A degree in General Social Sciences can serve as a springboard for a broad variety of careers. Our students develop in-demand skills such as critical thinking, innovative problem-solving, and the ability to analyze social issues. These skills are applicable in professional fields ranging from business and law to government and education.
GSS 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.
Applied Economics, Business, and Society
This concentration prepares students to pursue an MBA or work in business as a:
- Project manager
- Human resource professional
- Entrepreneur
Crime, Law, and Society
This concentration prepares students for law school or to pursue a career in criminology, law enforcement, or social services, such as:
- Criminal justice advocate
- Social services specialist
- Clinical social worker
- Case manager
- Legal advocate
Globalization, Environment, and Policy
This concentration lays the groundwork for a career in the green industry, government, NGOs, and environmental organizations, including:
- Planner
- Environmental Policy Analyst
Social Studies Teaching
This concentration prepares students with the coursework requirements for admission to the UO’s graduate teacher licensure program, UOTeach. From there, students can pursue a career as:
- K-12 teacher/PE coach
- Principal
“I decided to declare a major of GSS Crime, Law, and Society because of my deeply rooted interests within the Criminal Justice System. Being a GSS-CLS student has provided me with an understanding that has directly generated a new world of possibilities. The flexibility this major provides has allowed me to dive deep into a multitude of issues confronting the legal system, rather than focusing on one exclusively, creating a foundation of extensive knowledge that can be used to pursue any career. This major has fulfilled all of my goals and has allowed me to become comfortable with just about any topic related to social science.”
—Sophia Lowe, GSS Crime, Law, and Society major, '23
“The General Social Science Teaching major has helped me stay on track to enter a teaching program while allowing me to explore different disciplines within the social sciences field. Through my time in the program I have been able to explore all kinds of history, economics, and political science courses, as well as so many more. Now I not only know precisely what I want to teach, but my background knowledge is more expansive than I ever anticipated”.
—Jason Hassman, GSS Social Studies Teaching major