St. John's University

What you'll study

This broad-based degree introduces core social science disciplines and quantitative and qualitative research skills. Year-one modules typically cover foundations in sociology, political science, psychology and economics, together with an introduction to research methods and academic writing. In later years students choose from disciplinary and cross-disciplinary options that may include:

• Advanced sociological theory and social stratification
• Comparative politics and public policy
• Social psychology and developmental processes
• Micro- and macro-economics for social analysis
• Applied research methods: survey design, interviews and ethnography
• Statistics for the social sciences and data visualisation
• Urban studies, community development and planning
• Race, ethnicity and migration studies
• Gender studies and family sociology
• Capstone projects, honours thesis or practicum placements

The programme emphasises applied learning: many students undertake internships with local organisations, community-based research projects in the New York metropolitan area, or a supervised honours dissertation that integrates theory and primary research.

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements reflect a broad academic profile. Applicants are usually expected to have completed secondary education with a combination of strong GCSE/IGCSE-level passes and successful completion of A-levels, International Baccalaureate, or equivalent qualifications. St. John’s considers the full academic record; desirable subjects include social studies, mathematics/statistics, humanities and languages. Mature applicants and transfer students are also welcomed, with admissions decisions taking prior college-level study and relevant experience into account.

All applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English; international applicants normally provide recognised evidence of language ability if their prior education was not conducted in English. Admissions interviews or personal statements that explain interest in social sciences and relevant extracurricular or work experience strengthen applications.

Career prospects

Graduates of the Social Sciences degree leave with analytical, research and communication skills valued across public, private and third sectors. Common career pathways include:

• Social research and data analysis roles in think-tanks, market research firms or universities
• Policy analysis and programme delivery in local or national government
• Community development, advocacy and nonprofit management
• Educational support, youth services and social welfare agencies
• Human resources, customer insights and roles in the private sector that require strong interpersonal and analytical skills
• Progression to professional or postgraduate study such as social work, public policy, law, or advanced social science degrees

St. John’s graduates often combine discipline knowledge with practical experience from internships and placements to enter entry-level professional roles or continue to postgraduate specialisation.

Why study at St. John's University

St. John’s University offers an urban campus environment with direct access to the diverse social, cultural and policy contexts of New York City—an advantage for students studying contemporary social issues. The programme is taught by faculty with research and applied experience across sociology, political science, psychology and economics, and emphasises small-group teaching and close supervision for independent projects.

Students benefit from established internship pathways and community partnerships across the city, career services that support placement and graduate progression, and opportunities to engage in faculty-led research. The University’s focus on experiential learning and interdisciplinary study prepares graduates to address complex social challenges and to adapt to a wide range of careers or further academic study.