Social and Liberal Studies at...

Social and Liberal Studies at Worcester State

Explore Our Degree Programs

If you are looking for a college with a reputation for academic excellence and that has a vibrant, student-centered campus life—all at a price you and your family can afford—then Worcester State is the place for you. Experience the rigorous curriculum, cutting-edge research, and community-forward internship opportunities that make our programs in Criminal Justice, History and Political Science, Liberal and Interdisciplinary Studies, Psychology, Sociology, and Urban Studies exceptional––and gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skillset that will set you apart in your career.
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Criminal Justice

Gain a foundation and bring about positive change in your community with a degree in criminal justice. From justice practice to human services to law, Worcester State University provides students with an expansive understanding of the field. As a student of one of the best programs in New England, you will use theoretical knowledge paired with countless opportunities for hands-on experience to gain a thorough understanding of ethics and innovations in the field.
Programs
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History and Political Science

Analyze the past and decipher the present with a degree in history and political science. As a student in the History and Political Science program at Worcester State University, you will uncover the ways in which major historical events inform every aspect of our contemporary world. Through participation in lively, interactive classroom exchanges––analyzing significant events alongside fellow students and faculty––you will gain an informed perspective on your own heritage and that of people around the world.

Programs
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Liberal and Interdisciplinary Studies

Become a change maker with a degree in liberal and interdisciplinary studies. Interdisciplinary studies is an expanding, exciting academic area in which students study, conduct research, and do creative work in subject areas that span multiple traditional academic disciplines. It has developed out of the recognition that responses to complex problems and challenges require a combination of the intellectual tools available from a wide range of academic disciplines.

Programs
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Psychology

Explore the complexities of the mind. Become an informed advocate for mental health and psychological science. As a student of Worcester State’s Psychology program, you will develop a deep understanding of the human and non-human animal psyche, including the basic principles of neuroscience, behavior, cognition, emotion, and development. Through challenging courses taught by accomplished faculty, you will explore contemporary topics in the field while also seeing things through a historical lens.
Programs
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Sociology

Harness the power of social dynamics and help build a more just world with a degree in sociology. As a student at Worcester State University, you will gain knowledge that will prepare you to make a positive difference in the world. In pursuing a sociology degree at Worcester State, you will join a diverse community of faculty and students. Together, you will study the nature of group behavior and social interaction viewed through analysis of structure, norms, and values to get a critical understanding of individuals as social beings. In classes on topics ranging from race, class, and gender inequalities to capitalism, immigration, cities, and the environment, you will develop the ability to make connections between lived experiences and social issues, and you will examine social justice issues and efforts to make the world a better place.
Programs
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Urban Studies

Create a better world for all with a degree in urban studies. In a globalized world, power at individual, community, and systemic levels are interconnected. With that in mind, the Urban Studies Department at Worcester State teaches critical thinking, cultivates leaders, and engages in purposeful research and action in urban communities. If you are passionate about making a positive impact on the world, the Urban Studies program will provide you with the necessary tools, geared toward the workplaces of today, to do just that. You will develop an in-depth understanding of the complex challenges facing our increasingly urban and diverse world by taking what you learn in the classroom and putting it into practice.

Programs
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Student Testimonials

Explore Social Sciences at Worcester State.

Hear stories from current students who study the social sciences at Worcester State—and learn how you can become a change maker.

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Worcester State student Samantha Bryan
Discussing identity is really crucial. The program forces you to step outside yourself, to think about identity, and covers everything from transgender rights, to the #MeToo era, to Black feminist scholars.
— Samantha Bryan, Liberal Studies & Gender Studies
Worcester State student Anna Johnson
In this program, I’ve learned to be a good researcher. I’ve learned to understand where people come from. I had the opportunity to research specific groups in Worcester and how to utilize that community’s spaces, which helped me to learn more about the city I live in.
— Anna Johnson, Sociology
Criminal Justice student at Worcester State Andro Hannoush
Studying at Worcester State gave me the core knowledge and discipline needed to navigate through law school and become an attorney.
— Andro Hannoush, Criminal Justice
Worcester State student Moises Chauca
My goal is to be a neuropsychologist and help out in the Latino community with mental health issues. At Worcester State, I’m completing my master’s in clinical psychology, with an emphasis on cognitive behavior psych, which is helping me get closer to my goal.
— Moises Chauca, Psychology & Spanish