Department of Social Sciences

Our programs offer flexible academic choices to help you meet your distinct professional goals. Dedicated advisors work with you early in your studies to design a custom curriculum, including pre-law tracks that reflect the recommendations of the Association of American Law Schools.

• Anthropology and Sociology (BA): Explore how culture, identity and social structures intersect. Students gain the tools to critically examine human societies, systemic inequalities and the forces driving global change.
• Criminology and Criminal Justice (BA): Dive into the study of crime, behavioral patterns and the justice system. Courses actively examine how assumptions about race, class and gender reproduce or resist hierarchies of power.
• History and Political Science (BA): Examine how historical developments shape contemporary political institutions, public policies and social movements. Students develop advanced analytical and evidence-evaluation skills and can choose a specialized emphasis in either History or Political Science.
• International Relations (BA): Examine the complex relationships among institutions of global governance, sovereign states and non-state actors. Students can choose a specialized Emphasis in International Economics.
• Legal Studies (BA): Investigate law as an institution and a practice. This program develops advanced critical thinking and specialized legal research abilities.

Combined Accelerated Degree (BA/MA)

Highly motivated students can fast-track their education by pursuing a combined Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a Master of Arts in International Relations and Security Studies.

Complement your primary degree with one of our minors:

• Minor in Anthropology and Sociology
• Minor in Criminology and Criminal Justice
• Minor in Gender, Race and Sexuality
• Minor in History
• Minor in International Human Rights
• Minor in International Relations
• Minor in Legal Studies
• Minor in Political Science

• Criminal Justice (MS): This 36-credit-hour, multidisciplinary program emphasizes the analytical, technical and critical thinking skills needed to explain, predict and prevent crime. Offered online and at select U.S. campuses, it features concentrations in Administration of Justice, Cybersecurity, International Security, Re-entry and Security Management.
• International Relations and Security Studies (MA): This 36-credit-hour program equips students to navigate global politics and safeguard nations against complex threats by integrating AI tools into modern research and analysis. Available online, in St. Louis and globally, it offers specialized tracks in International Relations or Security Studies alongside dual-degree options.
• Legal Studies (MA): Tailored for professionals intersecting with the legal field, such as managers, teachers and government employees, this 36-credit program provides a functional, non-bar-eligible understanding of law, ethics and contracts. Offered in St. Louis and virtually, students can concurrently earn an ABA-approved paralegal certificate. For the MA in Legal Studies program, there are special requirements to maintain American Bar Association (ABA) approval: Students must take at least nine semester hours of required Legal Specialty courses through synchronous instruction.

Dual Degree Option: Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Master of Arts in International Relations and Security Studies

Designed for careers at the intersection of global security and domestic justice, this accelerated 48-credit program awards two distinct diplomas simultaneously upon completion. Available at select U.S. campuses, the curriculum balances cross-border political strategy with advanced criminology, core ethical decision-making, and a unified capstone or thesis project.

Undergraduate Certificates

• Diplomacy and International Organizations Certificate (25 credit hours): Available at the St. Louis and Vienna campuses, this program builds targeted expertise in global governance, negotiation techniques and diplomatic history. Students gain real-world insights through guest lectures from active practitioners and practical, hands-on application.
• Paralegal Studies Certificate (24 credit hours): As the only American Bar Association-approved paralegal program in the St. Louis area, this undergraduate certificate delivers a comprehensive foundation in legal reasoning, ethics and research. Offered in person, hybrid or virtually, it equips students with the practical skills required to seamlessly enter the legal profession.

Graduate Certificates

• International and Regional Security Certificate (12 credit hours): Available online and at the Athens campus, this certificate introduces students to scholarly work on the sources of global conflict, violence and strategic resolution. Students analyze real-world contemporary cases to prepare for public and private sector careers in national security and foreign policy.
• Paralegal Studies Graduate Certificate (24 credit hours): Designed for professionals seeking advanced legal knowledge, this flexible American Bar Association-approved St. Louis-based program features lines of study in contracts, torts and corporate compliance. The curriculum deepens critical thinking and advanced research capabilities to enhance workplace performance across business, education and government sectors.