications, and information
• Human Resources
• Public service
• Sales and marketing
• Social services

Bachelor of Arts in Social Science

Program Outcomes
Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Arts in Social Science degree program will be able to: 

•  Evaluate fundamental social science concepts; 
•  Examine the implications of social and cultural diversity; 
•  Acquire and use a foundation of research skills from the social sciences, including history, psychology, and sociology; 
•  Examine the relationship of service to social sciences; and 
•  Integrate knowledge from the social sciences, including history, psychology, and sociology.

Program Requirements

•  Total number of credits required: 120 credits 
•  General Education Requirements: 52 credits* 
•  Major Course Requirements: 48 credits* 
•  Electives: 35 credits

Students must earn a minimum of 30 upper-division credits and a minimum of 21 credits at Ashford University (residency requirement).

* In this program, 15 credits from the major may also satisfy General Education requirements.

Program Disclosures
Federal regulations published in October, 2010 require institutions to report certain information about students who enrolled in Title IV eligible educational programs that lead to gainful employment in a recognized occupation (GE programs). These required disclosures include a program’s 1) program costs; 2) on-time completion rates; 3) median loan debt; 4) links to O*NET SOC descriptions; and 5) placement rates. Please find all of the required information at this link: Program Disclosures.

Admission Requirements

• Have a regular high-school diploma earned through college preparatory or regular high school courses or GED equivalency recognized by the Department of Education of the state in which it was earned, completed secondary school through home schooling as defined by state law, or earned an equivalent to a US high school diploma at an international high school. An earned IEP or Special Education Diploma or Certificate of Completion based upon IEP goals does not meet the regular high school diploma requirement for admission to Ashford University. If no high school degree was earned, applicants may be admitted with a minimum of 60 transferable credits from an appropriately accredited postsecondary institution as defined by Ashford University transfer credit policies.
• Be 22 years of age or older, or a graduate of Ashford University's Associate of Arts in Business degree program, or receive documented approval from the Registrar's Office via the "Under 22 Appeal" process. 
• English Language Requirement.
• Successful completion of Student Success Orientation for students who indicate that they have fewer than twenty-four (24) traditional college-level transferable credits at the time of application.

Technology Requirements

Competencies
Students must possess the following online competencies:

•  Ability to access course and program material on the Internet; 
•  Ability to correspond with University staff, students, and faculty using email and the Internet; and 
•  Ability to use appropriate antivirus utilities so that files transmitted and received are virus free.

System requirements

The following minimum system configuration and software are required:

•  Platforms: Mac OS X 10.2 or higher or Windows XP or higher; 
•  Hardware: 256 Mb RAM, CD-ROM, and 1 Gb free disk space; 
•  Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2003 or higher; Adobe Reader 8.0 or higher; Adobe Flash 10 or higher (Constellation users); 
•  Web Browser: Firefox 3.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 8.0 or higher, Safari 4.0 or higher, or Chrome; 
•  Networking: 56k dialup modem, DSL, or Cable modem; 
•  Email: Outlook, Outlook Express, Mac Mail, Eudora, Entourage, or Yahoo/Hotmail/Gmail.

Recommended for optimal performance 

•  Productivity Software: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 2007 or higher; 
•  Networking: Broadband Internet connection (DSL, cable, or other); 
•  Constellation users: Windows Media Player 7 or higher, sound card and speakers.

Transferability
Put your college credits to work at Ashford! You can transfer up to 90 semester credits (135 quarter credits) to help fulfill your degree requirements.* That means all your past hard work will not be wasted.

If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete an online orientation prior to enrolling in credit-bearing coursework. Following successful completion of orientation, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education as your first course. EXP 105 is required if you have little or no previous college experience and is not recommended if you have high transfer credit. EXP 105 applies toward elective credit requirements so enrollment in EXP 105 may result in the reduction of three (3) potential transfer credits in the Elective category. If you take EXP 105, you are required to take PSY 202 as your second course.

If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment as your first course. PSY 202 is designed to help you acclimate to the online college environment, though you already have some college experience. If you have been out of school for a long time or feel that you need additional support to enter the online environment, you may appeal to enroll in EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. Unsuccessful completion of either EXP 105 or PSY 202 will result in the rescheduling of the course and revision of the future course sequence. See the Courses tab for descriptions of each course.

* The transferability of credits is subject to Ashford University’s transfer credit policies, and requires the submission of official transcripts. The official transcripts will be evaluated to determine the credits that will officially apply toward an Ashford University degree program.

Online Format
You will take your courses one at a time for 5 weeks each, accelerating your path to graduation. Your course content is delivered in a high-tech format, and you can complete your weekly assignments when and where it's convenient for you thanks to the asynchronous online environment.

Cost*
Your tuition rates are among the lowest available online at $402 per credit. You will also be responsible for fees to enroll. View complete cost of attendance. Call today to learn more at 866.711.1700.

* Tuition costs subject to change without notice.

Payment Options

• Cash Plan – 100% of tuition and fees paid on or before each course start date.
• Tuition Reimbursement – If your employer offers a tuition reimbursement plan, we'll work with you to apply this great benefit toward your education. 
• Financial Aid – You may be eligible for financial aid. Talk to an Admissions Counselor to find out if you meet the requirements to qualify. 
• Direct (Employer) Billing – If you work for a company approved for direct billing, you may qualify for this payment option. 
• Military Tuition Assistance – Includes active-duty service and Veterans Affairs Benefits, such as GI Bill and Vocational Rehab, if you qualify. Learn more about military benefits.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Bachelor of Arts in Social Science

Benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to social sciences, where the perspectives of different social sciences are combined and applied to real-world issues. Your curriculum includes coursework in history, psychology, and global economics. Your courses in this program are taught by graduate-degreed faculty with experience in the fields they teach.

Below you will find the courses for this program, beginning with the introductory course. You have a choice in this program, either to take a standard program composed of major course requirements, or you may choose to add a specialization. Please note that you must complete the major course requirements' capstone course before you can begin any specialization. Each specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits.

Introductory Course
Major Course Requirements
Specializations

• History
• Political Science & Government

Introductory Courses

Depending on the number of credits transferred in, you may be required to take one or both of Ashford University's introductory courses: EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education and PSY 202 Adult Development and Life Assessment. If you enter the program with fewer than twenty-four (24) transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete EXP 105 as your first course, followed by PSY 202 as your second course. If you enter the program with twenty-four (24) or more transferable traditional semester credits, you will be required to successfully complete PSY 202 as your first course.

EXP 105 Personal Dimensions of Education
This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.

Major Course Requirements

(48 credits, all courses are 3 credits. Courses are listed in the recommended sequence.)

PSY 202 Adult Development & Life Assessment
This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology
This course is a survey of selected topics in psychology, including research methods, physiological psychology, sensation, perception, consciousness, learning, memory, motivation, gender roles, abnormal behavior, psychotherapy, and social psychology.

SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
This introductory course presents basic concepts, theories, and research in sociology. Group organization, sex and gender, marriage and the family, sports as a social institution, and collective behavior are among the topics considered.

SOC 402 Contemporary Social Problems & the Workplace
This course presents an analysis of major contemporary social problems, especially in the United States. Attention is given to the problems of poverty, racism, sexism, drug and alcohol abuse, and illiteracy, and their impact on the contemporary workplace. Consideration is given to diverse sociological perspectives regarding the causes, consequences, and solutions to these problems.

LIB 316 Historical Contexts & Literature
Analysis of historical influences in literature based on representative literary works from African American, Latin American, European, Native American, and contemporary American historical contexts.

PSY 301 Social Psychology
Students explore how the thoughts, feelings and behavior of individuals are influenced by other human beings in a variety of social situations. This course also entails a survey and critical analysis of the various methods used by researchers in social psychology. Topics include: social cognition, aggression, prejudice, interpersonal attraction, altruistic behavior, conformity, group influences, and conflict resolution.

PSY 302 Industrial/Organizational Psychology
This course examines the influence of an organization upon the individual, as well as ways an individual can influence an organization. Topics include recruiting, personnel selection, organizational climate, group problem solving, and conflict resolution.

HIS 204 American History Since 1865
HIS 204 surveys American history from Reconstruction to the present. Emphasis is placed on the growing pluralism of American society, the effects of industrialization, the evolution of American political institutions, and the increasing importance of the United States in world affairs.

HIS 303 The American Constitution
This course is a study of the Constitution of the United States and its role in American history and government. The course covers the drafting and ratification of the Constitution, its subsequent amendment and interpretation, and its contemporary role in American politics and government.

PSY 325 Statistics for the Behavioral & Social Sciences
Descriptive and inferential statistics are investigated and multiple techniques for statistical analysis are introduced in this course. Formulas for presenting and evaluating data are explored in accordance with generally accepted protocol for statistical analysis.

POL 310 Environmental Policies
Examines political, social, and economic policies and their impact on the global environment. Also explores ways in which policy decisions can serve to protect the environment.

HIS 306 Twentieth-Century Europe
The history of Europe since 1900. Emphasis is placed on the changing nature of European society, the confrontation between totalitarianism and democracy, the origins and consequences of the two world wars, and Europe's evolving role in world affairs.

SOC 315 Cross-Cultural Perspectives
Culture and politics in Europe, Latin America, the Arab world, India, East Asia, and other areas are examined. Emphasis is on viewing the world from the diverse perspectives of other cultures and political systems. Topics and regions vary.

LIB 320 Global Socioeconomic Perspectives
This course is an examination of major socioeconomic developments in different countries including Japan, Germany, Sweden, the United States, and the developing nations. Topics include population, natural resources, energy, sustainable growth, and policies such as privatization and free trade agreements. Social and economic justice in the global economy is considered.

LIB 332 Science & Culture
This course explores Western science as a cultural artifact and its impact on other aspects of culture: art, literature, film, music, philosophy, and theology. In addition, the effects of these "other aspects of culture" on the development of science will also be investigated with emphasis on the need to make connections. The course will examine the ways in which scientific developments are articulated in other cultural artifacts.

SOC 490 Social Science Capstone
This course requires students to reflect upon and synthesize the major insights gained in their study of the Social Sciences. A substantive paper is developed which requires students to critically analyze their experiences and knowledge in order to build leaders in the interdisciplinary field of Social Science.

Specializations

You may also choose to delve deeper into other areas of social science when you add a specialization to your degree program. A specialization consists of four (4) courses, each worth three (3) credits. These courses are taught online as part of your degree program.

History

HIS 379 The Atlantic World
The history of the Atlantic basin from the late fifteenth century through the early nineteenth, including the interactions of Africans, Europeans, and the indigenous peoples of the Americas and the societies their interactions produced. Themes covered include the Columbian exchange, migrations (forced and voluntary), empire-building, strategies of resistance, identity formation, and the transatlantic dimensions of the American and French Revolutions.

HIS 340 Recent American History
This course chronicles and analyzes the profound changes in American life in the period since the Second World War, including changes in the country's political structure, economy, and culture as well as the development of the U.S. role in the international arena. Among the important events and topics covered are the Korean and Vietnam wars, the Cuban Missile Crisis, space exploration, Watergate, the civil rights movement, and the feminist movement.

HIS 342 The Middle East
This course is intended to introduce students to the complex history of the Middle East, focusing on the development of the core region in the 19th and 20th centuries. Among the most important topics covered are the origins and nature of Islam, the expansion of the Islamic world, the nature and impact of the region's relationship with Western countries, the impact of the discovery of oil in the region, the causes and course of the Israeli-Arab struggle, the rise of Arab nationalism, and the rise of Islamic fundamentalism.

HIS 331 World War II
A study of the causes, course, and consequences of World War II. Topics covered include the war's major campaigns, its impact on the societies of the nations involved, the Holocaust, and the war's influence in shaping the contemporary world. Through readings in various primary and secondary sources, students will also develop an understanding of how historians reconstruct and interpret the past.

Political Science & Government

POL 319 State & Local Government
This course examines the structure and processes of state and local governments and their related current problems and issues. There is a focus on the effect of Federalism and its effect on States.

POL 310 Environmental Policies
Environmental Policies examines the political, social, and economic implications of environmental policy in the United States and the global environment. It, also, explores ways in which policy decisions can serve to protect the environment.

POL 355 International Relations
The course in international relations is the study of relations between different nations of the world with an emphasis on understanding the political implications of international security matters and the international political economy. The topical emphasis on nationalism, diplomacy, conflict, international organizations and actors, human rights, political economy, and key global issues offers insights into the principles of identity, cooperation, and the use of power in an international context.

POL 411 Political Behavior
Students will study political behavior as it relates to campaigns and elections in the United States. Selected course themes include political communication, participation, voting, and elections.

If this program fits your personal and professional goals, contact Ashford University at 866.711.1700 to learn more, or request additional information.

Chat With a Counselor

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