Applied Social Science BLS
Bachelor of Liberal Studies: Major in Applied Social Science
The online BLS Major in Applied Social Science is an interdisciplinary degree that prepares graduates to be well-rounded critical thinkers, equipped for a variety of careers across numerous industries.
Is this program right for you?
Today’s complicated world calls for open and creative minds to problem-solve and collaborate for the greater good. If you want to develop as a change-maker with a breadth of knowledge employers are looking for, this degree is for you.
The Bachelor of Liberal Studies Major in Applied Social Science is housed in UW–Madison’s renowned College of Letters & Science, which offers a liberal arts education that is broad, deep and ready to adapt to current issues. You’ll enhance your critical thinking skills and engage with expert educators in four main areas: ethical communication, diverse communities, research tools and social issues. You’ll also complete capstone courses that allow you to take your skills and knowledge into the real world by applying the tools and methods of the social sciences to the issues that matter in your world.
After graduation, expect to be an in-demand candidate in a variety of industries for numerous roles. The BLS Major in Applied Social Science will prepare you to enter career fields including arts and entertainment, business, education, human resources, journalism, marketing, politics, project management, public policy and more.
Is this program right for you?
Today’s complicated world calls for open and creative minds to problem-solve and collaborate for the greater good. If you want to develop as a change-maker with a breadth of knowledge employers are looking for, this degree is for you.
The Bachelor of Liberal Studies Major in Applied Social Science is housed in UW–Madison’s renowned College of Letters & Science, which offers a liberal arts education that is broad, deep and ready to adapt to current issues. You’ll enhance your critical thinking skills and engage with expert educators in four main areas: ethical communication, diverse communities, research tools and social issues. You’ll also complete capstone courses that allow you to take your skills and knowledge into the real world by applying the tools and methods of the social sciences to the issues that matter in your world.
After graduation, expect to be an in-demand candidate in a variety of industries for numerous roles. The BLS Major in Applied Social Science will prepare you to enter career fields including arts and entertainment, business, education, human resources, journalism, marketing, politics, project management, public policy and more.
Admissions requirements
To be considered for UW–Madison Online you must be a transfer student. A transfer student is anyone who has attended another college or university after graduating from high school and wishes to enroll in an undergraduate degree program at UW–Madison.
In order to be eligible for transfer admission for UW–Madison Online, you must have completed at least 12 transferable semester hours of college-level work. AP, A-Level, IB, and CLEP cannot be used toward the 12 transferable credit requirement.
Freshman applicants are not eligible for admission to UW–Madison Online. A freshman includes anyone who is currently a student in high school or who has not taken college coursework since graduating from high school.
Program highlights
- Transcends disciplinary boundaries to offer a truly diverse, well-rounded program
- Offers opportunities to integrate academic study with applied activities from work, internships, volunteer and service-learning placements
- Strengthens cultural understanding and understanding of social, political, economic and technological change through research and service
UW–Madison is ranked first among public universities by Washington Monthly’s 2021 College Guide and Rankings, based on contribution to the public good
How you'll learn
All courses are online so you can learn from anywhere in the world. Most courses have assignment deadlines, exams, quizzes and discussions throughout the term. Peer and instructor interaction varies based on the course, and discussion and engagement in the digital learning environment is encouraged. The program is designed for part-time students with multiple start dates and 8-week course formats so you can keep career and family commitments.
Sample curriculum
Foundational courses
- Methods in the Applied Social Sciences
- Problems in the Applied Social Sciences
Ethical communication
(Choose at least one course)
- Ethics in Business
- Media and Human Behavior
- Communication and Conflict Resolution
- Navigating the Data Revolution: Concepts of Data & Information Science
- Information Ethics and Policy
Diverse communities
(Choose at least one course)
- Intercultural Communication & Rhetoric
- Mass Media in Multicultural America
- Code and Power
Research tools
(Choose at least one course)
- Introduction to Statistical Methods
- Introduction to Digital Information
- Language & Immigration in Wisconsin
- Methods of Sociological Inquiry
- Statistics for Sociologists I
Social issues
(Choose at least one course)
- Navigating the Data Revolution: Concepts of Data & Information Science
- Information Ethics and Policy
- International Migration, Health, and Human Rights
- Law, Politics and Society
Capstone courses
- Applied Social Sciences Problem Proposal
- Applied Social Sciences Problem Analysis
Ready to learn more about Applied Social Science BLS?
View the UW-Madison Guide
Stay in touch
Connect with our enrollment coaches
Our friendly, knowledgeable enrollment coaches are here to answer your questions. Contact an enrollment coach to:
- Learn how this program can fit into your life
- Learn more about credit transfers
- Get help with your application
- Discuss financial aid options
We’re here for you.
