The Social and Behavioral Sciences, BS degree at ASU’s West campus provides a statistical foundation to understand how psychological and social principles interact, training our graduates to become highly successful social advocates.
Are you interested in a career focused on social advocacy? The social and behavioral sciences degree program at ASU's West campus immerses you in the understanding of psychological and social principles that influence behavior in a variety of social structures, such as community, culture and family.
The curriculum of the BS program in social and behavioral sciences provides an understanding of assumptions underlying the social and behavioral sciences, enables students to develop research skills necessary for analysis of complex social issues, offers a flexible program tailored to the career goals of the individual student and offers individual and group experiences in working with faculty on concrete intellectual and policy issues.
The core courses provide students a background suitable to help them better understand psychological and social principles related to the behavior of individuals across multiple social contexts and institutions (e.g., community, culture, family and society). The Bachelor of Science degree differs from the BA degree in that it has a stronger focus on the use of statistics.
At A Glance
Social and Behavioral Sciences, BS
- Offered by: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
- Location: West
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
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WUE eligible program
Undergraduate students from western states who enroll in this
program are eligible for a discounted tuition rate.
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.
Career outlook
The interdisciplinary degree is an excellent option that matches the individual's interests and fulfills many employers' expectations of a bachelor's degree, namely that it should expose the student to a variety of outlooks and challenges.
Such a degree is competitive in most situations in which the disciplinary social and behavioral degrees are accepted, and it is advantageous when seeking entry to broad professional programs such as regional planning or urban studies.
The degree program also provides a solid background in social sciences and methodologies that prepares students for graduate work in community development, counseling, criminal justice, professional schools (e.g., law, public administration, social work), public policy, social science disciplines, and urban studies or planning.
Possible careers include:
- border patrol officer
- community developer
- customer services manager
- housing specialist
- human relations officer
- immigration advocate
- lawyer
- lobbyist
- mediator
- nonprofit manager
- social sciences professor
- social services case worker
- statistical analyst
- urban planner
- victim's advocate
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors | 23.2% | |
| Social and Human Service Assistants | 16.4% | $33,120 |
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | 13.2% | $41,570 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | 4.3% | $46,000 |
| Human Resources Managers | 9.1% | $110,120 |
| Lawyers | 8.2% | $119,250 |
| Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators | 10.4% | $60,670 |
| Legal Support Workers, All Other | 3.8% | $56,120 |
| Patient Representatives | 4.9% | $32,890 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 5.7% | $51,410 |
* 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
What are Accelerated Programs at ASU?
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.