Doane University

What you'll study

The Bachelor in Social Sciences at Doane provides a broad, interdisciplinary curriculum drawing on sociology, political science, anthropology, economics, psychology and history. The programme emphasises both theoretical foundations and practical research skills, preparing students to analyse social problems and design evidence‑based responses.

• Core courses – introduction to social theory, comparative social institutions, ethics in social research and interdisciplinary perspectives on social change.
• Research and methods – quantitative methods and statistics for social sciences, qualitative research methods, survey design and data analysis, and practicum options that include applied fieldwork.
• Disciplinary modules – survey courses and more advanced seminars in sociology (e.g. family and community, inequality), political science (e.g. public policy, American government, international relations), anthropology (e.g. cultural anthropology, ethnography), and economics (e.g. micro‑ and macroeconomics, development economics).
• Electives and concentrations – students can tailor their studies through electives in areas such as criminal justice, social policy, community development, environmental social science, or globalisation and development.
• Capstone and experiential learning – the degree culminates in a capstone project or honours thesis that integrates disciplinary knowledge and research skills. Internships, community partnerships and applied learning projects with local and regional organisations are emphasised throughout the programme.

Entry requirements

Admission to the Bachelor in Social Sciences is at the undergraduate level and is typically based on completion of secondary education or equivalent. Applicants should submit official transcripts and a personal statement that explains their interest in social sciences and relevant experience. Many applicants also provide letters of recommendation and records of extracurricular or community involvement.

For international applicants, proof of English language proficiency is required if the applicant’s prior education was not in English; Doane accepts a range of recognised English tests and alternatives. Mature students and those with prior college credit or professional experience are considered on an individual basis; transfer credits are evaluated as part of the admissions process.

Career prospects

Graduates of Doane’s Social Sciences programme are prepared for a wide variety of entry‑level roles and further study. The interdisciplinary training and emphasis on research and applied experience equip students for careers in public service, non‑profit organisations, community development, social research, advocacy, and local government.

• Roles in community and social services, casework and programme coordination
• Positions in policy analysis, research assistantships and data analysis for think tanks or government agencies
• Work in criminal justice and victim services, where understanding social context is important
• Careers in education, outreach and community engagement for arts, cultural and environmental organisations
• Progression to graduate study in social work, public administration, law, sociology, or related humanities and social sciences

Why study at Doane University

Doane offers a small, student‑centred learning environment with close faculty mentoring and abundant opportunities for applied learning. The university’s liberal arts traditions are combined with practical experiences—internships, local community partnerships and undergraduate research—that allow social sciences students to test theory in real‑world settings.

Students benefit from accessible faculty, a supportive campus community and dedicated career and internship services that help translate academic experience into professional pathways. The programme’s flexible structure enables students to pursue cross‑disciplinary interests and to design a course of study aligned with their career or graduate‑study goals.