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Program Overview
Social and Behavioral Sciences, BA
The Bachelor of Arts program in social and behavioral sciences provides students with an understanding of assumptions underlying the social and behavioral sciences, enabling them to develop the research skills necessary for the analysis of complex social issues. This degree program can be tailored to the career goals of the individual student. Students are exposed to a variety of outlooks and challenges, and the program offers individual and group experiences working with faculty on concrete intellectual and policy issues.
Program Description
The core courses provide students with the requisite background that enables them to better understand psychological and social principles related to the behavior of individuals across multiple social contexts and institutions.
At a Glance
- College/school: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
- Location: West Valley or Online, ASU Local
- Second language requirement: No
- STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
- First required math course: MAT 114 - College Mathematics
- Math intensity: General
Curriculum
View 2025 - 2026 curriculum. View curriculum archives.
Concurrent Program Options
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated Program Options
This program allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. Accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving students who want the opportunity to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
- Communication Studies, MA
- Global Management, MGM
- Interdisciplinary Studies, MA
- Social Justice and Human Rights, MA
Admission Requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
Tuition Information
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major Requirements
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Attend Online
ASU Online offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
Transfer Options
ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.
Global Opportunities
Studying abroad enables students in the social and behavioral sciences program to develop an understanding of assumptions made about individuals and society. Firsthand experiences inside and outside the classroom help students develop skills to analyze complex social issues that affect them and those around them, domestically and internationally.
Career Opportunities
This interdisciplinary degree is an excellent option, meshing with the individual's interests and fulfilling many employers' expectations of a bachelor's degree. Such a degree is competitive in most situations in which the disciplinary social and behavioral degrees are accepted, and it is advantageous to graduates seeking entry to broad professional programs such as regional planning or urban studies.
- Advocate (e.g., immigration, children's, victim's)
- Community developer
- Human relations officer
- Lawyer
- Lobbyist
- Mediator
- Nonprofit manager
- Social services case worker
- Statistical analyst
- Urban planner
Career Data
| Career | Growth | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Addictions Counselor | 16.8% | $59,190 |
| Advocate | 6.4% | $45,120 |
| Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) | 4.5% | $63,000 |
| Community Specialist | 4.6% | $54,940 |
| Human Resources Manager | 5.0% | $140,030 |
| Lawyer | 4.1% | $151,160 |
| Mediator | 4.3% | $67,710 |
| Probation Officer | 2.6% | $64,520 |
| Public Relations Specialist | 4.8% | $69,780 |
| Social Services Director | 6.4% | $78,240 |
