California State University

What you'll study

This interdisciplinary programme combines core social science theory with methodological training and applied experience. You will complete general education requirements alongside a sequence of core courses that typically include social theory, research methods, statistics for social science, and ethics in research.

• Foundations: introductory courses in sociology, political science, anthropology, micro- and macro-economics, and social psychology to give you a broad conceptual grounding.
• Methods and quantitative skills: classes in research design, survey methods, qualitative techniques, and applied statistics emphasising analysis of social data and interpretation of findings.
• Area electives and concentrations: options to focus on areas such as public policy, urban studies, community development, human services, migration and ethnicity, or comparative politics, depending on campus offerings.
• Applied learning: practicum opportunities, community-based projects, and optional internships with local governments, non-profit organisations or research centres to develop workplace skills.
• Capstone: a senior seminar, thesis or project that integrates theory and methods to address a substantive social problem.

Entry requirements

Admission to a CSU bachelor's programme typically requires a completed secondary school qualification comparable to a U.S. high school diploma, meeting the system's freshman admission course requirements, and a competitive academic record. Specific campuses may set minimum grade point averages and may consider factors such as coursework rigor and extracurricular involvement.

• Domestic applicants: secondary school transcripts showing completion of required college-preparatory courses and a competitive GPA. Some campuses consider standardised test scores optionally or not at all; check the specific campus policy.
• Transfer applicants: official college transcripts demonstrating successful completion of transferable lower-division coursework; many students enter after completing an associate degree or community college transfer pathway.
• International applicants: proof of comparable secondary education credentials and demonstration of English language proficiency through recognised tests or approved alternative evidence.
• Additional materials: some campuses or specialisations may request a personal statement, résumé, or letters of recommendation, particularly for competitive concentrations or for admission to honours tracks.

Career prospects

Graduates emerge with analytical, research and communication skills valued across public, private and non-profit sectors. Typical entry-level roles include policy analyst or assistant, programme coordinator, caseworker or community outreach specialist, research assistant, data technician for social research, and roles in advocacy or public affairs.

• Public sector: positions in local and state government, public policy offices and planning departments.
• Non-profit and community organisations: programme management, development and client services roles addressing housing, health, education and social justice.
• Private sector: market research, human resources, corporate social responsibility and consulting roles that draw on social research and analysis skills.
• Further study: many graduates progress to specialised master’s programmes in public policy, social work, sociology, criminology, public administration or law.

Why study at California State University

California State University campuses are known for accessible, career-focused undergraduate education with strong links to regional employers and community organisations. The system emphasises applied learning, offering students opportunities for internships, community-engaged research and practicums that connect classroom learning to real-world settings.

• Applied emphasis: curriculum designed to combine theoretical understanding with practical skills and hands-on experience.
• Local partnerships: extensive local and regional connections that support internship placements and employment opportunities in government, non-profits and business.
• Diverse student community: multicultural campuses that provide exposure to varied perspectives and social issues, enriching classroom discussion and research topics.
• Transfer-friendly pathways: well-established articulation agreements with community colleges and clear advising to support progression from associate degrees to bachelor’s completion.