Social sciences provide an analytical approach to society’s problems. As a result, faculty and students in the social sciences often focus on complex and intersectional issues such as racism, international conflict and war, climate change, and poverty. Through an objective and empirical approach to these issues, the goal is to generate genuine passion and equip future leaders with the skills they need to address the world’s challenges. Explore majors, minors, concentrations, and academic programs in the social sciences.
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World-Class Faculty in the Social Sciences
Ashley Cordes
Assistant Professor of Indigenous Media in Environmental Studies and Data Science
Ashely Cordes is an academic expert in Indigenous data sovereignty, artificial intelligence, blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. Her research explores how Indigenous communities can leverage technological utilities—such as cryptocurrency and AI—for Tribal economic independence, representational and data sovereignty, and preservation of knowledge systems.
Neil O'Brian
Assistant Professor of Political Science
Neil O’Brian is an academic expert in U.S. politics focusing on public opinion, political parties, and polarization. His recent work has focused on how people’s perceptions of politics and current events affect their political attitudes. He’s recently published the book The Roots of Polarization: From the Racial Realignment to the Culture Wars (University of Chicago Press).
O’Brian is the second UO researcher to receive an Andrew Carnegie Fellowship. O’Brian is using the fellowship to further explore what he calls the “doctor’s project.” The start of this research began when he identified a partisan divide in the trust people have in their physicians; those on the political right expressed less trust in their doctors than those on the left. This is a recent phenomenon, as data showed no difference in trust in one’s doctor until a shift in 2020-21, during the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. O’Brian argues the partisan divide over public health measures—such as masking and vaccines—led to less trust in the medicine industry.
Melissa Graboyes
Associate Professor of History, Global Health Program
Melissa Graboyes is a historian of modern Africa and a global health specialist whose research focuses primarily on medicine and science in the East African region.
Graboyes’ current research projects have been supported by major research funds. Her work on the history of malaria elimination on the African continent is funded by a five-year National Science Foundation CAREER award. A three-year collaborative research project on returning research results from social science disciplines to African participants—removing costly barriers to make findings more accessible—is funded with a three-year NSF award. She is also working on global health research at the local Eugene level through her project on aspects of care for people who inject drugs.
As a mentor, Graboyes works with undergraduate students in research groups. She leads the Global Health Research Group, which helps students gain skills and tools for conducting undergraduate research. The group consists of students interested in global health-related topics, as well as students majoring in a STEM field who are interested in ethics, history and the processes of science.
Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages
At the Schnitzer School of Global Studies and Languages, UO students engage with diverse cultures, languages, histories, and lifeways across the world. Students of the social sciences, from Anthropology to Sociology, will broaden and deepen their education in their field by viewing it—and experiencing it—through a global lens. GSL prepares our graduates for life after college with an interdisciplinary curriculum, innovative language teaching, abundant learning opportunities outside the classroom, and paths of study that lead to many options for real-world careers.
Research in the Social Sciences
Research in the social sciences investigates human behavior and the motivations that influence it. Although some of our research occurs in the lab, much of it is conducted out in the field using a variety of methodological approaches, from exploratory to experimental. The results of our research often carry societal-level implications and may point to solutions for addressing local, national, or global challenges.
2024-2025 Sponsored Research in Social Sciences
Between July 2024 and June 2025, researchers in CAS received $83 million to fund 199 research projects, including approximately $6 million for Social Sciences. The research projects, which span divisions and fields of study, represent CAS's commitment to curiosity, discovery, and innovation.
Explore Other Majors and Minors in the College of Arts and Sciences
Meet Our Dean
Welcome to the social sciences division of the College of Arts and Sciences. Within our community, we address some of the world’s problems—big or small—through interdisciplinary research and critical thinking. What drives us is a passion for exploring human behavior and society.
The social sciences provide the necessary foundation for any academic inquiry, from the creative arts to the natural sciences. Inside the classroom, we lead courses that are engaging and thought-provoking, inspiring students to become better citizens of our world and work toward a more inclusive future.
We also believe real-world experience offers some of the most impactful learning opportunities. From internships to study abroad trips that offer new cultural experiences, our students regularly engage in hands-on learning work that reaches across social, disciplinary, and geographic boundaries, allowing them to forge new connections and spark new ideas.
We look forward to changing the world with you.
Bruce McGough
Divisional Associate Dean, Social Sciences
Happening at CAS
Job Shadow Day Info Session
4:00 p.m.Oct
19
4:00–5:00 p.m.
Interested in exploring career possibilities? Join us to learn about Job Shadow Day. This unique opportunity connects students with local professionals for a day of workplace observation, career exploration, and networking.
At this info session, you'll learn:
- What Job Shadow Day is and how it works
- How to apply and get matched with a site host
- What to expect during your shadow experience
- Tips for making the most of your day
Whether you're exploring career options, curious about a particular industry, or looking to gain firsthand insight into the world of work, this session will help you take the next step with confidence.
Hosted by: CAS CareerLab Open to: All CAS undergraduates
✨ Spots are limited. Come find out how to apply and get matched!
Cinema Studies Fall Term Coffee Hours
9:30 a.m.Join the Department of Cinema Studies for a cup of coffee or hot apple cider every week on Tuesdays during fall term!
Oct
20
9:30–11:30 a.m.
Join the Department of Cinema Studies for a cup of coffee or hot apple cider every week on Tuesdays during fall term!
Your Future in Sustainability (Career Panel + Networking)
4:00 p.m.Oct
20
4:00–6:30 p.m.
Curious about careers in sustainability, the environment, or climate solutions? Join us for Your Future in Sustainability, a FREE career exploration and networking event designed to help you connect with professionals working across the environmental and sustainability field.
Whether you’re interested in conservation, climate solutions, environmental science, policy, consulting, GIS, communications, or other sustainability-related career paths, this event is a chance to learn what careers in the field actually look like and how you can get there.
Come for either or both events! All are welcome!
Industry Insights Panel | 4:00–5:00 p.m.
Hear from professionals and alumni about their career journeys, industry trends, the skills employers are looking for, and how they got started in the field.
Small-Group Networking | 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Connect directly with professionals in a casual setting. Rotate between conversations, ask questions, learn about different career paths, and get advice about internships, jobs, fellowships, and other opportunities. FREE FOOD!
Employers include:
- Lane County Government
- BRING Recycling
- Peace Corps
- City of Eugene
- University of Oregon
- Nearby Nature
- Walama Restoration
- Ameri Corps
- Cascades Raptor Center
- and more to come!
You don’t need to have a specific career path figured out to attend. Whether you’re exploring sustainability for the first time, looking for an internship or job, or already planning a career in the environmental field, you’ll have the opportunity to make connections and learn from people working in the industry.
Come with questions, curiosity, and your future in mind.
Panelists:
Jack Bentivoglio: Jack is a Materials Recovery Assistant at BRING, a Eugene-based nonprofit dedicated to waste prevention, reuse, and sustainable materials management. Jack works with contractors and subcontractors to recover reusable building materials and connect them with opportunities for a second life rather than disposal. During the events season, he coordinates Sustainable Event Services for Lane County Public Works, managing a reusable dishware program and impact reporting for public events. As a University of Oregon Environmental Studies and Sustainable Business graduate with hands-on experience in material recovery and zero waste event operations, Jack is building a career at the intersection of sustainability, materials management, and entertainment.
Maddy Broedel: Maddy grew up in Washington and New York, hiking the Olympic and Adirondack mountains, searching the coastline for tidepools, and exploring old growth forests. After a stint living in a Midwest community with few environmental education opportunities, she discovered a passion for connecting youth and families with nature and advocating for habitat preservation and restoration. She received her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Oregon, where she studied Public Relations and Nonprofit Administration with an emphasis in environmental conservation.
Maddy joined Cascades Raptor Center’s team in 2023, where she enjoys meeting visitors, engaging the public, and creating meaningful community connections. In addition to her work with the birds, she has served on the Advancement Committee for the Oregon Coast Aquarium and as the Board Vice President for the Emerald Valley Development Professionals. When she’s not at the Center you can find her shopping at farmer’s markets, hanging out at coffee shops, hiking the Oregon coast, and spending time with her fiancé and cat.
Danielle Klinkebiel: Danielle is a climate policy professional in Lane County with more than a decade of experience advancing sustainability, environmental stewardship, and community-focused initiatives. She currently serves as a Climate Policy Analyst with the City of Eugene, where she works on climate policy and programs designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and build a more sustainable community
Moderator:
Dr. Taylor McHolm is the Director of the Student Sustainability Center at the University of Oregon. In this role, Taylor develops student leaders, helps facilitate student sustainability projects, and develops programming to meet student needs on campus. He received his PhD from the University of Oregon’s interdisciplinary Environmental Science, Studies, and Policy program, with a focal department of English. His published research addresses representations of environmental justice and the racial components of the Anthropocene. In all areas, his work and research prioritize the intersections of sustainability, environmental justice, social equity, and cultural production
Anthropology Department Presents: “Geophysical Surveys of Southern Pacific Northwest Coast Plankhouses"
noonOct
21
noon
Please join the Department of Anthropology and Gabriel M. Sanchez for the Colloquium Series talk: "Geophysical Surveys of Southern Pacific Northwest Coast Plankhouses."
Geophysical and remote sensing surveys of Pacific Northwest Coast plankhouses, sweathouses, and other architectural features have been a growing component of Pacific Northwest Coast archaeological studies. Most of these studies have focused on coastal plankhouses with associated shell middens, especially in British Columbia. Limited geophysical examples exist of Pacific Northwest Coast architectural features from the southern region, including Northern California and Oregon, especially in riverine settings.
In this study, we integrate ground penetrating radar and magnetic gradiometry to document subsurface features in collaboration with the Tsnungwe Council. Our findings, based on our interpretations of the observed data, document subsurface features ranging from ~2 m wide pits to large rectangular plankhouses ~6 m wide and 12 m in length. These houses contain central subterranean pits, which contain a hearth, that are ~5 m wide. Our findings support the interpretation of a large multicomponent village site with several plankhouses present, providing a unique example of southern Pacific Northwest Coast Indigenous architecture.
Sanchez is an Indigenous Anthropologist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology and affiliated faculty in Latinx and Native American and Indigenous Studies. Gabriel completed his graduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, in 2019. From 2019-2021, he was part of the inaugural cohort College of Social Science Dean’s Research Associate (postdoc) Program at Michigan State University, which aims to promote inclusive excellence in the academy. From 2021-2022, he served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Michigan State, before joining the UO. Currently, he is the director of the Coastal Archaeology, Ancient Proteomics, and Zooarchaeology laboratories. He also directs the Collaborative Archaeology Field School. Sanchez currently participates in a collaborative and community-based participatory research projects in California and Oregon with the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band, the Tsnungwe Council, and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde.