B.S. Applied Social Science

The Applied Social Science degree at UW-Stout is designed to provide graduates with both marketable jobs skills and the flexibility to adapt to the rapidly changing nature of U.S. society. The degree has four major emphases providing students with 1) social science theoretical perspectives, 2) a solid knowledge base in the social sciences and history, 3) the ability to apply critical thinking skills to creatively solve practical problems in the social, economic and political arenas, and 4) strong leadership and interpersonal skills in an increasingly diverse and changing workforce. Having both social science theoretical perspectives and a solid foundation in social science knowledge, students will be able to apply critical and creative thinking skills to successfully problem solve in their future employment fields. Upon completion of their Applied Social Science degree, students will have skills in data collection, evaluation and analysis, presentation, and problem solving.

The program is interdisciplinary and provides breadth of knowledge through coursework in the areas of economics, history, political science, geography, psychology, anthropology, and sociology. It offers depth of knowledge by giving students the opportunity to select a concentration in an area of social science with additional, upper-level courses. It also offers students an opportunity to enhance their broad knowledge in the social sciences through completion of a complementary applied minor or by completing additional applied coursework, in preparation for employment in areas such as environmental analysis, global studies, human resources and other services. Students must receive a minimum grade of 2.0 or “C-“in all Professional Core and Social Science Concentration courses.

General Requirements
Bachelor of Science Degree

The B.S. in Applied Social Science program provides a comprehensive and challenging academic experience which will prepare you for employment in a broad array of careers. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to demonstrate the following skills and competencies:

Goal 1: Knowledge base in the social sciences and history

Students will demonstrate a breadth of understanding of the theories, perspectives, and findings of the social sciences and history. Students will be able to articulate an in-depth understanding of the fields in their concentration.

Goal 2: Inter-disciplinary learning

Students will synthesize methods and theories from multiple disciplinary perspectives to analyze social and historical issues, problems, and/or questions.

Goal 3: Context

Students will understand social issues in global and historical context.

Goal 4: Professional communication skills

Students will be proficient in oral, written, and visual communication skills.

Goal 5: Research methodology

Students will design appropriate applied social science and/or historical research and collect appropriate qualitative, quantitative, and/or primary source data to execute the design.

Goal 6: Data and primary source analysis

Students will demonstrate professional qualitative, quantitative, and historical data analysis skills.

Goal 7: Application

Students will use social science and historical knowledge, research, and analysis skills to address social problems. Students will demonstrate an ability to make policy and practice recommendations and use knowledge and skills to address problems in professional settings (business, non-profit, government, education, etc.).

Goal 8: Technology

Students will demonstrate an ability to use appropriate technology and software to gather social science and history literature and to collect and analyze data.

Goal 9: Diversity and inclusion

Students will understand the value of diversity and inclusion of diverse populations, use social science and history to understand inequalities and issues of diversity, and use skills to work for more equitable workplaces and society.

Goal 10: Professional and research ethics

Students will demonstrate and practice appropriate ethical conduct.

Goal 11: Global citizenship and social responsibility

Students will practice civic engagement and responsibility, evaluate information in the public realm to make informed choices, and demonstrate leadership skills.

New First-Year Students

Students will be admitted as a Pre-Bachelor of Fine Arts (Pre-BFA) student. As a Pre-BFA participant, you will join an exciting community of first-year art and design students with classes and events geared towards preparing you for a successful application to the intended BFA program

As a student accepted into one of the six BFA programs, please be aware of the following:

• You will be required to submit a portfolio in the spring semester of your freshmen year to apply for acceptance into the intended BFA program. Portfolios will be evaluated by&School of Art and Design faculty. Through your first-year experience, you will be given the tools and skills required to prepare and submit the portfolio, and the necessary support to navigate the application process.

Transfer Students

• All transfer students will be admitted as a Pre-Bachelor of Fine Arts (Pre-BFA) student Upon acceptance information will be provided on how to submit a portfolio and essay&to be reviewed by a committee of School of Art & Design faculty, who will determine direct admissions into the BFA major of your choiceThe priority deadline is no later than 9:00 a.m. on October 1st for spring admission and 9:00 a.m. on March 1st for fall admission.&
• Submissions may be made after the priority date;&however, there is no guarantee when it will be reviewed for a decision nor what art-specific coursework you may be able to get into after the review is completed and whether or not registration for the next semester has begun There is a $10 application fee assessed at the time you electronically submit your portfolio.

Transfer students are considered both fall and spring. This includes portfolio and essay submission priority dates.&Students applying for one of the BFA&programs will remain&admitted as a "Pre-BFA" student if you:&

• do not submit a portfolio/essay
  or
• apply after the BFA program has closed
  or
• are not approved for the BFA program after submission of a portfolio/essay

You may then apply for a&change of major&in subsequent semesters, depending&upon available openings in the program. If needed, BFA Foundations courses will be available to "Pre-BFA" students pending seat availability

• Official TOEFL score: 
  • Minimum iBT (or MyBest) score of 70, or minimum paper-based score of 525.
• Official IELTS score:
  • Minimum score of 6.0
• Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)
  • Minimum score of 48
• Duolingo English Test:
  • Minimum score of 95
• Other:
  • Successful completion of UW-Stout's English as a Second Language (ESL) program.
  • Successful completion of an English language program affiliated with UW-Stout.
  • Graduate from a high school in the United States.
  • You have earned at least 15 transferable university-level credits from an accredited English medium-sized institution.
  • You have earned a grade of C or better in a course equivalent to UW-Stout's English 101: Composition 1.

Through studying history, economics, sociology, anthropology, and political science, a degree in Applied Social Science will open up a wide variety of exciting and fulfilling careers. 

You can find employment in many sectors of the economy: 

• Business 
• Non-profit and activist organizations 
• Historical sites and museums 
• Government agencies 
• International non-governmental organizations 
• Social service agencies 

You can earn a social work certificate that will allow you to become licensed in the state of Wisconsin. 

You can find jobs in the disciplines of:  

• Market Research 
• Public Policy Analysis 
• Social Services 
• Program Evaluation 
• Government Research 
• Human Resources 
• Public Relations 
• Finance 

You can also prepare for: 

• Law school 
• Masters programs in the social sciences 
• Ph.D. Programs 
• Master of Social Work (MSW) Programs 
• Public Health and Policy Masters 

Recent graduates have gone on to work for finance companies, community and political organizations, schools, and non-profit agencies, while others have gone on to law school, masters programs, or doctoral programs. 

Our alumni currently hold positions at:

• Deft Research (Director of Marketing)
• Rebuilding Together Twin Cities (Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator)
• Greater Twin Cities United Way (Social Impact Coordinator)
• ProPartners Financial (Company Data Analysis)
• Mercury Matrix Inc. (Marketing and Sales Account Manager)
• Maine Conservation Corps (Field Team Member)