Social Science (BA)

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Program Description

Social scientists study human interactions among individuals, families, communities, nations, and the built and natural environments. Using a range of analytical, interpretive, and experimental tools from anthropology, economics, epidemiology, political science, psychology and sociology, social scientists seek to understand conflict and cooperation, epidemics of disease and poverty, social organization and social change, kinship and belonging, human development, systems of exchange, and other enduring questions at the center of our shared humanity.

Students who complete the Social Science major at NYU Shanghai will be prepared to pursue careers and advanced study in fields as diverse as anthropology, business, development, economics, education, environmental studies, journalism, law, psychology, political science, public health, public service, sociology, and social policy. The major offers students a unique opportunity to explore broad areas of social science research and thought, while also allowing a concentration in one of multiple tracks within the major. The Social Science major encourages interdisciplinary inquiry into the complex problems of our contemporary world and the cross- disciplinary exchange that is at the heart of many of the most interesting advances in social science research today.

Social Science majors at NYU Shanghai develop competence in a variety of research tools in two methods courses and complete two interdisciplinary core courses unique to the major. Social Science majors select two foundational courses in the social science disciplines, and three focus courses in one track to deepen their intellectual specialization (tracks include: anthropology, environmental studies, global public health, international relations, political economy, political science, psychology, sociology, or urban studies). China – its peoples and politics – is an important focus for teaching and learning in the major, but the Social Science Area is purposefully global in perspective and heterogeneous in the methodological and analytical scope of its course offerings. Social Science majors complete an independent research project as a senior year capstone.

NYU Shanghai students interested in a disciplinary focus in Economics are advised to pursue the Economics (BA) program instead of the Social Science major.

Admissions

New York University's Office of Undergraduate Admissions supports the application process for all undergraduate programs at NYU.  For additional information about undergraduate admissions, including application requirements, see How to Apply.