Marywood University

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Social Sciences is built around core courses in social-science theory and quantitative and qualitative research methods, with options to focus on areas such as sociology, political science, anthropology, psychology and applied policy. The curriculum emphasises critical thinking, ethical reflection and evidence-based analysis.

• Core modules: introductory social theory, research design and methods, statistics for social sciences, ethics in social research, and a capstone seminar or senior thesis.
• Disciplinary options: sociology of the family, crime and deviance, community and urban studies, comparative politics, public policy, cultural anthropology, social psychology and developmental psychology.
• Applied learning: practicum or internship placements with local agencies, community organisations or government offices, plus opportunities for service-learning projects tied to coursework.
• Electives and interdisciplinary study: courses in economics, human services, gender studies, environmental policy and courses from allied departments to tailor the degree to career goals.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma with a record of strong performance in core academic subjects such as English and mathematics. Marywood typically considers a combination of academic transcripts, a personal statement and letters of recommendation. Standardised test requirements may be optional depending on admissions policies; applicants should check the university's current guidance.

Mature applicants or those with relevant work or volunteering experience are encouraged to apply and will have their qualifications assessed on an individual basis. International applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements as specified by the university.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Social Sciences degree are prepared for a wide range of entry-level roles and further study. The programme's emphasis on research skills, communication and community engagement is valued across sectors.

• Community and social service organisations — caseworker, programme coordinator, outreach specialist.
• Government and public policy — policy assistant, research analyst, local government staff.
• Nonprofit and advocacy groups — development officer, programme evaluator, community organiser.
• Private sector roles — human resources, market research, corporate social responsibility support.
• Further study — master's programmes in social work, public administration, sociology, criminology, or research-focused graduate degrees.

Why study at Marywood University

Marywood offers a student-centred environment with small class sizes and close faculty mentoring, enabling personalised guidance through research projects and internships. The university's location provides access to regional community organisations and public agencies that partner with students for practicum placements and applied research.

The programme reflects Marywood's commitment to ethical service, community engagement and the liberal arts, giving students both theoretical grounding and hands-on experience. Support services such as career advising, writing centres and undergraduate research opportunities help students translate course experience into career advancement or graduate study.