Ursinus College

What you'll study

The Social Sciences programme at Ursinus provides a broad interdisciplinary curriculum drawing on sociology, political science, anthropology, economics, psychology and related fields. Students build core skills in research design, statistical analysis, qualitative methods, and critical theory while choosing concentrations or elective sequences that reflect particular interests such as public policy, community development, comparative societies, or social inequality.

• Core methods and theory: courses in social research methods, statistics for the social sciences, and social theory that teach hypothesis formulation, data collection, and interpretation.
• Disciplinary foundations: introductory and intermediate classes in sociology, political science, anthropology, economics and psychology to provide multiple lenses on social phenomena.
• Applied and elective courses: offerings in public policy, urban studies, gender and sexuality, race and ethnicity, environmental social science, and comparative politics allow students to tailor study to career goals.
• Experiential learning: internship placements, community-engaged research, and practicum options enable students to apply classroom learning to organisations, government offices or non-profits.
• Capstone project: a senior seminar or independent research project synthesises disciplinary perspectives and methods into a substantial piece of original work, often supervised by a faculty mentor.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor of Social Sciences typically requires a secondary school diploma or equivalent with a competitive academic record. Successful applicants demonstrate strong preparation in humanities and social studies, evidence of quantitative reasoning or mathematics, and the ability to write clearly. Ursinus considers letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and any records of extracurricular or community engagement. Test scores may be optional as part of the college's admissions policy; transfer applicants should submit college transcripts and any relevant syllabi. International applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency through recognised testing or approved alternatives.

Career prospects

Graduates with a social sciences degree from Ursinus move into a wide range of careers where analytical, research and communication skills are valued. Common entry roles include research assistant, policy analyst, programme coordinator, caseworker, community organiser, market researcher and roles in education or human services. Many alumni pursue further study in fields such as social work, public policy, law, international affairs, education or graduate research degrees. The programme’s emphasis on internships and applied projects also supports transitions into non-profit management, government agencies, consulting and corporate social responsibility roles.

Why study at Ursinus College

Ursinus is a liberal arts college that emphasises small classes, close student–faculty mentorship and high-impact experiential learning—advantages that benefit Social Sciences students who need guided research supervision and applied opportunities. The college supports undergraduate research and internships, and faculty often involve students directly in ongoing projects. Cross-disciplinary collaboration is encouraged, allowing students to combine social science study with fields such as environmental studies, data analytics or health sciences. Strong career services and alumni networks further help students secure internships and plan postgraduate pathways.