Applied Social Sciences ,Certificate

Use social science to make a real impact. In this certificate program, you'll apply knowledge to today's pressing issues, strengthen your problem-solving skills, and prepare for further study or careers that require an understanding of people and society.

Description ▲

In the applied social sciences certificate program, you gain the skills to address real-world problems using social science tools. Through collaboration, you learn how to analyze issues, communicate evidence and apply expert knowledge in practical ways. Coursework may involve case studies, fieldwork and opportunities to work directly with community or organizational partners. You learn to identify and solve problems, reform managerial structures and organizational systems, and drive social change.

This program complements a wide variety of majors and prepares you to contribute to lasting beneficial developments in communities, organizations and industries.

At a glance ▲

College/school: New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences
Location: West Valley

Curriculum ▲

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2026-2027 Catalog Year

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Requirement	Minimum Grade	Credit Hours

Requirement	Minimum Grade	Credit Hours
The certificate in applied social sciences consists of 15 credit hours, at least 12 of which must be upper division. A minimum of six upper-division credit hours must be earned through courses offered by the New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences. All courses used to satisfy requirements for the certificate must be completed with a grade of "C" (2.00 on a 4.00 scale) or better.
SBS 304 Social Statistics I (QTRS) or SBS 404 Social Statistics II: Multivariate Analysis 3 Credit Hours Minimum Grade:C	C	3
SOC 331 Environmental Sociology (SUST) 3 Credit Hours Minimum Grade:C	C	3
ASB 339 / POS 339 / SBS 339 / SOC 339 Grassroots Social Movements ASB 340 / SOC 328 Migration and Culture (GCSI) ASB 394 Special Topics ASB 484 / JHR 484 / POS 484 / SBS 484 / SOC 484 Internship ASB 492 Honors Directed Study ASB 493 Honors Thesis ASB 494 Special Topics ASB 499 Individualized Instruction JHR 305 Theory and Practice of Social Justice and Human Rights (CIVI) JHR 394 Special Topics JHR 492 Honors Directed Study JHR 493 Honors Thesis JHR 494 Special Topics JHR 499 Individualized Instruction POS 150 Comparative Government (GCSI) or POS 350 Comparative Politics (GCSI) POS 394 Special Topics POS 492 Honors Directed Study POS 493 Honors Thesis POS 494 Special Topics POS 499 Individualized Instruction SBS 394 Special Topics SBS 492 Honors Directed Study SBS 493 Honors Thesis SBS 494 Special Topics SBS 499 Individualized Instruction SOC 241 Modern Social Problems (SOBE) SOC 394 Special Topics SOC 492 Honors Directed Study SOC 493 Honors Thesis SOC 494 Special Topics SOC 499 Individualized Instruction SOS 111 Sustainable Cities (SUST) 3 Credit Hours Minimum Grade:C	C	3
ASB 339 / POS 339 / SBS 339 / SOC 339 Grassroots Social Movements ASB 340 / SOC 328 Migration and Culture (GCSI) ASB 394 Special Topics ASB 484 / JHR 484 / POS 484 / SBS 484 / SOC 484 Internship ASB 492 Honors Directed Study ASB 493 Honors Thesis ASB 494 Special Topics ASB 499 Individualized Instruction JHR 305 Theory and Practice of Social Justice and Human Rights (CIVI) JHR 394 Special Topics JHR 492 Honors Directed Study JHR 493 Honors Thesis JHR 494 Special Topics JHR 499 Individualized Instruction POS 394 Special Topics POS 492 Honors Directed Study POS 493 Honors Thesis POS 494 Special Topics POS 499 Individualized Instruction SBS 394 Special Topics SBS 492 Honors Directed Study SBS 493 Honors Thesis SBS 494 Special Topics SBS 499 Individualized Instruction SOC 394 Special Topics SOC 492 Honors Directed Study SOC 493 Honors Thesis SOC 494 Special Topics SOC 499 Individualized Instruction Up to three credit hours of experiential learning (484/499) may apply toward the electives requirement. 3 Credit Hours Minimum Grade:C	C	3
ASB 484 / JHR 484 / POS 484 / SBS 484 / SOC 484 Internship ASB 493 / JHR 493 / POS 493 / SBS 493 / SOC 493 Honors Thesis ASB 499 / JHR 499 / POS 499 / SBS 499 / SOC 499 Individualized Instruction ENG 484 / ETH 484 / JHR 484 Topic: Pen Project Prison Teaching 3 Credit Hours Minimum Grade:C	C	3
Electives are not limited to the certificate elective list; students should see their academic advisor prior to enrollment. Students are encouraged to take courses that develop breadth rather than limiting their selection to courses in one particular discipline.

Notes

Prerequisite courses may be needed in order to complete the requirements of this certificate.

Enrollment requirements ▲

This certificate is open to students in any major. Students who wish to pursue this certificate should consult an academic advisor in the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences to ensure that the appropriate set of courses is taken.

A student pursuing an undergraduate certificate must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student at ASU. Undergraduate certificates are not awarded before the completion of an undergraduate degree. A student who already holds an undergraduate degree may pursue an undergraduate certificate as a nondegree-seeking graduate student.

Career opportunities▲

This certificate program is well-suited for those with academic or career interests in human resources, administration, journalism, social work, business, and community and civic work, as well as politics, organizing and advocacy, public policy, education and sustainability. Graduates may find employment in positions such as:

educator
human resources manager or assistant
recruiter
research project manager
research specialist
social worker

Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions.

Contact information▲

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences | FAB N101
sbsadvising@asu.edu
602-543-3000

Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.

Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.

ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.

Applied Social Sciences ,Certificate