The School of Social Sciences is committed to student success.

The School of Social Sciences Undergraduate Studies website exists to provide information to help you, the student, make an informed decision about which area(s) of study to pursue as you begin – or continue – your college education. We look forward to seeing you on campus and in our classrooms!

Announcements

Social Sciences Student Commencement Speaker Application - NOW OPEN!!

student delivering speech at commencement

Attention all graduating seniors for the 2025-26 academic year. Let your voice be heard!

Applications are now available for commencement speakers for the School of Social Sciences ceremonies in June.

If you plan to apply to be a commencement speaker, please click on the link below and complete the application by February 20th, 2026.

We look forward to reading your applications!

APPLY NOW

Needing some inspiration? Check out footage and features on our outstanding student speakers from past ceremonies

Undergraduate Student Affairs Office

The Undergraduate Student Affairs staff and peer academic advisors are an essential part of the School of Social Sciences. They provide assistance to help undergraduate students meet their administrative and academic goals including help with: academic advising, course planning, change of major requests, financial aid appeals, course substitutions/petitions, and information concerning honors and graduation.

Certificate Programs

The UCI School of Social Sciences Undergraduate Studies office provides undergraduate students with a range of certificate programs designed to supplement major coursework with focused training in timely societal, cultural, and labor-related issues. Among the available certificates are:

Cultural Competency
Certificate Program

The Labor Studies Certificate, focused on labor history, collective bargaining, social movements, and the broader social and cultural life of work, requiring four courses.

Veterans Studies
Certificate Program

Soldiers holding the U.S. flag during memorial

The Veterans Studies Certificate, launched in 2019, open to veterans and non-veterans alike, offering three courses that examine the diversity and complexity of veterans’ experiences in the U.S. and prepare students for careers involving veteran communities.

Labor Studies
Certificate Program

Top view of old tools, laptop and phone on table

The certificate takes a broader approach to labor focusing on the individual and less on the economy – it will help prepare the next generation of labor organizers. Courses selected for the certificate focus on labor history, collective bargaining, labor laws, policies, and the social, cultural, and political life of workers.

Office of the Associate Dean

The Office of the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Studies acts as an administrative liaison between students and faculty, students and departments and between various School and Campus offices that offer additional student services. The office can assist with academic and career planning, internships, research opportunities, student employment opportunities, and school policy adherence. The office also supports school outreach programs and various student organizations.

Academics