Integrative Social Science, BS
Prepare to address complex societal issues by integrating multiple social science disciplines. You combine insights across fields to understand people, communities and the forces shaping today's world.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Any math course that meets the MATH designation.
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Integrative Social Science degree description
In the Bachelor of Science program in integrative social science, you master the disciplines of the social sciences to meet the complex issues that confront today's society. The social sciences encompass a wide variety of disciplines that focus on societies, institutions, behaviors and interactions. Some of the most important social sciences include economics (inquiry into the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services), political science (inquiry into government, public management systems, public institutions and citizen engagement), and sociology (inquiry into society, social behavior, patterns of social relationships, social interaction and culture). Individually, these disciplines provide valuable insights into various aspects of human life and can help efforts to address societal challenges and problems. However, when the disciplines are brought together in an integrative approach, the model provides an even more powerful lens through which to understand the world.
Examples of the integrative model include:
- sociologists and economists combining models to address issues of homelessness and poverty
- sociologists and political economists collaborating to understand how cultural practices impact economic development
- sociologists, political scientists and economist perspectives coming together to undertake community impact analysis
Benefits of integrative studies include:
- Enhanced collaboration: Integrative studies encourage teamwork and knowledge-sharing.
- Expanded set of problem-solving tools: Instead of the narrow tools of one discipline, you have an expansive set of tools to apply to complex sociological issues.
- Holistic understanding: Combining perspectives provides you with a comprehensive view of complex issues.
- Innovative solutions: Integrative approaches foster creativity and innovation.
Why study integrative social science at ASU?
Housed in the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, ASU's integrative social science program emphasizes blending multiple social science methodologies rather than concentrating on a single discipline, so you learn to view challenges from several angles at once. You build real experience through internships, research methods coursework and interdisciplinary study.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| ISS 304 Integrated Theories of Social Science |
| ISS 110 Dimensions of Social Science |
| ISS 301 Integrated Social Science Research Methods |
| ISS 401 Statistics for Integrated Social Science |
| ISS 484 Internship |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
Already completed some college courses? Build on your success.
If you earned college credit outside ASU, our transfer tools map out your progress towards a degree and help you plan next steps.
See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)What you'll learn
The following learning outcomes highlight some of the knowledge and skills you'll develop to support your future success.
- Compare explanations of human behavior and social systems across multiple social science disciplines.
- Synthesize evidence from diverse social science perspectives to address complex societal issues.
- Develop research consistent with the scientific method and social science research reporting.
Compare explanations of human behavior and social systems across multiple social science disciplines.
Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
This program allows you to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years. As a high-achieving student, accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree programs are designed for you to share undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of your master's degree. These programs feature the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty.
This program is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:
Approval to pursue the accelerated master's is typically granted during the junior year of your bachelor's degree program. If you are interested, you can learn more about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Students are able to enhance their understanding of societal structure and human interaction through distinct cultural experiences found by studying abroad. They gain heightened cultural competency, and communication and critical thinking skills while exploring a new and exciting part of the world.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Specialist | 5.5% | $56,730 | Learn more |
| Government Programs Specialist | 1.6% | $54,210 | Learn more |
| High School Teacher | -0.2% | $72,040 | Learn more |
| Human Behavior Researcher | 5.0% | $61,990 | Learn more |
| Political Analyst | -2.0% | $142,080 | Learn more |
| Public Relations Specialist | 1.8% | $74,750 | Learn more |
| Social Sciences Professor | 1.6% | $72,990 | Learn more |
| Social Services Director | 7.2% | $80,390 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this integrative social science degree prepares you for
Because of their mastery of the multiple methodologies of the social sciences, graduates of the program have many more professional opportunities available to them as compared with their peers with single-discipline training.
Professionals with expertise in analyzing complex social and global issues are in high demand across sectors and industries, including business, public administration, politics and community organizations. Those who have skills in the analysis of social phenomena and complex social problems are valuable to businesses and institutions that rely on data-driven strategies for engagement and growth.
Career examples include:
- administrator
- government agent
- public relations specialist
- social and community service manager
- social science research analyst
- social scientist
- solutions resource specialist
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Applied Sciences and Arts
|
SANCA 233
CISA@asu.edu
480-727-1526
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
