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 experiential learning 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

2024 Electrochem PNW Conference
Sep19
2024 Electrochem PNW Conference Sep 19 Willamette Hall
2024 Electrochem PNW Conference
Sep20
2024 Electrochem PNW Conference Sep 20 Willamette Hall
Graduate Employee Day of Teaching
Sep25
Graduate Employee Day of Teaching Sep 25 Willamette Hall
The Achievement of James Joyce
Sep28
The Achievement of James Joyce Sep 28 Baker Downtown Center
Theatre Arts - New Student Welcome Party
Sep30
Theatre Arts - New Student Welcome Party Sep 30 Miller Theatre Complex
Department of History Undergraduate Get-Together
Oct1
Department of History Undergraduate Get-Together Oct 1 McKenzie Hall
Free Navarasa Dance Workshop at the UO Campus
Oct4
Free Navarasa Dance Workshop at the UO Campus Oct 4 Gerlinger Annex
Department of History Coffee Hour
Oct8
Department of History Coffee Hour Oct 8 McKenzie Hall
13th Annual SPICE Science Open House 2024
Oct9
13th Annual SPICE Science Open House 2024 Oct 9 Willamette Hall
Dept. of History Graduate Student Welcome Back Barbecue
Oct10
Dept. of History Graduate Student Welcome Back Barbecue Oct 10 Wayne Morris Family Farm Picnic Shelter