The certificate program in applied social sciences in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences' School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the West campus prepares students to apply social science tools to real-world problems.
The certificate program in applied social sciences prepares students to apply social science tools to practical problems. Through collaboration, students develop case studies, engage in fieldwork, and learn both how to apply expert knowledge and how to communicate evidence. Working with stakeholders, students identify and solve problems, reform managerial structures and organizational systems, and drive social change.
At A Glance
Applied Social Sciences (Certificate)
- Offered by: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
- Location: West
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Program requirements
Degree requirements
The applied social sciences certificate requires a minimum of 15 credit hours (at least 12 must be upper-division), as outlined below. Students are encouraged to take courses that develop breadth rather than limiting their selection to courses in one particular discipline.
Additional certificate requirements:
- All 15 credit hours must be completed through the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences.
- A maximum of six credit hours may be shared between a certificate and a New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences major.
- Only courses in which a student receives a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or higher may be used to meet the certificate requirements.
- A maximum of three credit hours of individualized instruction or internship may be applied toward the certificate.
Required Core Courses (6 credit hours)
POS 350 Comparative Politics, SB and G (3) or SOC 331 Environmental Sociology, SB and G (3)
SBS 304 Social Statistics I, CS (3) or SBS 404 Social Statistics II: Multivariate Analysis, CS (3)
Certificate Elective Courses (9 credit hours)
Students will select nine credit hours from courses where an applied project is assigned within a specific context. Selected courses must come from at least two of the following prefixes: ASB, POS, SBS or SOC.
Examples of electives include, but are not limited to:
ASB/POS/SBS/SOC 394 or 494 Special Topics (1-4)
e.g. SOC/SBS 494 Sociology of Everyday Life
ASB/POS/SBS/SOC 484 Internship (1-12)
ASB/POS/SBS/SOC 499 Individualized Instruction (1-3)
POS 150 Comparative Government, SB and G (3)
POS 350 Comparative Politics, SB and G (3)
SBS 460/ASB 442 Global Cities, SB and G (3)
SOC 241 Modern Social Problems, SB (3)
SOC 328/ASB 340 Migration and Culture, SB and G (3)
SOC 331 Environmental Sociology, SB and G (3)
SOC/SBS/POS/ASB 339 Grassroots Social Movements, SB (3)
SOC/ASB 371 Inequality and Sustainability (3)
SOS 111 Sustainable Cities, (HU or SB) and G (3)
Depending upon a student's undergraduate program of study, prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.
Enrollment requirements
A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded prior to the award of an undergraduate degree. A student already holding an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.
Career outlook
The certificate program is recommended for students with academic or career interests in human resources, administration, journalism, social work, business, community and civic work as well as politics, organizing and advocacy, public policy, education and sustainability. Graduates may find employment in positions such as research specialist, research project manager, human resources manager or assistant, recruiter, education or social worker.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Social and Human Service Assistants | 16.4% | $33,120 |
| Anthropologists | 4.5% | $62,280 |
| Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary | 10.5% | $72,230 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | 4.3% | $46,000 |
| Human Factors Engineers and Ergonomists | 9.7% | $85,880 |
| Political Scientists | 2.8% | $115,110 |
| Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary | 10.6% | $81,430 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 14.2% | $44,380 |
| Sociologists | 1.3% | $79,650 |
| Sustainability Specialists | 8.8% | $70,010 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation