With one of the best online bachelor’s in social sciences, you will gain an interdisciplinary understanding of societal structures.
Featured Programs
Choosing a bachelor’s in social sciences is a smart decision for a few reasons. This is a great option if you’re interested in behavioral studies but aren’t sure yet what you want to focus on. It’s also a fantastic choice if you want to develop a broad understanding of several concentrations. A bachelor’s in social sciences can enhance a career that you may already have. The online format of these diverse options gives you flexibility in many ways, no matter your situation.
Find a program that works for you in our list of 25 best online bachelor’s in social sciences.
What Is an Online Bachelor’s in Social Sciences Degree?
An online social sciences degree can be completed either through a bachelor of arts program or bachelor of science program. BA degrees in Social Sciences will lean toward more creative concentrations, such as anthropology. Economics would be a typical example of a BS concentration because it focuses more on critical knowledge.
The nice thing about an online bachelor’s in social sciences degree is that most offer you knowledge in both spheres. Most of these options pride themselves on an interdisciplinary approach that will automatically encourage both quantitative and qualitative thinking.
How Much Can You Earn with an Online Bachelor’s in Social Sciences Degree?
The list of careers that can be obtained through an online bachelor’s in social sciences degree is undeniably expansive. Depending on what you choose to pursue, you can find yourself in a great-paying career. According to Payscale, a mental health technician usually lands an average salary of $33,500; whereas, the salary of an investment analyst averages around $80,800. After comparing the various careers in social sciences, the median yearly income lands at $48,000. This median is not a tell-all fact; the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics claims that salaries within social sciences fields are rising.
What Is Required for an Online Bachelor’s in Social Sciences Degree?
Look to your school of interest and the programs themselves to find out the expected admissions process. Within the application process, there are some requirements that can be found in the vast majority of programs:
- SAT or ACT exam scores
- Cover letter/personal essay
- Application (and associated fee)
- Recommendation letters
When accepted, you’ll find that most online degrees in social sciences require at least 120 credits of coursework to be completed. This process generally takes four years; however, some programs can be completed in a shorter period of time. Many bachelor’s in social sciences degrees include a capstone course to be completed before graduation.
What Are the Best Online Bachelor’s in Social Sciences Degrees?
OSR uses six data points: three school-wide and three program-specific. For school-wide, OSR uses Student Satisfaction, Admission Rates, and the number of programs the school offers online. For program-specific, OSR checks the Median Debt of graduates from that program, how many degrees are offered within that program’s umbrella department, and what percentage of students at that school graduated from that department.
The six statistics are displayed by each school. The sliding bar under each statistic represents how that school compares to other US institutions. “Not reported” means a school did not release that information to the US Department of Education. A more detailed description of the OSR process can be found on the methodology page.
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Bellevue University
20-Year ROI$1,077,529
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,152(in state) / $7,152(out of state)
- Total of 124 credit hours
- 30 credits completed in residence
- $50 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
96%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies from Bellevue University is great for students looking for a broader option. In this program, students will be exposed to many fields and multiple disciplines. Students will gain fundamental skills and learn about liberal studies as a whole through this exploration.
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University of Hawaii-West Oahu
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,200(in state) / $20,160(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Four college prep courses required to apply
- $50 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
91%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences is offered by three different programs through the University of Hawaii-West Oahu. The concentration options include Early Childhood Education, Psychology, and Political Science. All of these are available online and come with an assigned faculty advisor.
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University of Central Florida
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $4,478(in state) / $19,810(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Capstone course required
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 or higher
School Wide
Program Level
87%OSR ScoreThe bachelor’s degree in social sciences from the University of Central Florida encourages students to personalize their education as they see fit. Beyond the required statistics course and methodology course, students are given the choice to pursue the minors they’re most interested in. You’ll decide which combination of anthropology, communication, political science, psychology, sociology, and gender studies will make up your ideal program.
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Excelsior College
Quick Facts
- Total of 120 credit hours
- $50 application fee
- Your choice of concentration
School Wide
Program Level
86%OSR ScoreExcelsior College offers a Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences program that is modifiable to any student’s interests or schedule. This degree is extremely transfer-friendly; allowing you to transfer up to 113 accepted credits. Excelsior emphasizes critical analysis and reasoning skills to form understanding of societal trends and challenges.
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Brandman University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,000(in state) / $12,000(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- 15 elective credits required
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
82%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Arts in Spatial Social Sciences from Brandman University prioritizes solving real-world problems through diverse research and an interdisciplinary mindset. Students develop excellent critical thinking skills through analysis and the application of integrated methods. By the end of the program, students will become experts at designing policies through the required capstone assignment.
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Ashford University
20-Year ROI$818,512
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $10,848(in state) / $10,848(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Five-week terms
- Transfer up to 90 credits
School Wide
Program Level
82%OSR ScoreAshford University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences degree that can be fully completed online. Through the in-depth study of constructs like families, governments and cultures, Ashford takes a multidisciplinary approach to create an understanding of society. Students will graduate with the confidence to apply qualitative and quantitative research to pertinent global issues.
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Washington State University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,530(in state) / $23,956(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Transfer-friendly program
- Two different programs offered
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreThe social sciences bachelor’s degree from Washington State University can be obtained through your choice of two aptly defined paths: Plan A or Plan B. Plan A combines a primary concentration of 24 credits in one social sciences discipline with a secondary concentration of 15 credits in one specific department. Plan B is a program of three concentrations in three different social sciences disciplines, with room for elective credits.
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University of Maryland Global Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6936(in state) / $11,976(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- No ACT or SAT required to apply
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreUniversity of Maryland-University College offers a bachelor’s degree in social sciences that allows you to focus closely on a specific field of your choosing. Through online coursework, students will learn about the effects of both micro and macro-level factors on a social climate. This program encourages a well-rounded perspective, teaching research methods that value both quantitative and qualitative data.
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California State University-Chico
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $5,742(in state) / $17,622(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Writing Requirement in order to graduate
- Your choice of two specialized programs
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreThe California State University-Chico offers two different online programs for its bachelor’s in social sciences degree. The university’s multidisciplinary studies option features a broad curriculum, providing a solid liberal arts base in the social sciences. For the specialization studies option, students choose a primary concentration to study alongside a second concentration focusing on career and life planning.
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Upper Iowa University
20-Year ROI$847,992
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $28,850(in state) / $28,850(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Fee waived by applying online
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreThe bachelor’s in social sciences from Upper Iowa University is a degree that grooms students for graduate study through gaining expertise in their chosen fields. This major lets students choose an emphasis in history, political science, psychology, or sociology. The program allows you to build upon your specific concentration, thus creating a strong foundation that influences personal and professional growth.
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Regis University
20-Year ROI$1,120,155
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $35,260(in state) / $35,260(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Eight-week courses
- Jesuit background
School Wide
Program Level
80%OSR ScoreRegis University offers the options of a bachelor’s in communications degree and a bachelor’s in psychology degree within the school of behavioral and social sciences. While you won’t be getting your degree in social sciences specifically, either of these choices will equip you with the tools necessary to thrive in any social sciences career. Think of these two choices as more in-depth concentrations with a strong foundation of social sciences.
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Central Washington University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,037(in state) / $20,144(out of state)
- 180 quarter credits required
- Choice of two interdisciplinary programs
- Minimum GPA of 2.25 required
School Wide
Program Level
78%OSR ScoreStudents will form an excellent understanding of social relations with the Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Social Sciences degree from Central Washington University. Through this program’s curriculum, you’ll gain a broad yet cohesive understanding of social sciences. This program encourages exploration, allowing you to find your specialization through exposure to all fields associated with this major.
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National University
20-Year ROI$1,183,483
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $13,032(in state) / $13,032(out of state)
- Total of 180 quarter units required
- Transfer-friendly program
- 45 quarter units completed in residence
School Wide
Program Level
78%OSR ScoreReceiving a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from National University will launch students into the career of their choosing. Attached to this degree is an Inspired Teaching and Learning Preliminary Single-Subject teaching credential, which essentially means that students will be prepared to teach upon graduation. Four courses are dedicated to a student teaching internship that makes up the latter part of the program.
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Southern New Hampshire University
20-Year ROI$882,666
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $30,756(in state) / $30,756(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- GRE and SAT scores not required
- Transfer up to 90 credits
School Wide
Program Level
78%OSR ScoreSouthern New Hampshire University’s bachelor’s degree in social studies and education is a specific program that will fully prepare you for a career in teaching. This is an incredibly hands-on and rigorous program. Upon graduation, students will have the tools necessary to meet the requirements for a 5-12 social studies teaching certification.
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University of Southern Maine
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,336(in state) / $19,292(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Two concentrations offered
- Internship required for graduation
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreThe University of Southern Maine offers a bachelor’s in social and behavioral sciences that will provide the necessary knowledge to succeed in several fields. This is an interdisciplinary program that emphasizes the power of learning different perspectives. This major offers (but doesn’t require) the choice of three specialization paths: Counseling, Public Health, and Regulatory Ethics.
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Dominican College of Blauvelt
20-Year ROI$920,606
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $27,588(in state) / $27,588(out of state)
- Total of 126 credit hours
- $35 application fee
- Transfer up to 90 credits
School Wide
Program Level
77%OSR ScoreThe Dominican College of Blauvelt presents an intensive bachelor’s in social sciences degree that can be taken completely online. This particular program focuses on economic, political, and psychological issues in society through your choice of a psychology or criminal justice concentration. Through analyzing cultural relationships and studying historical references, DCB teaches you how to understand the workings of contemporary society.
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Franklin University
20-Year ROI$960,502
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $12,216(in state) / $12,216(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Transfer-friendly program
- Capstone project required
School Wide
Program Level
76%OSR ScoreThe bachelor’s in social sciences from Franklin University offers incredible flexibility for the especially busy student. This program is perfect for a transfer student, considering this degree accepts up to 75% of degree requirements in transfer credits. Through this option, you can create a highly personalized curriculum while completing courses in-person or online.
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Virginia Wesleyan University
20-Year ROI$800,593
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $36,010(in state) / $36,010(out of state)
- Total of 128 credit hours
- SAT/ACT scores required
- Transfer up to 94 hours
School Wide
Program Level
76%OSR ScoreVirginia Wesleyan University’s online bachelor’s in social science works to meet your needs, allowing you to schedule classes on your own time. With that said, this program highly values peer interaction and interdisciplinary discussion as a means to learning. Flexibility also allows you to tailor your education to meet your specific career goals.
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Great Basin College
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $2,820(in state) / $9,598(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- GPA of 2.5 or higher
- Capstone project required
School Wide
Program Level
75%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences from Great Basin College will launch you into a career that you love. Every class, including the capstone course, is offered online, making it a perfect fit for those with a less flexible schedule. A wide range of courses are available with four primary focus areas in mind: anthropology, history, political science, and psychology.
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Troy University
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $7,584(in state) / $15,168(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- 21 hours of free electives requirement
- Choice of three concentrations
School Wide
Program Level
75%OSR ScoreThe bachelor’s in social sciences from Troy University prepares students for real-world experiences. This university values critical and creative thinking as a way to form valuable perspectives on the social climate of today. By graduation, students will have a broad understanding of social sciences as a whole through this program’s interdisciplinary approach to learning.
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Prescott College
20-Year ROI$650,436
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $28,896(in state) / $28,896(out of state)
- Total of 124 credit hours
- Transfer-friendly program
- Foreign language requirement
School Wide
Program Level
74%OSR ScoreCampbell University offers a bachelor’s in social sciences with a concentration in political science. The focus of this particular option is to give students a strong knowledge base of geography, sociology, state, and local government. Critical thinking, research, and writing are the main skills taught through this program.
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Campbell University
20-Year ROI$906,959
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $29,900(in state) / $29,900(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- ACT/SAT required
- Transfer-friendly program
School Wide
Program Level
72%OSR ScoreColorado State University-Global Campus provides the option of a degree specialization in applied social sciences. Totaling 15 credit hours, this concentration can be added to qualifying bachelor’s degrees, such as criminal justice, human services, and more. This specialization allows you to improve on your social perspective, gather qualitative and quantitative knowledge, and graduate with a varied skill set.
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Colorado State University Global
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $8,400(in state) / $8,400(out of state)
- Total of 180 credit hours
- Minimum of 2.0 GPA required
- $80 application fee
School Wide
Program Level
71%OSR ScoreThe bachelor’s in integrated social sciences from the University of Washington-Seattle Campus is a great choice for the student who wants to dabble in multiple fields. It is a degree completion program, meaning that most students enter the program having already completed their general education requirements. Should you choose this program, you will be assigned an advisor to help you track your progress.
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University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $9,909(in state) / $34,473(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- $40 application fee
- Student Assessment Portfolio required for graduation
School Wide
Program Level
71%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Arts in Social Science from University of Alaska Southeast gives students all the tools they need to succeed in the career of their choosing. This program values an interdisciplinary perspective by encouraging students to focus on three of the six available social science disciplines. A student assessment portfolio must be started during sophomore year and submitted before the end of students’ senior year for degree completion.
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University of Alaska Southeast
Quick Facts
- Tuition: $6,244(in state) / $20,608(out of state)
- Total of 120 credit hours
- Transfer up to 90 credits
- Complete within three years
School Wide
Program Level
70%OSR ScoreThe Bachelor of Science in Behavioral and Social Science degree at Bethel University will advance you to the role you desire most within your workplace. Offered both online and in-residence, it specifically caters to students who are already working in the social sciences field. On-ground classes are required once a year in order to teach crisis intervention, interviewing skills, and more.
