Earn an Associate Degree in Social Sciences with a Global Studies Concentration

In today’s interconnected world, understanding global systems, cultures, and challenges is more important than ever. The Social Sciences program with a Global Studies Concentration is an interdisciplinary transfer degree that prepares students with the knowledge, critical thinking, and cross-cultural skills needed in a global society. This associate degree will lead students in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree and beyond to a wide range of careers in fields such as foreign affairs and national security, humanitarian and social services, international development, environmental and climate policy, journalism, and more.

Apply Now Blue Ridge
Associate Degree Banner
rectangle shape left rectangle shape right

Apply for an Associate Degree in Social Sciences with a Global Studies Concentration Designed for You!

Our Social Sciences Program with a Global Studies Concentration offers students a strong general education along with a foundational understanding of global ideas and cultures, intercultural communication and world language, natural science, and global systems and politics. The program prepares students to transfer successfully to a four-year institution and excel in their future careers.

New Student Icon

Are You a New Student?

Build a solid foundation for a promising career with our Social Sciences/Global Studies associate degree. Blue Ridge CTC offers a blend of real-world knowledge and additional workforce skills employers look for in qualified applicants.

Transfer Student Icon

Transferring Schools?

You are not alone, as almost a third of students transfer schools! Check our transfer evaluation tool to save money and time while transferring to our program in Social Sciences/Global Studies.

Salary and Job Growth

For information on the latest trends in salary and job growth for career choices in areas such as foreign affairs and national security, humanitarian and social services, international development, environment and climate change policy, and journalism, click here on the US Bureau of Labor Statistics website and search a specific career here. Advanced degrees are typically required for these careers.

Take Advantage

Of Transfer Agreements

Take advantage of established transfer agreements to continue your education at a four-year college or university.

Expand Your Choices

Social Sciences has other concentrations that may meet your skills, talents, and personal qualities including Political Science, Sociology, Economics, and Psychology.

54 %

of BRCTC Alumni

Continue their education after earning a certificate or Associate degree

Why Pursue an Associate Degree in Social Sciences with a Global Studies Concentration?

With the two-year Blue Ridge CTC degree in Social Sciences with a Global Studies Concentration, students earn an Associate of Science. The degree lets students:

    • Learn industry-specific skills focused on analyzing and evaluating information related to global ideas and cultures, intercultural communication and world language, natural science, and global systems and politics.
    • Develop a solid foundation required for a career in fields including foreign affairs and national security, humanitarian and social services, international development, environment and climate change policy, journalism, and more.
    • Gain foundational knowledge through courses including: Intercultural Communications, Physical Science, World Cultural Geography, Spanish, Intro. to International Relations, World Literature, Philosophy of World Religions, and Macroeconomics.
    • Get guidance from faculty members meant for career advancement or further studies.

Become Career Ready With an Associate Degree in Social Sciences with a Global Studies Concentration

Can you see yourself successfully working as a Sustainability Coordinator, Immigration Services Officer, an International Program Analyst? Our Associate of Science in Social Sciences with a Global Studies Concentration equips students with foundational skills and knowledge in global ideas and cultures, intercultural communication and world language, natural science, and global systems and politics – preparing them to transfer into bachelor’s programs and pursue a wide range of career options.

Throughout the program, students gain insight into different worldviews and communication styles across cultures; examine how people and the environment are organized globally through topics such as population, culture, and economics; explore major works of world literature; learn key concepts in international relations; compare the core beliefs of major world religions; and study comparative advantage influences on trade and economic decisions.

 

Earn the associate degree in Social Sciences with a Global Studies Concentration from Blue Ridge Community and Technical College.

2-year

Degree Program

Formats

In-Person, Hybrid, Online

62

Credit Hours

Ready to Enroll?

Apply Now

campusIconWhite3

What Will You Learn - Curriculum Overview

With a Blue Ridge CTC associate degree in Social Sciences with a Global Studies Concentration, students learn skills and knowledge that will lead them to a variety of career options including foreign affairs and national security, humanitarian and social services, international development, environment and climate policy, journalism, and more.

This program delivers students a general education along with a foundational understanding of global ideas and cultures, intercultural communication and world language, natural science, and global systems and politics. The curriculum helps students to:

    • Describe specific world views, verbal and nonverbal patterns of communication within selected international and domestic cultures.
    • Examine spatial patterns of human and physical geography, including population, culture, development, economics, politics, the environment, and globalization across world regions.
    • Become familiar with several of the world’s literary masterpieces.
    • Apply the main theories of international relations.
    • Examine the core elements of the world’s largest and most influential religions and analyze similarities and differences among them.
    • Explore how comparative advantage shapes international trade and economic decisions.

View Catalog

Build Your Future With Blue Ridge CTC

Blue Ridge CTC offers an industry-focused approach to learning, leading to a path-breaking career and continuing education opportunities.

  • Icon 1

    4000+

    Students Per Semester

  • Icon 2

    60+

    Degree and Certificate Programs

  • Icon 3

    14:1

    Student-Faculty Ratio

  • Icon 4

    Fully

    Accredited

Ready for More Information?

Schedule a Virtual Appointment

Ready to Visit Campus?

Schedule a Campus Tour

What You Experience at Blue Ridge CTC?

Blue Ridge CTC acts as a catalyst to career goals, gives students exposure to real-time career prospects, and provides a learning environment supporting personal and professional growth.

World-class Pedagogy That Shapes Future Leaders!

Effective faculty is the backbone of any school. Our faculty are committed teachers and scholars who:

Deliver real-world learning to shape a students’ job market competency.

Impart teaching that promotes creativity and sets the base for further 4-year programs.

Extend a smart learning model that raises job prospects.

Integrate best-in-class learning formats and resources to drive focused learning.

Student Support Services and Spaces for Balanced Learning!

We provide comprehensive Student Support Services to promote student success.

Student Services provides a variety of support, including tutoring, accessibility accommodations, and more!

We provide high-tech classes, supporting labs, and study areas to promote a balanced education.

We recognize talent and celebrate performance with awards and acknowledgments.

We have supportive staff to help with personal, professional, and academic challenges.

Placement Assistance to Nurture Careers!

We support students from admission through the career search! Career Services assists students:

Find the right kind of job with a career inventory assessment.

Get assistance on resume writing and referral to participating employer partners.

With interview preparation to boost their morale and get prepared with the right narration to win job negotiations.

Get a holistic learning environment, where they are nurtured to become the next set of professionals entering the workforce.

Hands-on Training and Internship Opportunities

We are committed to providing students with real-time training and internship opportunities to enter the workforce directly after graduating.

We provide industry expert instruction to strengthen job-specific skills needed for real-world challenges.

We assist students with internship opportunities to find their way to a successful career.

We provide industry-certified expert supervision and guidance to raise students’ job prospects in the Government and Private sectors.

Our campus is well equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, machinery, hardware, and software required to provide the technical skills needed for real jobs.

Our Learner’s Voice!

Learn more about alumni who successfully reached their goals by earning an education at Blue Ridge CTC!

Rectangle-129 Icon Rectangle-130 Icon

Worried About Paying for College? Many Options Exist for Financial Aid

Blue Ridge CTC provides need-based financial aid to qualified applicants, ensuring all students have equal access to quality education.

Whether you are a student worrying about tuition fees or are a parent assisting a child paying for college, we have a wide variety of financial resources available.

    • State and Federal Grant Programs 
    • Student Work-Study Opportunities 
    • Student Loans 
    • Special Grant Funding Opportunities
    • Blue Ridge CTC Foundation Scholarship opportunities

Get Financial Aid

Have Questions? Talk With an Admissions Counselor Today!

Admissions Counselors and Academic Advisors at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College help students navigate career paths throughout their academic career.

fromImg
Rectangle-129 Icon Rectangle-130 Icon

Expand Your Choices

Explore other program options that may meet your skills, talents, and personal qualities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about Blue Ridge CTC’s associate degree in Social Sciences? We can help!

Admission requirements to earn an associate degree in Social Sciences with a Global Studies Concentration include a high school diploma or equivalent and a complete application packet. Students who have earned credits at other Colleges or Universities must also provide official copies of those transcripts.
To choose an Associate of Sciences degree in Social Sciences with a Global Studies Concentration, you must consider the time to complete, cost of tuition, and quality of the instruction provided. If you need additional insight into career options, consider a free career inventory assessment before exploring course options that align with personal and professional interests.
After pursuing an Associate of Science in Social Sciences with a Global Studies Concentration, students may transfer to a four-year institution in pursuit of a variety of career choices including foreign affairs and national security, humanitarian and social services, international development, environmental and climate policy, journalism, and more.
Students do not require ACT or SAT scores to qualify. Students may need ACT or SAT scores, or free placement testing to qualify for courses such as English, Math, or Chemistry. Placement testing can be scheduled at any time during the application process.

Disclaimer

Note: All salary projections are based on the current position and educational needs. BRCTC cannot guarantee that job titles or the projections given will be the salaries students or graduates will ultimately receive. Two year completion is approximate and based on full-time enrollment. Student testimonials, income statements, and examples on the College website are the results of real students. These testimonials are not intended to guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results. Each individual’s success depends on his or her desire, commitment, dedication, and motivation to pursue academic and workforce opportunities. Testimonials are not intended to create a contract between a student and the College.

Increase Font SizeDecrease Font Size