The Social Sciences explore human society, culture, and civilization. The Social Sciences are dedicated to the study of the social, cultural, political, environmental, and psychological relationships and impacts human groups have on one another. The Social Sciences emphasize both qualitative and quantitative methodology and skill sets.
Have questions? The best way to connect with your advisor is by submitting a support case in the Advisor Connect Tab in Advise USC.
To schedule an appointment with your academic advisor visit Advise USC.
-
About the major: Culture causes the connection—Anthropology is about exploring people, culture, communication and how we correlate that connection. How are we alike? How are we different? What circumstances have brought us to where we are today? Anthropology teaches one how to individually communicate and connect with humans on broad and layered levels. It gives insight into daily interactions and allows for creativity and challenge.
Other majors in the Department of Anthropology: Visual Anthropology, Global Studies
Advisor: Kim Vinson
Office: KAP 357
Education: B.A. Psychology/Child Development, CSUN; M.A. Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs, USC
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun fact: I’m left-handed. Also, I learned to play the flute as an adult. -
About the major: Culture causes the connection—Anthropology is about exploring people, culture, communication and how we correlate that connection. How are we alike? How are we different? What circumstances have brought us to where we are today? Anthropology teaches one how to individually communicate and connect with humans on broad and layered levels. It gives insight into daily interactions and allows for creativity and challenge. Visual Anthropology adds a specific lens and focus on the visual arts.
Other majors in the Department of Anthropology: Anthropology, Global Studies
Advisor: Kim Vinson
Office: KAP 357Education: B.A. Psychology/Child Development, CSUN; M.A. Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs, USC
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun fact: I’m left-handed. Also, I learned to play the flute as an adult. -
About the major: The BA. Behavioral Economics and Psychology (BEEP) major combines courses within economics and psychology to ensure that students can investigate how and why people make decisions while training them to design interventions that align within various areas such as personal finance, health, aging, education, and so much more.
Department of Economics Website
Other majors in the Department of Economics: Economics/Mathematics, Political Economy, Social Sciences (Economics)
Advisor: Linda Mora
Office: KAP 357Education: B.A. Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara; M.Ed. Educational Counseling, USC
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun fact: I am learning Korean.
Advisor: Leon Johnson
Office: KAP 357Education: B.A. Psychology, Northern Illinois University; M.S.Ed. Adult and Higher Education; Emphasis: Student Affairs, Northern Illinois University
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Fun fact: I don’t like chocolate.
Advisor: Juan Lopez
Office: KAP 357Education:
Hometown:
Fun fact:
Advisor: Kathryn Vallis
Office: KAP 357Education: B.S. Counseling, Lesley University; M.A. Political Science, American University in Cairo; M.A. Human Relations, Lesley University
Hometown: Boston, MA
Fun fact: I have a giant 22-pound orange Maine Coon cat named Foosy (after Mufasa in “The Lion King”). -
About the major: The interdisciplinary study of cognition in humans, other animals, and machines.
Other majors in the Department of Psychology: Psychology, Social Sciences (Psychology)
Department of Psychology Website
Advisor: Samia Alam
Office: SGMEducation: B.A. Psychology & M.Ed Higher Education Administration & Policy, UC Riverside
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Fun fact: I collect items that have my go-to phrase on them, which is: You got this!
Advisor: Vivian Hsu-Tran
Office: SGM 501Education: B.A. Psychology, UCSB; M.Ed. College Student Personnel Services, USC
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun fact: I’m a bit rusty, but I can write backwards in cursive.
Advisor: Giovanna Kurtz
Office: SGM 501Education: B.A. Communication Studies, CSULB; M.A. Guidance and Counseling, LMU
Hometown: Culver City, CA
Fun fact: I love to cook and try new recipes!
Advisor: Rika Yano
Office: SGM 530Education: B.A. Business Administration – Entertainment and Hospitality Management, CSUF; M.S. Education – Higher Education, CSUF
Hometown: Torrance, CA
Fun fact: I was a gymnast for 4 years and I played volleyball for 7 years. -
About the major: A combination of Linguistics and Computer Science.
Other majors in the Department of Linguistics: Linguistics, Linguistics and Cognitive Science, Linguistics and East Asian Languages and Cultures, Linguistics and Philosophy
Department of Linguistics Website
Advisor: Dr. Jessica Kanoski
Office: KAP 357Education: B.S. Finance, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; M.A. Linguistics, Purdue University; Ph.D. Linguistics, Purdue University
Hometown: Waterloo, Belgium
Fun fact: I will only buy cars that are stick shift. -
About the major: A traditional degree which emphasizes both qualitative and quantitative skills, while offering options to focus on areas that include business, mathematics, and development.
Other majors in the Department of Economics: Economics/Mathematics, Political Economy, Social Sciences (Economics)
Department of Economics Website
Advisor: Linda Mora
Office: KAP 357Education: B.A. Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara; M.Ed. Educational Counseling, USC
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun fact: I am learning Korean.
Advisor: Leon Johnson
Office: KAP 357Education: B.A. Psychology, Northern Illinois University; M.S.Ed. Adult and Higher Education; Emphasis: Student Affairs, Northern Illinois University
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Fun fact: I don’t like chocolate.
Advisor: Juan Lopez
Office: KAP 357Education:
Hometown:
Fun fact:
Advisor: Kathryn Vallis
Office: KAP 357Education: B.S. Counseling, Lesley University; M.A. Political Science, American University in Cairo; M.A. Human Relations, Lesley University
Hometown: Boston, MA
Fun fact: I have a giant 22-pound orange Maine Coon cat named Foosy (after Mufasa in “The Lion King”). -
About the major: This degree provides a strong foundation in both quantitative and economic theory.
Other majors in the Department of Economics: Economics, Political Economy, Social Sciences (Economics)
Department of Economics Website
Advisor: Linda Mora
Office: KAP 357Education: B.A. Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara; M.Ed. Educational Counseling, USC
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun fact: I am learning Korean.
Advisor: Leon Johnson
Office: KAP 357Education: B.A. Psychology, Northern Illinois University; M.S.Ed. Adult and Higher Education; Emphasis: Student Affairs, Northern Illinois University
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Fun fact: I don’t like chocolate.
Advisor: Juan Lopez
Office: KAP 357Education:
Hometown:
Fun fact:
Advisor: Kathryn Vallis
Office: KAP 357Education: B.S. Counseling, Lesley University; M.A. Political Science, American University in Cairo; M.A. Human Relations, Lesley University
Hometown: Boston, MA
Fun fact: I have a giant 22-pound orange Maine Coon cat named Foosy (after Mufasa in “The Lion King”). -
About the major: This degree provides a strong foundation in both quantitative and economic theory.
Other majors in the Department of Economics: Economics, Political Economy, Social Sciences (Economics)
Department of Economics Website
Advisor: Linda Mora
Office: KAP 357Education: B.A. Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara; M.Ed. Educational Counseling, USC
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun fact: I am learning Korean.
Advisor: Leon Johnson
Office: KAP 357Education: B.A. Psychology, Northern Illinois University; M.S.Ed. Adult and Higher Education; Emphasis: Student Affairs, Northern Illinois University
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Fun fact: I don’t like chocolate.
Advisor: Juan Lopez
Office: KAP 357Education:
Hometown:
Fun fact:
Advisor: Kathryn Vallis
Office: KAP 357Education: B.S. Counseling, Lesley University; M.A. Political Science, American University in Cairo; M.A. Human Relations, Lesley University
Hometown: Boston, MA
Fun fact: I have a giant 22-pound orange Maine Coon cat named Foosy (after Mufasa in “The Lion King”). -
About the major: GeoDesign is the combination of urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, and geographic information science to address issues like city and population growth, resource management, sustainability, and public health. Students who major in GeoDesign can help solve global problems while working in government, non-profit, and private industries by gaining a better understanding of how humans interact with and impact the environment.
Other majors in the Spatial Sciences Institute: Global GeoDesign, Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence
Spatial Sciences Institute Website
Advisor: Monica Pan
Office: AHF B55Education: University of Southern California
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun fact: TBD -
About the major: GeoDesign is the combination of urban planning, architecture, landscape architecture, and geographic information science to address issues like city and population growth, resource management, sustainability, and public health. Students who major in GeoDesign can help solve global problems while working in government, non-profit, and private industries by gaining a better understanding of how humans interact with and impact the environment.
Other majors in the Spatial Sciences Institute: Global GeoDesign, Human Security and Geospatial Intelligence
Spatial Sciences Institute Website
Advisor: Monica Pan
Office: AHF B55Education: University of Southern California
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun fact: TBD -
About the major: Global Studies is an interdisciplinary major that allows you to take classes from the social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences to form studies that allow for learning from a community aspect to a global view. While incorporating study abroad and local opportunities, the major covers a wide range of insightful topics that teach student to learn about themselves, others, and regional and international topics.
Other majors in the Department of Anthropology: Visual Anthropology, Global Studies
Advisor: Kim Vinson
Office: KAP 357Education: B.A. Psychology/Child Development, CSUN; M.A. Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs, USC
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun fact: I’m left-handed. Also, I learned to play the flute as an adult. -
About the major: Preparing for a career in health requires an interdisciplinary approach with a foundation of science. A scientific background is only about half of what it takes to be a good practitioner: the other half is the human component.
Other majors: Sociology, NGOs and Social Change
Health and Human Sciences Website
Advisor: Deja Powell
Office: HSH 314Education: B.A. Sociology, CSULA; M.S. Counseling: Student Development in Higher Education, CSULB
Hometown: Pasadena, CA
Fun fact:
Advisor: Rika Yano
Office: SGM 530Education: B.A. Business Administration – Entertainment and Hospitality Management, CSUF; M.S. Education – Higher Education, CSUF
Hometown: Torrance, CA
Fun fact: I was a gymnast for 4 years and I played volleyball for 7 years.
Advisor: Nicholas Coleman
Office: HSH 314Education: B.A. Sociology, CSUN
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun fact: I have run the Los Angeles marathon five time -
About the major: Provides students with a scientific and technical grounding in human security, including how to evaluate security around the world, create and gather geospatial data, and design solutions that maintain or promote stability for human well-being. In this major, students engage with collaborative and interrelated disciplines, such as international relations, political science, public policy and the spatial sciences.
Other majors in the Spatial Sciences Institute: GeoDesign and Global Geodesign
Spatial Sciences Institute Website
Advisor: Elisa Chavarria (interim)
Education:
Hometown:
Fun fact:
Advisor: Monica Pan (on leave)
Office: AHF B55Education: University of Southern California
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun fact: TBD -
About the major: The intersection of cyber security, national interest, and international relations.
Intelligence and Cyber Operations Website
Advisor: Catherine Bampoky
Office: VKC 301Education: BS in Business Administration from CESAG (Dakar, Senegal), MPP in Economics from Pepperdine University, MPA from American University (DC)
Hometown: Dakar, Senegal (West Africa)
Fun fact: I am an expert thrift store shopper.
Advisor: Miranda Williams
Office: VKC 301Education:
Hometown:
Fun fact: -
About the major: This major offers students the chance to research conflict with professors; study European politics in Paris, security and foreign policy in Brussels, immigration issues in Valencia, or climate change in the Arctic; and tackle a Washington D.C. internship as preparation for postgraduate careers or graduate study.
Other majors in the School of International Relations: International Relations (Global Business), International Relations and the Global Economy
Department of Political Science and International Relations
Advisor: Catherine Bampoky
Office: VKC 301Education: BS in Business Administration from CESAG (Dakar, Senegal), MPP in Economics from Pepperdine University, MPA from American University (DC)
Hometown: Dakar, Senegal (West Africa)
Fun fact: I am an expert thrift store shopper.
Advisor: Ana Lopez
Office: VKC 301Education:
Hometown:
Fun fact: -
About the major: Students majoring in International Relations (Global Business) will explore the analytical concepts of the relations between states and other international actors within the context of the global economy through a combination of IR and foreign language studies. Students also select one global business specialization from International Finance, Global Marketing, or Global Management.
Other majors in the School of International Relations: International Relations (Global Business), International Relations and the Global Economy
Department of Political Science and International Relations
Students: Last Names A-G, T-Z
Advisor: Catherine Bampoky
Office: VKC 301Education: BS in Business Administration from CESAG (Dakar, Senegal), MPP in Economics from Pepperdine University, MPA from American University (DC)
Hometown: Dakar, Senegal (West Africa)
Fun fact: I am an expert thrift store shopper. -
About the major: Students majoring in International Relations will explore the analytical concepts of the relations between states and other international actors within the context of the global economy through a combination of IR and foreign language studies. Students also select one global business specialization from International Finance, Global Marketing, or Global Management.
Other majors in the School of International Relations: International Relations (Global Business), International Relations
Department of Political Science and International Relations
Students: Last Names A-G, T-Z
Advisor: Catherine Bampoky
Office: VKC 301Education: BS in Business Administration from CESAG (Dakar, Senegal), MPP in Economics from Pepperdine University, MPA from American University (DC)
Hometown: Dakar, Senegal (West Africa)
Fun fact: I am an expert thrift store shopper. -
About the major: The science of language.
Other majors in the Department of Linguistics: Computational Linguistics, Linguistics and Cognitive Science, Linguistics and East Asian Languages and Cultures, Linguistics and Philosophy
Department of Linguistics Website
Advisor: Dr. Jessica Kanoski
Office: KAP 357Education: B.S. Finance, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; M.A. Linguistics, Purdue University; Ph.D. Linguistics, Purdue University
Hometown: Waterloo, Belgium
Fun fact: I will only buy cars that are stick shift. -
About the major: How the science of language interacts with thinking, reasoning, and memory.
Other majors in the Department of Linguistics: Computational Linguistics, Linguistics and Cognitive Science, Linguistics and East Asian Languages and Cultures, Linguistics and Philosophy
Department of Linguistics Website
Advisor: Dr. Jessica Kanoski
Office: KAP 357Education: B.S. Finance, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; M.A. Linguistics, Purdue University; Ph.D. Linguistics, Purdue University
Hometown: Waterloo, Belgium
Fun fact: I will only buy cars that are stick shift. -
About the major: Combine your passion for linguistics with East Asian language and culture.
Other majors in the Department of Linguistics: Computational Linguistics, Linguistics and Cognitive Science, Linguistics and East Asian Languages and Cultures, Linguistics and Philosophy
Department of Linguistics Website
Advisor: Dr. Jessica Kanoski
Office: KAP 357Education: B.S. Finance, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; M.A. Linguistics, Purdue University; Ph.D. Linguistics, Purdue University
Hometown: Waterloo, Belgium
Fun fact: I will only buy cars that are stick shift. -
About the major: How philosophical approaches influence linguistics.
Other majors in the Department of Linguistics: Computational Linguistics, Linguistics and Cognitive Science, Linguistics and East Asian Languages and Cultures, Linguistics and Philosophy
Department of Linguistics Website
Advisor: Dr. Jessica Kanoski
Office: KAP 357Education: B.S. Finance, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; M.A. Linguistics, Purdue University; Ph.D. Linguistics, Purdue University
Hometown: Waterloo, Belgium
Fun fact: I will only buy cars that are stick shift. -
About the major: An interdisciplinary exploration of the richness and complexity of the Middle East’s past, present, and future.
Department of Middle East Studies Website
Advisor: Isaura Pena
Office: KAP 357Education: B.A. Gender, Ethnic, and Multicultural Studies & minor in Sociology, Cal Poly Pomona; M.S. Higher Education, Cal State Fullerton
Hometown: Ontario, CA
Fun fact: I used to dance Peruvian folklore for roughly 13 years and Mexican folklore for about 5-6 years. -
About the Major: Learn about social problems and how organizations work to create social change in this interdisciplinary major.
Other majors in the Department of Sociology: Health and Human Sciences, Sociology
Department of Sociology Website
Students: Last Names A- K
Advisor: Deja Powell
Office: HSH 314Education: B.A. Sociology, CSULA; M.S. Counseling: Student Development in Higher Education, CSULB
Hometown: Pasadena, CA
Fun fact:
Students: Last Names L-M
Advisor: Rika Yano
Office: SGM 530Education: B.A. Business Administration – Entertainment and Hospitality Management, CSUF; M.S. Education – Higher Education, CSUF
Hometown: Torrance, CA
Fun fact: I was a gymnast for 4 years and I played volleyball for 7 years.
Students: Last Names N- Z
Advisor: Nicholas Coleman
Office: HSH 314Education: B.A. Sociology, CSUN
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun fact: I have run the Los Angeles marathon five time -
About the major: An interdisciplinary major for students interested in policy and politics, both nationally and globally.
Other majors in the Department of Economics: Economics/Mathematics, Political Economy, Social Sciences (Economics)
Department of Economics Website
Advisor: Linda Mora
Office: KAP 357Education: B.A. Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara; M.Ed. Educational Counseling, USC
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun fact: I am learning Korean.
Advisor: Leon Johnson
Office: KAP 357Education: B.A. Psychology, Northern Illinois University; M.S.Ed. Adult and Higher Education; Emphasis: Student Affairs, Northern Illinois University
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Fun fact: I don’t like chocolate.
Advisor: Juan Lopez
Office: KAP 357Education:
Hometown:
Fun fact:
Advisor: Kathryn Vallis
Office: KAP 357Education: B.S. Counseling, Lesley University; M.A. Political Science, American University in Cairo; M.A. Human Relations, Lesley University
Hometown: Boston, MA
Fun fact: I have a giant 22-pound orange Maine Coon cat named Foosy (after Mufasa in “The Lion King”). -
About the major: Provides a wide range of political knowledge and provides depth into areas of interest along with opportunities for experience and engagement.
Department of Political Science Website
Advisor: Dominique Andrade
Office: VKC 301Education: B.A in Sociology from University of California, Los Angeles
Hometown: West Covina, CA
Fun fact: I enjoy writing fiction in my free time.
Advisor: Kiki Miller
Office: VKC 214BEducation: B.A. Communications, Temple University, Philadelphia; M.Ed. Educational Counseling, USC
Hometown: Tracy, CA
Fun fact: In my previous life (before moving to LA), I worked in professional sports in Philly, DC, and Miami. -
About the major: The scientific study of how we think, feel, and behave.
Other majors in the Department of Psychology: Psychology, Social Sciences (Psychology)
Department of Psychology Website
Advisor: Samia Alam
Office: SGMEducation: B.A. Psychology & M.Ed Higher Education Administration & Policy, UC Riverside
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Fun fact: I collect items that have my go-to phrase on them, which is: You got this!
Advisor: Vivian Hsu-Tran
Office: SGM 501Education: B.A. Psychology, UCSB; M.Ed. College Student Personnel Services, USC
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun fact: I’m a bit rusty, but I can write backwards in cursive.
Advisor: Giovanna Kurtz
Office: SGM 501Education: B.A. Communication Studies, CSULB; M.A. Guidance and Counseling, LMU
Hometown: Culver City, CA
Fun fact: I love to cook and try new recipes!
Advisor: Rika Yano
Office: SGM 530Education: B.A. Business Administration – Entertainment and Hospitality Management, CSUF; M.S. Education – Higher Education, CSUF
Hometown: Torrance, CA
Fun fact: I was a gymnast for 4 years and I played volleyball for 7 years. -
About the major: This degree gives an overview of economic theory, while offering flexibility in the elective options.
Other majors in the Department of Economics: Economics/Mathematics, Political Economy, Social Sciences (Economics)
Department of Economics Website
Advisor: Linda Mora
Office: KAP 357Education: B.A. Psychology, University of California, Santa Barbara; M.Ed. Educational Counseling, USC
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun fact: I am learning Korean.
Advisor: Leon Johnson
Office: KAP 357
Education: B.A. Psychology, Northern Illinois University; M.S.Ed. Adult and Higher Education; Emphasis: Student Affairs, Northern Illinois University
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Fun fact: I don’t like chocolate.
Advisor: Juan Lopez
Office: KAP 357Education:
Hometown:
Fun fact:
Advisor: Kathryn Vallis
Office: KAP 357Education: B.S. Counseling, Lesley University; M.A. Political Science, American University in Cairo; M.A. Human Relations, Lesley University
Hometown: Boston, MA
Fun fact: I have a giant 22-pound orange Maine Coon cat named Foosy (after Mufasa in “The Lion King”). -
About the major: This is a flexible program for students interested in human behavior.
Other majors in the Department of Psychology: Psychology, Social Sciences (Psychology)
Department of Psychology Website
Advisor: Samia Alam
Office: SGMEducation: B.A. Psychology & M.Ed Higher Education Administration & Policy, UC Riverside
Hometown: Riverside, CA
Fun fact: I collect items that have my go-to phrase on them, which is: You got this!
Advisor: Vivian Hsu-Tran
Office: SGM 501Education: B.A. Psychology, UCSB; M.Ed. College Student Personnel Services, USC
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun fact: I’m a bit rusty, but I can write backwards in cursive.
Advisor: Giovanna Kurtz
Office: SGM 501Education: B.A. Communication Studies, CSULB; M.A. Guidance and Counseling, LMU
Hometown: Culver City, CA
Fun fact: I love to cook and try new recipes!
Advisor: Rika Yano
Office: SGM 530Education: B.A. Business Administration – Entertainment and Hospitality Management, CSUF; M.S. Education – Higher Education, CSUF
Hometown: Torrance, CA
Fun fact: I was a gymnast for 4 years and I played volleyball for 7 years. -
About the Major: Learn about social problems and how organizations work to create social change in this interdisciplinary major.
Other majors in the Department of Sociology: Health and Human Sciences, Sociology
Department of Sociology Website
Advisor: Deja Powell
Office: HSH 314Education: B.A. Sociology, CSULA; M.S. Counseling: Student Development in Higher Education, CSULB
Hometown: Pasadena, CA
Fun fact:
Advisor: Rika Yano
Office: SGM 530Education: B.A. Business Administration – Entertainment and Hospitality Management, CSUF; M.S. Education – Higher Education, CSUF
Hometown: Torrance, CA
Fun fact: I was a gymnast for 4 years and I played volleyball for 7 years.
Advisor: Nicholas Coleman
Office: HSH 314Education: B.A. Sociology, CSUN
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Fun fact: I have run the Los Angeles marathon five times!