Undergraduate Programs

Why Study General Social Sciences?

Studying the social sciences helps students understand how to analyze not only their own behavior, but also the behavior and motivations of others. The General Social Sciences Program is ideal for students who wish to examine specific social issues from diverse points of view. GSS is also a great fit for students with broad interests that seek to explore multiple disciplines within the social sciences. We welcome students of all identities and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive intellectual community.

Diverse group of students studying

Major in General Social Sciences

With four (4) major concentrations and two (2) minors to choose from, students can design a course of study that aligns with their desired career path.

 


Graduate with Honors

Students with a cumulative GPA of 3.2 or better AND a 3.6 GPA or better in GSS coursework will receive departmental honors. Departmental honors will be published in the GSS Commencement Program and the degree will state “graduated with honors.”


GSS major Mandi Funderburgh

Explore a Wide Range of Interests

"The Global, Environment, and Policy concentration has allowed me to explore my interests and take so many intriguing courses — from Environmental Economics, where I learned the way environmental assets are valued, to Gender and Politics in Developing Countries, where we examined the differing gender roles and customs around the world. I love how fulfilling and inter-dimensional the GSS program is. It has been the perfect fit for me and my widespread interests!"

—Mandi Funderburgh, GSS Globalization, Environment, and Policy major, '23


student and professor doing field work on location

Real-world Experience

GSS majors can gain hands-on experience in their fields of interest through study abroad programs and other opportunities outside the classroom


People look at data on the laptop

What You Can Do with a General Social Sciences Degree

A General Social Sciences major can prepare you to work in many fields. Learn about actual jobs our alumni have landed.


Advising and Academic Support

Schedule an appointment with a faculty or peer advisor, find important department forms, and get answers.

Departmental Advising and Support

Scholarships and Awards

Learn about ways to apply for funding through the General Social Sciences Program.

Explore Scholarships and Awards

Events

Psychology Department Colloquium: "Neuroscience and Psychology in Context"
Sep29
Psychology Department Colloquium: "Neuroscience and Psychology in Context" Sep 29 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Phantom Tollbooth Auditions
Sep30
Phantom Tollbooth Auditions Sep 30 Miller Theatre Complex
Linguistics Fall Colloquium
Oct3
Linguistics Fall Colloquium Oct 3 Straub Hall
Pre-Medicine Group Advising
Oct3
Pre-Medicine Group Advising Oct 3 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Poetry Reading by Matthew Dickman 
Oct4
Poetry Reading by Matthew Dickman  Oct 4 Knight Library
Pre-Medicine Group Advising
Oct5
Pre-Medicine Group Advising Oct 5 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Department of History Welcome Back Barbecue
Oct5
Department of History Welcome Back Barbecue Oct 5 McKenzie Hall
Fall 2023 Knight Campus Entrepreneurship Speaker Series with Jorge Cham
Oct9
Fall 2023 Knight Campus Entrepreneurship Speaker Series with Jorge Cham Oct 9 Erb Memorial Union (EMU)
Linguistics Fall Colloquium
Oct10
Linguistics Fall Colloquium Oct 10 Straub Hall
Race, Disinvestment, and the Making of the North Philadelphia “Badlands"
Oct10
Race, Disinvestment, and the Making of the North Philadelphia “Badlands" Oct 10