General Social Sciences (GSS) is a multidisciplinary, undergraduate program that prepares students for success in an interconnected global environment. The GSS curriculum provides flexibility in both class schedules and coursework, allowing students to tailor their education according to their interests and to balance multiple academic or personal pursuits. Our program welcomes students of all identities and is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive intellectual community.
Read about the Indigenous history of our local land.
What You Can Do with a Degree in General Social Sciences
General Social Sciences majors learn how to analyze social issues using research and critical thinking. They also develop innovative problem-solving skills, which are applicable towards professional fields like business, government, law, and education. Those who study general social sciences frequently go on to pursue careers in:
- Planning, public policy, or international relations
- Industry and laboratories
- State and federal government agencies
- Research institutes
- Colleges and universities
- Nonprofit organizations
- Master's programs in teaching
- Primary and secondary education
- Graduate school in social work or law
- Law enforcement
- Criminal justice
- Social justice advocacy
- MBA program
- Business (domestic or international)
- Nongovernmental or intergovernmental organizations
- Government
How GSS Launches Your Career
"During my internship at a London law firm, I immersed myself in mental health advocacy, supporting clients through complex tribunal processes. My background in General Social Science proved invaluable, particularly when reviewing psychological reports and communicating sensitively with clients facing mental health challenges. The analytical skills honed in my social science coursework, especially Professor Stotter's PPPM 418 class, directly translated to drafting professional correspondence and legal documentation. Through hands-on experience in both the Mental Health and Family departments, I gained practical insight into how legal systems intersect with social services. Whether signing up new clients, preparing case materials, or providing court clerking support, my academic foundation in social science enhanced my ability to approach cases with both legal precision and human understanding."
—Micayla Cox, General Social Sciences
Our Degree Programs
The General Social Sciences Program offers students the flexibility to design a major that combines courses from several departments across campus. Students within our program can choose from four distinct major concentrations or two minors:
Learn from Experts in the Field
Students within our program learn from faculty experts within a broad range of social sciences departments. They may also take courses from the university's professional schools, including Business, Education, Journalism, and Planning and Public Policy Management.
Get Real-world Experience
GSS majors can gain experiential learning experience in their fields of interest through internships, study abroad programs, and other opportunities outside the classroom.
Scholarships and Funding
The College of Arts and Sciences awards various scholarships to both incoming students and those who are already attending the University of Oregon. In addition to those open to all majors, two awards are specifically designated for General Social Sciences majors. Find out more below.
Academic Support
Students are strongly encouraged to maintain contact with their academic advisors to discuss their course of study and plan for their careers. Students in the GSS program can seek advising through Tykeson Hall or consult one of the department’s undergraduate advisors.
