// EXPLORATORY CURRICULUM //

USF Global and Social Sciences Pathway

You know you want to make a difference with your career—you just aren’t sure how you’ll do it yet. From psychology to social work to criminology, there are so many ways you can help other people and change the world. Making that choice is tough, so we offer the Global and Social Sciences Pathway at the University of South Florida to make it a little easier.

Choosing a social sciences major can be difficult. We’re here to help.

If you’re passionate about social work, international studies, women’s studies or a similar area, then a major in global and social sciences could be the right choice. If you find yourself stuck between choices, there’s good news: you don’t have to commit immediately. With the USF Exploratory Curriculum, you can explore a range of available options before you declare an official major.

Two students and their professor having a discussion in a classroom.

Keep in mind that this is not a program from which you can graduate, but you can take up to 36 credit hours that will count toward your degree. Those 36 credit hours ALSO include any credits earned through AP, IB, AICE, dual enrollment, etc. In the exploratory program, you will learn more about areas like:

  • Women’s studies
  • Psychology
  • Ethics
  • Education
  • Criminology

You want to make a difference. We want you to find your passion. Through the Exploratory Curriculum, we’ll both reach our goals.

What will you study in your Exploratory Pathway at USF?

In your first semester, you’ll take U-Decide, which is a cornerstone of the Exploratory Curriculum program at USF. It’s a course designed to help you discover your passions and learn valuable skills that apply to social sciences majors, or any other major or career you choose.

Learn from award-winning professors to:

  • Sharpen your critical thinking skills to analyze social issues deeply
  • Learn to collaborate with others to develop solutions to complex problems
  • Hone your communication skills to express your ideas clearly and persuasively

You’ll also connect with other students who share your interest in social sciences and get personalized support from USF professors and academic advisors.

Discover Where You Belong

“Coming into USF, I had already declared my major, but my advisor told me how much U-Decide could help me. From learning all there is to know about USF, and taking different personality tests, it really helped me understand where I belonged on campus.” —Callie Baier, Elementary Education

Follow our suggested plan of study to help you make a choice about your major. If the Global and Social Sciences pathway isn’t a fit, you can switch to another pathway.

Social sciences pathway courses include:

  • Composition
  • Core Social Sciences
  • Introduction to Ethics
  • Introduction to Psychological Science
  • Introductory Statistics
  • Survey of the Criminal Justice System

Electives include:

  • Biological Principles for Non-Majors
  • Introduction to Philosophy
  • Mathematics for Liberal Arts

You can also work with an advisor to participate in undergraduate research. We’re here to help you find your way. Students who complete this pathway often end up in majors such as:

  • Africana Studies
  • Aging Sciences
  • Anthropology
  • Behavioral Healthcare
  • Criminology
  • Educational Studies
  • Geography and Geographic Information Systems
  • International Studies
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Social Science Education
  • Social Work
  • Sociology
  • Women’s and Gender Studies

Why choose USF for your Exploratory Curriculum?

At USF, you have the opportunity to choose from three amazing campuses: Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee. At all three, you’ll enjoy the beautiful Florida weather, as well as the other great opportunities in the Tampa Bay area like our award-winning beaches or the bustling metro areas.

Two USF students walking together on campus during an event.

Professionally, you’ll be able to network with local businesses that may have internship openings or chances to shadow someone in a global or social sciences field.

While you’re on campus, look into joining some of our 600+ student-led clubs and organizations. Chances are you’ll find some that share your interests and allow you to explore psychology, education, women’s studies, and more.

Ready to learn more about how you can chase your dreams?

If you’re feeling hesitant about choosing a major, let us help you with this exploratory curriculum in global and social sciences. Learn more by downloading our brochure, and please reach out with any questions.

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