CUNY(The City University of New York)

What you'll study

The programme is interdisciplinary and typically combines core courses in social theory and research methods with electives from related fields. You will study subjects such as sociology, political science, anthropology, economics, psychology and urban studies, while developing quantitative and qualitative research skills including statistics, survey design, interview methods and data analysis.

Typical modules and topics include:

• Introduction to Social Theory — classical and contemporary perspectives on society and social change.
• Research Methods and Statistics — foundational training in research design, statistical analysis and interpretation of social data.
• Comparative Politics and Public Policy — systems of government, policy analysis and the political context of social issues.
• Urban Studies and Community Development — the social, economic and spatial dimensions of cities, with emphasis on New York City case studies.
• Sociology of Race, Class and Gender — exploration of inequality, identity and intersectionality.
• Crime, Law and Society — criminological theory, criminal justice institutions and reform debates.
• Electives and Capstone — options in areas like environmental policy, health services, GIS for social research, and a senior project or practicum that integrates coursework with applied experience.

The degree is structured to allow students to build a major focus or concentration and to combine the social sciences with minors or certificate programmes offered across the CUNY system. Many students complement coursework with internships, field placements and independent research projects.

Entry requirements

Admission is to the CUNY system or to a specific CUNY college offering the social sciences degree and typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent. Applicants should submit official transcripts and any standardised test scores requested by the individual campus; some campuses have optional test policies.

Other common materials and expectations include:

• Personal statement or statement of purpose describing academic interests and goals.
• Letters of recommendation may be requested by some colleges or recommended for competitive applications.
• For transfer applicants, official college transcripts and a record of completed college-level coursework are required.
• International applicants must provide evidence of secondary-school completion and demonstrate English proficiency through recognised tests or prior education in English, as required by the admitting college.

Specific campuses within CUNY may set additional requirements or recommend particular preparatory subjects such as social studies, mathematics or statistics at the secondary level.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Bachelor’s in Social Sciences enter a wide range of careers across public, private and non-profit sectors. The degree develops analytical, research and communication skills that are valued by employers.

• Public policy and government — roles in policy analysis, programme administration and local government.
• Research and data analysis — positions in social research firms, think-tanks, polling organisations and data analytics teams.
• Community organisations and NGOs — work in advocacy, community outreach, programme coordination and service delivery.
• Criminal justice and public safety — careers in courts, probation services, corrections and policy roles related to justice reform.
• Education and youth services — roles in schools, education programmes and youth development organisations.
• Further study and professional training — many graduates pursue postgraduate study in social science disciplines, public policy, law, social work or specialised professional programmes.

Internships and placements in New York City, facilitated by CUNY colleges, often provide direct routes into employment and help graduates build professional networks.

Why study at CUNY(The City University of New York)

CUNY offers access to a large, diverse public university system located in one of the world’s most dynamic urban environments. Students benefit from faculty with applied research interests, a wide range of course choices across multiple campuses and strong links to city agencies, non-profit organisations and cultural institutions.

Studying social sciences at CUNY provides practical advantages: opportunities for internships throughout New York City, community-based research projects, and a student body whose varied backgrounds enrich classroom discussion and empirical study. The system’s emphasis on affordability, transfer pathways and career services helps students progress from study to employment or graduate study.