Dominican University of California

What you'll study

The Social Sciences programme offers an interdisciplinary curriculum that balances theory, applied methods and experiential learning. Students take core courses in sociology, political science, anthropology and psychology alongside quantitative and qualitative research methods.

• Foundations: introductions to sociological theory, political institutions, cultural anthropology and social psychology.
• Research and methods: statistics for social sciences, qualitative field methods, survey design, and data analysis.
• Applied topics: public policy, social inequality, criminology, urban studies, health and community well‑being.
• Capstone and practicum: a senior seminar or capstone project and supervised internships or community‑based learning placements.
• Electives and specialisation: opportunities to focus on particular areas such as migration studies, environmental justice, education policy, or non‑profit management by selecting related electives.

The programme emphasises critical thinking, ethical engagement and communication skills, with opportunities for independent research, fieldwork in the Bay Area and collaborations with local organisations.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification or equivalent. Typical admission materials include an academic transcript, a personal statement outlining interest in the social sciences, and one or more academic references.

• Competitive applicants usually present a strong academic record in humanities and social science subjects.
• Transfer applicants should submit college transcripts; credits may be evaluated for transfer according to university policies.
• International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised tests or qualifications accepted by the university.
• Applicants with relevant work, volunteer or community experience are encouraged to highlight this in their application.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Social Sciences programme pursue a wide range of career paths in the public, private and non‑profit sectors or continue to graduate study. The degree develops transferable skills valued by employers, including research design, data analysis, critical writing and community engagement.

• Roles in social services, case work and community outreach
• Policy analysis and public administration at local, state or national levels
• Program coordination and management in non‑profit organisations
• Research assistantships in academic, government or think‑tank settings
• Careers in education, advocacy, urban planning, or human resources
• Progression to graduate study in social work, public policy, sociology, or related fields

Why study at Dominican University of California

Dominican University of California combines a liberal arts approach with hands‑on learning and close faculty mentorship. Small class sizes support personalised instruction and active discussion, while the university's location in the San Francisco Bay Area provides access to a rich network of community organisations, government agencies and research institutions.

• Experiential learning: community‑based projects and internship opportunities are integrated into the curriculum.
• Interdisciplinary focus: the programme encourages cross‑department collaboration and tailored study plans to pursue individual interests.
• Faculty engagement: faculty members with applied research interests mentor student research and capstone projects.
• Regional connections: partnerships with Bay Area organisations enable practical experience and professional networking.

These features make the programme well suited to students seeking both academic depth and practical preparation for careers that address social challenges.