In the Social and Behavioral Sciences major you will gain knowledge and skills that are necessary to solving many of the world's most pressing social problems. The 21st century global society presents a complex picture of human conditions that can be examined politically, economically, culturally, historically, socially, technologically and behaviorally.

We integrate six essential social sciences to help you understand the full range of tools social scientists may use to develop innovative solutions. You will also specialize in one of the social sciences in order to acquire a deeper understanding of some of those tools. We have a special preparation track for those who wish to become high school teachers. In addition, you have the opportunity to take courses in related majors such as Psychology and Global Studies.

Social scientists work in education, business, law, government, non-governmental organizations and civil society at local, national and global levels, helping to shape the discussions and effect positive changes through teaching, research and service.

To learn more about the major, visit the Division of Social, Behavioral & Global Studies website.

Required Courses

Special Requirements

AA-T certified students can earn a Social & Behavioral Sciences B.A. by completing the special requirements in the following programs:

All other SBS majors, see below.

Standard Requirements

> In order to graduate, you will also need to complete your general education and university requirements.

Complete ALL of the following courses to meet MLO I and MLO IV:

To complete the requirements of the SBS degree students have two options to meet MLO II and MLO III:

  1. Select and complete one of the concentrations listed below, or
  2. Select and complete an associated minor from the list below, consisting of 12-16 units plus 8 additional units chosen from upper-division SBS concentration courses approved by faculty advisors. Minor options include:

Anthropology Concentration

Complete ALL of the following courses:

Complete ONE of the following course combinations:

Complete THREE of the following courses:

Archaeology Concentration

Complete ALL of the following courses:

Complete ONE of the following course combinations:

Complete THREE of the following courses:

Geographic Information Systems Concentration

Complete ALL of the following courses:

Complete ONE of the following course / course combinations:

Complete THREE of the following courses:

Political Economy Concentration

Complete ALL of the following courses:

Complete ONE of the following course combinations:

Complete THREE of the following courses:

Social History Concentration

Complete ALL of the following courses:

Complete ONE of the following course combinations:

Complete THREE of the following courses:

History & Social Science Subject Matter Preparation Program Coursework in Conjunction with the Social History Concentration

If you choose the Social History Concentration and are seeking a History and Social Science Subject Matter Preparation Program, then you must complete the following teaching-track pathway:

Complete ALL of the following courses:

  • GS 214 OR one comparable C-ID transfer course in Ancient-to-Early Modern World History
  • GS 215 OR one comparable C-ID transfer course in Modern World History
  • GS 316
  • SBS 315
  • SBS 350

Complete ONE of the following courses or one comparable C-ID transfer course in US History:

Complete ONE of the following courses or one comparable C-ID transfer course in US/CA Government:

Complete ONE of the following courses:

Complete ONE of the following courses or one comparable C-ID transfer course in Cultural World Geography:

Complete ONE of the following course combinations or comparable transfer course in Macro AND Micro Economics:

Complete the following course or one comparable transfer course in Tech Skills:

Complete ONE of the following courses or one comparable transfer course in Ethnic Studies:

Complete ONE of the following courses or one comparable transfer course in Non-Western History/Culture:

Sociology Concentration

Complete ONE of the following courses:

Complete ALL of the following courses:

Complete ONE of the following course / course combinations:

Complete THREE of the following courses:

Native American Studies Concentration

Complete ALL the following courseS:

Complete ONE of the following course combinations:

Complete THREE of the following courses:

Learning Outcomes

MLO 1  Social Theory

Understand the concepts and principles of both classical and contemporary social theories.

MLO 2  Research Methodology

Collect, manage, and analyze both qualitative and quantitative data.

MLO 3  Specialized Competency

Develop a strong knowledge base of at least one of the core disciplines in the Social & Behavioral Sciences: anthropology, archaeology, geography/GIS, social history, Native American studies, political economy, or sociology.

MLO 4  Application

Apply appropriate theories and methods to the study of social issues and problems.

Course Pathways

Anthropology Concentration Pathway
Archaeology Concentration Pathway
Geographic Information Systems Concentration Pathway
Native American Studies Concentration Pathway
Political Economy Concentration Pathway
Social History Concentration Pathway
Sociology Concentration Pathway
Teaching Track: Subject Preparation in History/Social Science Freshmen Pathway