Social science programs are offered by university Schools of Arts and Sciences. This type of major is a great fit for people who are curious about people and the world around them.
The institutions on this list of the Top 10 Schools for an Undergraduate Degree in Social Science have been selected for their quality and depth of their academic programs, which have been developed to prepare students for careers or graduate studies.
#1 Harvard University
Executive Summary
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) at Harvard is the largest division at the school. It consistently ranks as one of the best universities in the country.
Tuition
Undergraduate programs at Harvard cost $36,305 per academic year.
Unique Features
The FAS was founded in 1890, and now had 20,000 students enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programs. This school is committed to meeting the demonstrated financial needs of all admitted students for the full four years of their undergraduate studies.
Concentrations
Anthropology
Economics
Environmental Science and Public Policy
Psychology
Social Studies
Sociology
Statistics
#2 Stanford University
Executive Summary
The University was founded by Leland and Jane Stanford in 1891. As one of the leading universities in the world, its undergraduate students are taught by faculty members who are leaders in their respective fields.
Tuition
The cost of undergraduate tuition at Stanford is $41,250 per academic year.
Unique Features
Small class sizes at Stanford mean that learners get the attention they need for academic success. Students enrolled at this school have the opportunity to study abroad or spend a quarter in Washington, D.C.
Concentrations
Anthropology
Linguistics
Political Science
Psychology
Economics
Sociology
Statistics
#3 University of California – Berkeley
Executive Summary
UC Berkeley was founded during the California Gold Rush and has grown to be one of the most respected post-secondary institutions in the world. It has a reputation for welcoming students of all means by welcoming students from diverse income groups by offering financial aid to deserving individuals.
Tuition
State residents and non-residents pay $5,610 per semester to attend UC Berkeley.
Unique Features
Undergraduates enrolled at UC Berkeley can choose from a number of course options to receive a broad social science education. The courses offer a rigorous curriculum and opportunities to learn from some of the best educators in the world.
Concentrations
African American Studies
Anthropology
Asian American and Asian Diaspora Studies
Chicano Studies
Economics
Environmental Economics
Gender & Women’s Studies
Geography
History
Linguistics
Native American
Political Science
Psychology
Social Welfare
Sociology
#4 University of Chicago
Executive Summary
The University of Chicago is a private research school which was incorporated in 1890. Most of the core classes required to obtain a degree contain no more than 25 students and are taught by a full-time professor.
Tuition
Tuition for an academic year at UC is $41,853.
Unique Features
The social science degree programs at the University of Chicago focus on collaboration and an interdisciplinary approach to research and learning.
Concentrations
Anthropology
Economics
Geographical Studies
Political Science
Psychology
Public Policy Studies
Social Thought
Sociology
Statistics
#5 Yale University
Executive Summary
Yale is a private Ivy league school. It was founded in 1701 and had the distinction of being the third-oldest university in the United States. Out of 27,283 applicants for admission to the 2015 class, only 2,006 were accepted.
Tuition
Tuition costs to attend Yale are $40,500 per academic year.
Unique Features
This school is committed to providing a high-quality educational experience to undergraduate students. It provides full-need financial aid to all applicants, including international students.
Concentrations
Anthropology
Economics
Humanities
Psychology
Sociology
Statistics
#6 Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Executive Summary
MIT is a private research school which was founded in 1861. It is a highly selective school, with only 1,742 of the 17,909 prospective students who applied being admitted for the class of 2015.
Tuition
Undergraduate students at MIT pay $40,732 for tuition.
Unique Features
All undergraduate students complete a set of core courses as well as a certain number of electives as requirements for their degree. The course offerings include ones focusing on general principles and practical applications.
Concentrations
Anthropology
Economic
Political Science
Science, Technology and Society
#7 Princeton University
Executive Summary
Princeton was established in 1746 and is the fourth-oldest college in the United States. It has a reputation for being one of the leading research institutions in the word, as well offering a first-class undergraduate program.
Tuition
The cost of undergraduate tuition at Princeton is $38,650.
Unique Features
Along with completing core courses and electives, undergraduate students at Princeton complete independent work as part of the requirements for a degree. The general education and prerequisites for concentrations are completed during the first two years of the undergraduate degree program.
Concentrations
Anthropology
Economics
Politics
Psychology
Sociology
Public Affairs
#8 University of Pennsylvania
Executive Summary
UPenn is one of the oldest institutions for higher learning in the country and has an impressive undergraduate graduation rate of 95 percent. The school received 31,663 applications for admission to the class of 2015 and accepted 3,935 of them.
Tuition
Students who choose the University of Pennsylvania will pay $39,088 in tuition per academic year.
Unique Features
As a leading research university, UPenn has a world-class faculty and undergraduate students have a chance to learn from instructors who have been responsible for important developments in their fields.
Concentrations
Anthropology
Criminology
Economics
Environmental Studies
International Relations
Psychology
Sociology
#9 University of Wisconsin-Madison
Executive Summary
Madison is a public research school which has been classified as a “RU/VH Research University” (Very High Research Activity) by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. It has been ranked as one of the top 10 public schools in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Tuition
Wisconsin residents pay $10,380 per academic year for tuition. Minnesota residents are charged $13,100 for tuition, and non-resident students pay $26,630 to attend Madison.
Unique Features
The average class size at Madison is 29 students. The University of Wisconsin is home to one of the leading research libraries in North America with a collection of over seven million printed volumes, as well as maps, government documents and photographs.
Concentrations
Anthropology
Economics
Environmental Studies
Geography
International Studies
Political Science
Sociology
Statistics
#10 Northwestern University
Executive Summary
Northwestern was founded by John Evans and a group of lawyers and businessmen in 1851. Today, it is a top-ranked research university. Out of 30,975 applications for admission to the class of 2015, only 18 percent were admitted.
Tuition
Undergraduates at Northwestern pay $41,592 in tuition per academic year.
Unique Features
Undergraduate students at Northwestern are encouraged to get involved in research projects on topics of interest to them. Class sizes are small and students have a large number of elective courses to choose from.
Concentrations
Economics
Environmental Policy and Culture
Geography
International Studies
Political Science
Psychology
Sociology
