Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences

Gain an Understanding of Human Society

UT Tyler social sciences majors gain deep insights into the trends and behaviors that shape the world in which we live. Our graduates emerge with a strong analytical, research, writing and argumentation foundation and the ability to apply problem-solving and critical thinking to several disciplines and professional settings.

Companies and organizations look to employ well-rounded individuals with these skills who bring an understanding of the world and its complexities to all they do.

Why Major in Social Sciences at UT Tyler?

UT Tyler’s interdisciplinary social sciences curriculum challenges students to think critically about ideas, people, society and the human condition. Students examine and come to understand the issues and problems facing the modern world and previous civilizations.

Our program’s strengths include:

• Expert Faculty: Learn from professors with extensive professional experience as practicing sociologists, anthropologists and geographers.
• Interdisciplinary Focus: Explore the social sciences in a multifaceted environment that combines sociology, anthropology and geography, and choose a specialization from one of these three areas.
• Hybrid Study: Take traditional classes at the Tyler campus, as well as select online courses.
• The Latest Research Tools: Study and prepare research using Geographic Information Systems mapping technology.
• Summer Research Abroad: Travel to Belize with the Maya Research Program to get involved in excavation and laboratory work. Each summer, the Maya Research Program hosts the Blue Creek Archaeological Project at the Blue Creek Research Station in Belize, allowing you to work with students from other universities around the world.
• Learning Beyond the Classroom: Study abroad, expand your perspective and gain a competitive edge in a globalized world.

Curriculum

Specialize in one of three emphasis areas to meet your career goals and explore your interests. Choose from sociology, anthropology or geography.

All social sciences majors complete a core composed of the following:

• Archaeology
• Cultural Anthropology
• Introduction to Sociology 
• Physical Geography
• Social Research Methods
• Sociological Theory
• World Regional Geography

The BA degree requires four semesters of a foreign language, which is not part of the BS curriculum.

Social Sciences Major Requirements

Sociology Emphasis

Explore why people behave the way they do through upper-division sociology electives in such topics as Juvenile Delinquency, the American Community and Majority-Minority Relations.

Anthropology Emphasis

Study the intersection of history and human behavior through upper-division anthropology electives in such topics as Ancient Civilizations of America, Origins of Humanity and Civilization, and Field Methods in Archaeology.

Geography Emphasis

Examine our world and its patterns on a broader scale through upper-division geography electives such as Geographic Information Systems, Human-Environment Interaction and Cartography, and Remote Sensing.

What Can You Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences?

Gain a powerful academic foundation based on skills employers value, including written and oral communication, teamwork, technical and analytical abilities, critical thinking and problem-solving.

Graduates of UT Tyler’s social sciences program find employment or pursue graduate studies in the legal field, business, public service, healthcare, education, government, public administration, environmental management or urban development.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% more positions for sociologists through 2031 — about as fast as the average for all occupations.