University of La Verne

Programme overview

The BA in Social Science provides a broad liberal-arts foundation while emphasizing social-scientific approaches to understanding social structures, culture and public issues. Courses blend qualitative and quantitative methods, historical and comparative perspectives, and applied projects so students can study communities, policy impacts, and institutional dynamics. The curriculum is designed to develop critical thinking, research literacy and written and oral communication skills relevant across employment sectors.

What you'll study

Students take core courses that introduce social-science theory and research methods alongside elective courses that allow specialization or breadth. Typical areas of study include:

• Foundations: introductions to social theory and major disciplinary perspectives (sociology, political science, anthropology).
• Research methods: classes in qualitative techniques, survey research, data interpretation and basic statistics for social research.
• Applied topics: community studies, social policy, urban issues, inequality, race and ethnicity, gender, and globalization.
• Capstone or practicum: a senior project, fieldwork or internship that applies theory and methods to a real-world problem.

Entry requirements

Admission is through standard undergraduate application procedures. Applicants typically need a high-school diploma or equivalent, transcripts, and standard personal statements or application essays. Transfer students must submit college transcripts and may receive credit for prior coursework. Specific GPA thresholds, prerequisite courses and documentation requirements are set by the university and should be checked on the official admissions pages.

Career prospects

Graduates enter a range of roles in government, nonprofits, education, community development, human services, market research, and business operations. The degree prepares students for positions that value analytical thinking, research capability and communication—such as program coordination, policy analysis assistant roles, casework, research technician jobs, and community outreach. Many alumni also use the BA as preparation for graduate study in social sciences, public administration, law, or other professional programmes.

Scholarships & funding angle

Financial support options generally include university scholarships, merit-based awards, need-based aid and external scholarships from foundations and civic organisations. Students should explore institutional scholarship listings, departmental awards in social sciences, work-study programs, and internship stipends. Early inquiry to the university’s financial aid office and departmental advisors helps identify suitable funding sources and application requirements.