Social Sciences
Students sit at picnic table

Undergraduate Social Sciences Majors

Find Human-Centered Solutions

Social scientists study the human side of complex issues such as climate change, migration, and sustainable development. Use career-focused tools and methods to examine the world through the lens of human society and social relationships and apply your interdisciplinary knowledge to tackle challenges associated with socioeconomic, technological, and environmental change. A degree in one of the social sciences will provide you with a direct pathway to a meaningful career that can make real change in the world.

Bachelor’s Degrees

Anthropology—BS

Are you interested in human cultures and their development? Consider a major in anthropology. You’ll use biological, physical, written, linguistic, and ethnographic evidence to examine the similarities and differences between cultures and provide insight into what people value, how they make meaning of life experiences, and adapt. Our program focuses on archaeology and cultural anthropology, two of the four primary subfields of anthropology. You’ll be prepared for careers in investigative fields, community health, environmental protection, and education at all levels.

Policy and Community Development—BS 

A major in policy and community development will help you turn your passion for social, economic, and environmental justice into action. You’ll learn how to assist make communities develop in sustainable, equitable ways through the use of policy and law. Our program combines interdisciplinary study with an applied learning experience, working directly on civic projects with partner organizations and finding relevant internships. You can also study away or abroad (for free!), conduct research, work with community leaders, and choose a concentration in law, environment, or health to specialize your degree.

Social Sciences—BS

Are you interested in the forces that shape human behavior and the ways in which we interact and communicate? Perhaps you’re intrigued by political science and the law? If so, social sciences may be your major. Choose the general interdisciplinary option, which allows you to tailor a  portion of your degree to a disciplinary interest area such as sociology, political science, anthropology, or history; or, choose the policy, law, and society concentration to prepare you for law school or policy-focused careers.

Sustainability Science and Society—BS

Study the interactions between social, environmental, and economic systems to find solutions to the world’s most significant sustainability and environmental problems with a major in sustainability science and society. Choose your own focus area on policy, engineering sustainability, sustainability and communities, environment and society, environmental health and justice, or decision making and persuasion. Participate in experiential learning opportunities through Enterprise, the Sustainability Demonstration House,  study away or abroad, undergraduate research, and more. You’ll emerge as a leader in sustainability and set yourself up for success in the emerging green economy.

Earn an Accelerated Master’s Degree in Just 1 Extra Year

Highly motivated students can earn a master’s degree in as little as one additional year of study beyond a bachelor’s. Accelerated master’s students graduate prepared for various careers in social sciences that require advanced training, such as in industry, non-profits, teaching, independent research, or continued graduate work.

  • 7
    minors to help you customize your degree
  • 4+
    faculty-led study away programs
  • 4:1
    student-faculty ratio

Ready to take the next step?

Learn more about the Social Sciences department undergraduate degree programs at Michigan's flagship technological university.

"This is a place where students of all backgrounds can feel welcome. When you partake in a major or minor from the social sciences department, you aren't just taking on a degree: you're opening yourself up to a tight-knit group of people with common interests and goals—a real community."Kellen Gasser '25, BS Sustainability Science and Society

Study How We Live at a Technological University

Learn how to apply technology to solve social problems and issues in sustainability, human health, environment, and social justice. Gain skills to work successfully in diverse teams through cultural anthropology and sociology; analyze the past and its impact today in history and archaeology; or present arguments on pressing legal issues as you prepare for law school. Build knowledge and research foundations required to succeed in graduate school, research, or the job market. With faculty that also serve as your research advisors and mentors, you’ll conduct research that makes a real difference in communities. 

  • Get personalized attention: With a student-faculty ratio of 4:1, your academic advisors and professors know you and understand your interests and needs. You can receive the guidance you need in a timely fashion. They can help pair you with undergraduate research, internship and job opportunities that meet your needs and provide valuable experience.
  • Customize your education: Tailor your degree to fit your individual pathway. At Michigan Tech, our programs span anthropology, policy and community development, social science, and sustainability science and society. That interdisciplinary approach gives you exposure to different areas of the social sciences. Choose from 7 different minors in the department (American Studies, Global Community Development Partnerships, Global Studies, Historical Studies, Law and Society, Social and Behavioral Studies, and Sustainable Science and Society), or add any one of Michigan Tech’s 80+ minors.
  • Study Abroad: Check out our study abroad/away programs and study sustainability in Costa Rica or industrial heritage in Wales, among other options.
  • Jumpstart your career: You'll complete at least one capstone co-op, internship, or research project to deepen your learning and build your resume. Get a master's in just one additional year with our accelerated master's program. Position yourself for a number of impactful jobs with a certificate in public policy.

Minors

Enhance your knowledge beyond your field of study. Explore a passion outside your major. Students from all majors can add a minor in the Social Sciences. To learn more, speak to an academic advisor.

  • American Studies
  • Global Community Development Partnerships
  • Global Studies
  • Law and Society
  • Public History
  • Public Policy and Law
  • Social and Behavioral Studies
  • Sustainability Studies

Undergraduate Advising

One-on-one advising keeps you moving forward. Advisors can recommend courses to meet your learning and career aspirations. They’ll help you to integrate experiences like undergraduate research, summer internships, study abroad, Washington semesters, jobs, and portfolio preparation—everything you need to line up the kind of work you want and build the career you desire. 

Tomorrow Needs You

Supercharge your social science skills to meet the demands of a technology-driven society at a flagship public research university powered by science, technology, engineering, and math. Graduate with the theoretical knowledge and practical experience needed to solve real-world problems and succeed in academia, research, non-profits, government, and tomorrow's high-tech business landscape.