professor and students hanging out at the segerstrom science building

Social Science Major

Study Social Science at Azusa Pacific University

You’ll graduate equipped to educate others in the social dynamics that define our lives—from history to sociology—opening the door to a variety of careers in secondary education, government service, journalism, law, politics, and more. For those aspiring to teach middle or high school, you’ll build your résumé with firsthand experience working in the classroom under a mentor and become skilled in relevant teaching methods.

Program at a Glance

The School of Humanities and Sciences offers diverse well-rounded degree programs to prepare critical thinkers to make a difference in the world for Christ.

Upcoming Events

APU One Day

  • October 25, 2024
  • December 6, 2024

Application Deadline

Early Action        (Freshmen Only)

  • November 15

Regular Decision

  • March 1 priority application deadline
  • June 1 final deadline
  • August 1 final transfer deadline

Apply Now

Program Information

  • Program Units: 55

Location

  • Azusa (Main Campus)
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Yellow Ribbon and Military Friendly School

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Gain Hands-on Experience

  • Explore economics, geography, psychology, religions, and more.
  • Develop analytical skills and critical judgment valued in a variety of careers.
  • Evaluate each subject through a lens of biblical principles and ethics.

By the Numbers

$94,560 Average annual wage for social scientists and related workers *Bureau of Labor Statistics.
1 of 126 1 of 126 Best Western Colleges according to Princeton Review's 2023 Best Colleges Guide
13 :1 Student-to-faculty Ratio

Get Started

Hannah Hernandes smiling

Hannah Hernandez ’20, sociology major,  discovered the power of listening to and understanding others’ stories while studying abroad in South Africa. 

Program Details

The social science major primarily prepares students to teach history, political science, geography, economics, sociology, and psychology at the high school or junior high school level. This major provides future teachers with an integrated study of these social sciences, which helps develop analytical skills, comparative perspectives, critical judgment, and a knowledge base about the world around them.

Browse the tabs below—if you have questions, visit the Student Services Center page, and we’ll make sure you get the info you need.

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Select an option below:

You might think that a private college education is beyond your reach, but there are many financial resources available to help make an Azusa Pacific education a reality. APU students may take advantage of three basic types of financial aid: scholarships and grants, education loans, and student employment.

Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are considered “gift aid” and do not require repayment. They can come from federal, state, or private sources. Scholarships are typically merit-based, meaning they are awarded depending on demonstrated academic ability or other specific talents.

Scholarships are often available from sources outside of APU. You can search for these scholarships through websites such as finaid.org or fastweb.com. The Student Services Center is sometimes notified of scholarships available through APU departments or local organizations, and can provide information about any available scholarships on request.

Education Loans

Education loans are usually repaid after graduation, may be deferred until after graduate school, and often have very low interest rates.

Military Benefits

Military members—and in some cases their spouses and dependents—qualify for financial assistance covering tuition, housing, and books. Azusa Pacific is a Yellow Ribbon University and Military Friendly School, so you can be confident that you’ll receive the benefits and flexibility you need to complete your education.

Student Employment

On-campus student employment is available for students needing additional income to pay for education-related expenses. APU students also find work off campus in the surrounding community.

Net Price Calculator

We’re committed to helping families understand early in the college search process the value of the APU experience and options for affordable financing of a top-tier Christian university education.

Now that you’re familiar with the financial aid opportunities available to APU students, it’s time to estimate what your true cost may be to attend Azusa Pacific. Remember, estimations are only as accurate as the information you provide. Click on the Net Price Calculator button below to begin.

Net Price Calculator

To view specific requirements and coursework information, visit the current academic catalog:

Azusa Pacific University is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC).

Featured Faculty

Daniel Palm

Daniel Palm

Professor Emeritus, Department of History and Political Science

Abbylin H. Sellers

Abbylin H. Sellers

Associate Professor, Department of History and Political Science

Douglas Hume

Douglas Hume

Associate Professor of Political Science and Pre-Law Advisor

Career Outlooks and Outcomes

Note: This information is current for the 2024-25 academic year; however, all stated academic information is subject to change. Refer to the current Academic Catalog for more information.

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