The College: Division of Social Sciences

Society’s Greatest Challenges

The social sciences examine social interaction at every level, from the family to the community, government and global society — and in every dimension of time. Research topics include many of society’s greatest challenges — social inequality, family dynamics, political instability and cross-cultural misunderstandings. As part of one of the nation’s top public universities, the UCLA Social Sciences Division strives to produce research that is both academically rigorous and socially useful. We study differences to make a difference.

UCLA Social Sciences is ranked in the top 10 nationally and internationally. Our departments and interdisciplinary programs offer unparalleled educational research opportunities, capitalizing on our location in one of the most culturally diverse areas in the world. Our world-renowned faculty is widely recognized for its interdisciplinary and innovative research, which has transformed entire fields and led to groundbreaking analyses of complex social problems.

Through initiatives such as Dissertation Launchpad, Social Enterprise Academy and Startup UCLA, we strive to harness the power of our vast alumni network to help us spark innovation and educate students who are well prepared for academia and other job markets.

Our academic areas include anthropology, archaeology, communication studies, economics, ethnic studies (Afro-American, American Indian, Asian American, Chicano/a), gender studies, geography, history, political science, ROTC (aerospace studies, military science, naval science) and sociology. Eighteen research centers complement the academic departments and programs.

Gifts to Social Sciences are used to support students, faculty and programs.