The Social and Behavioral Sciences degree at ASU’s West campus immerses students in the psychological and social principles that influence behavior in a variety of social structures, such as community, culture, family. Students are trained to succeed in careers focused on social advocacy.
The curriculum of the BA program in social and behavioral sciences provides an understanding of assumptions underlying the social and behavioral sciences, develops students' research skills 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 with a background suitable to helping them better understand psychological and social principles related to the behavior of individuals across multiple social contexts and institutions (e.g., family, community, society and culture).
Program offered
Social and Behavioral Sciences,
BA
Offered by
New College of Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences
Location
West
Major map
A major map outlines the degree’s requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
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.
This degree 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.
Other 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 |
| Health Educators | 14.5% | $53,940 |
| Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other | 13.2% | $41,570 |
| Human Resources Managers | 9.1% | $110,120 |
| Lawyers | 8.2% | $119,250 |
| Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators | 10.4% | $60,670 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | 5.7% | $51,410 |
| Public Relations Specialists | 8.8% | $59,300 |
| Social and Community Service Managers | 18% | $64,100 |
* 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
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