Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences
December 1, 2025
January 12, 2026
Start your path toward careers in psychology, social work or human services.
The online Associate of Arts (AA) degree with a concentration in Social and Behavioral Science at Ohio State is designed to expand your access to a liberal arts education, balancing work and family commitments as you earn your degree. If you’re drawn to understanding people and communities, this concentration focuses on understanding human behavior and social structures, with courses in Sociology, Social Work, and Psychology. Entry-level roles such as case managers, social work assistants and community outreach coordinators are accessible with an associate degree and this gives you the option to continue on to earn a bachelor’s degree for clinical or supervisory roles.
The online AA degree is designed to meet your needs wherever you are in your career or academic journey. It can be considered a terminal degree if you are seeking immediate career advancement or entry-level positions that require an associate degree. Many employers value the specialized skills and knowledge gained through an associate degree, making it a viable option for you if you are looking to enhance your job prospects without the commitment of a 4-year degree.
Additionally, this online associate degree can also be a steppingstone toward a bachelor’s degree. The program’s curriculum is structured to provide foundational general education (GE) coursework that can be transferred to a four-year institution, especially if you are interested in pursuing a major in social work, allowing you to continue your education and earn a bachelor’s degree. This flexibility makes this a versatile option for you, whether your educational and career goals are immediate or long-term.
Why choose Ohio State for the online Social Science Associate of Arts program?
The online Associate of Arts program is offered through The Ohio State University at Lima, one of Ohio State’s regional campuses committed to expanding access to high-quality education. As part of The Ohio State University, this program allows you to earn the same respected degree, delivered in a flexible, fully online format designed to fit your life.
Whether you’re balancing work, family, or other responsibilities, you’ll benefit from asynchronous courses, personalized support, and a curriculum that prepares you for both immediate career opportunities and a pathway to continued education. Upon graduation your diploma will carry the full recognition of The Ohio State University, and you’ll join a global network of more than 600,000 proud Buckeye alumni.
With competitive tuition and a strong academic reputation, this program offers a high-value path to a college degree from a nationally ranked institution. Whether you’re in Ohio or across the country, your future as a Buckeye starts here and is just the beginning of where Ohio State can take you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Once you submit your contact information, a dedicated Enrollment Advisor will connect with you shortly to provide more details about this online program, provide one-on-one guidance, and answer any questions you may have as you navigate the application process.
An Associate of Arts (AA) degree cannot be awarded to someone who has already earned another degree (associate, bachelor’s, graduate, or professional). If you’re interested in building an academic concentration in one of our focus areas, especially if it wasn’t part of your original bachelor’s degree, you can still take targeted courses aligned with that concentration. Instead of earning the full AA degree, you can enroll in select courses to strengthen your skills, qualifications, and marketability. To do this, you would apply as a non-degree student through Continuing Education.
An Associate of Arts (AA) degree and an Associate of Science (AS) degree are both two-year undergraduate programs, but they differ in focus and intended career or academic paths. Deciding which program to pursue depends on what areas of study are are the most interested and want to pursue as a career path. The AA degree is centered around the liberal arts and humanities, offering a broad education in subjects like literature, history, psychology, and the social sciences. It is ideal if you are planning to transfer to a four-year university to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree or are interested in careers that value communication, critical thinking, and cultural understanding.
In contrast, the AS degree emphasizes math, science, and technical disciplines. It includes more coursework in areas such as biology, chemistry, computer science, and mathematics, often with lab components. This degree is better suited for you if you are aiming to continue into a Bachelor of Science (BS) program or enter fields that require analytical and quantitative skills, such as health care, engineering, or information technology. While both degrees can lead to further education or entry-level employment, the AA leans more toward creative and human-centered fields, whereas the AS is more aligned with scientific and technical careers.
While the AA degree is often a stepping stone to a bachelor’s degree in social work, it can also prepare you for entry-level roles in areas like social services, community outreach, case management, administrative support in healthcare or education, and customer service in public-facing roles.
To better meet the needs of online students who are balancing work and family commitments, the Associate of Arts degree is currently structured as a part-time program with a 10 semester completion timeline.
The AA degree can be taken part-time and you can complete the degree in 10 semesters.
Yes, as an online student in the AA program, if you would like to attend campus for using resources you are able to do so. If you would like to take an in-person course, you can do this at the Lima campus only. This is all completely optional.
You should consider applying to this program if you’re curious about how people think, interact, and shape the world around them. This degree is a great fit if you:
- Enjoy subjects like psychology, sociology, political science, or anthropology
- Plan to transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree in a related field
- Want to strengthen your skills in communication, critical thinking, and cultural awareness
- Are interested in careers that involve helping others or working in community-focused roles
- Need a flexible program that fits your schedule to balance work, family and school
Whether you’re just starting college after high school, returning back to school, or looking to shift into a more people-centered career, this program gives you a strong foundation to build on in a flexible format to earn your degree on your own time.
Yes, the online Associate of Arts degree provides a great foundation for transferring your credits into a bachelor’s degree program.
No, all coursework is 100% online meaning you can complete your degree at your pace on your own schedule from anywhere you are located.
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Academic Calendar
The online Associate of Arts program offers the flexibility of enrolling in three terms: Spring, Summer, and Autumn. This will allow you to progress through your studies at a pace that suits your personal and professional commitments.
Academic Calendar
The online Associate of Arts program offers the flexibility of enrolling in three terms: Spring, Summer, and Autumn. This will allow you to progress through your studies at a pace that suits your personal and professional commitments.
Admission Criteria
Ohio State’s online Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences features open enrollment for both Ohio residents and non-residents. This means you must meet the following academic requirements to be considered for admission:
- High school diploma or GED with a minimum GPA of 2.0
- A cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or higher (if applicable). Students who already have an associate or bachelor’s degree are not eligible for the online AA degree.
International applications are not accepted.
Is this program available in my state?
Select your state from the map below to view program availability.
The Ohio State University participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA).
SARA is a national initiative that increases student access to distance education courses and programs while maintaining compliance with state regulations. Institutions participating in SARA can offer educational opportunities in all 49 SARA member states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico without seeking individual approval in each state.
California is not a SARA member state, however, OSU may offer online courses and programs to students located in California under the California Private Post-Secondary Act of 2009.
The Application Process
Once you understand your program’s admission criteria, please note the application deadline. You’ll need a quiet space and a variety of materials for your application. To learn more, please see our Admissions page for the full process. Ready to Apply? Find your application here.
Career Outlook
Graduates with an AA in Social and Behavioral Sciences often pursue careers in community services, education support, and administrative roles in public and nonprofit sectors. While many roles in social science fields require a bachelor’s degree or higher, an associate degree can qualify your for entry-level positions or serve as starting point to further your education.
Top Occupations by Median Income
What They Do
Assist other social and human service providers in providing client services in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation, or social work, including support for families. May assist clients in identifying and obtaining available benefits and social and community services. May assist social workers with developing, organizing, and conducting programs to prevent and resolve problems relevant to substance abuse, human relationships, rehabilitation, or dependent care.
Work Activities
Assess clients’ cognitive abilities and physical and emotional needs to determine appropriate interventions. Develop and implement behavioral management and care plans for clients. Keep records or prepare reports for owner or management concerning visits with clients.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $33,280
- Mid Level: $45,120
- Senior Level: $63,850
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Marriage and Family Therapists
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers
- Mental Health Counselors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Psychology
- Therapy and Counseling
- English Language
- Administrative
What They Do
Assist social scientists in laboratory, survey, and other social science research. May help prepare findings for publication and assist in laboratory analysis, quality control, or data management.
Work Activities
Design and create special programs for tasks such as statistical analysis and data entry and cleaning. Provide assistance with the preparation of project-related reports, manuscripts, and presentations. Prepare tables, graphs, fact sheets, and written reports summarizing research results.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $36,410
- Mid Level: $58,040
- Senior Level: $100,620
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Clinical Data Managers
- Clinical Research Coordinators
- Data Scientists
- Statisticians
- Survey Researchers
Job Sectors
- English Language
- Computers and Electronics
- Administrative
- Mathematics
- Customer and Personal Service
What They Do
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization’s budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Work Activities
Establish and oversee administrative procedures to meet objectives set by boards of directors or senior management. Direct activities of professional and technical staff members and volunteers. Evaluate the work of staff and volunteers to ensure that programs are of appropriate quality and that resources are used effectively.
Wage Range
- Entry Level: $50,020
- Mid Level: $78,240
- Senior Level: $129,820
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Community Health Workers
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Rehabilitation Counselors
Job Sectors
- Customer and Personal Service
- Administration and Management
- English Language
- Psychology
- Education and Training
National occupational information in Ohio State Online’s Career Outlook tool is sourced from O*NET Online and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The median annual wage displayed to the right of each occupational title above is based on the BLS Employment Projections program. Outlook and percent change indicate projected growth or decline over the next 10 years.
Curriculum
The AA in Social and Behavioral Science includes 34 general core credit hours, 12 elective credit courses and 15 credit hours of concentration courses that include sociology, social work and psychology. These specialized courses will prepare you for entry level roles or for continued education into a bachelor’s program. All courses are 7 weeks and asynchronous. The program can be completed in 10 semesters, part-time. The curriculum listed below is for students without prior college credit.
Examines the history of social oppression directed at certain minority populations in the United States and its impact on their current opportunities and lived experiences. The primary purpose is to analyze how racism, sexism, heterosexism and institutionalized discrimination based on ethnicity affect the social welfare and well-being of those living in the United States.
Fundamental concepts of sociology and introduction to the analysis of social problems and interactions (e.g. wealth, gender, race, inequality, family, crime) using sociological theories.
This course examines the causes, consequences, and solutions to human aggression and violence. It discusses how aggression and violence are defined and measured, aggression theories, individual risk factors, contextual risk factors, protective factors, and aggression targets. It examines in detail violent media research. It also discusses how to reduce anger, aggression, and violent media effects.
A scientific examination of humans as a biological and cultural organism based on primate evolution from living and fossil evidence; evolutionary theory and population adaptability. This course includes laboratory activities.
An introduction to the core values, fundamental goals, unique functions and methods of the social work profession.
Consideration of theories and research on psychological development across the lifespan; includes consideration of social policies that influence developmental outcomes.
A course in critical thinking and public speaking; how to analyze and organize information for oral presentations; basics of public speaking for majors and non-majors.
An introduction to the history, structure, and function of the social welfare institution.
The nature of right and wrong, good and evil; the grounds of moral choice and decision; the resolution of moral conflicts.
A prerequisite to advanced courses; a broad survey of psychological science. Application of the scientific method to the empirical study of behavior with emphasis on individual and cultural differences.
Examination of major problems, such as the nature of reality, knowledge, truth, morality, and the relation of philosophy to science and religion.
You will learn fundamental digital camera techniques and explore contemporary and historical issues in photography including the relationships between technique, concept, and aesthetics as well as the relationship between images, identity formation, and larger social structures.
Introduction to probability and statistics, experiments, and sampling, data analysis and interpretation.
Designed to help students reflect critically, both orally and in writing, on the social, political, and cultural contexts that influence education in today’s society.
Comparative, interdisciplinary approach to studying religion and law. Drawing on concrete cases, historical studies, and theoretical literature, the course explores how the relationship between religion and law has been configured differently in different liberal democracies, such as the U.S., France, and Israel, and what this might mean for contemporary debates.
The study of social inequality with a focus on inequalities by race/ethnicity, gender, and class.
Examination of current theories and empirical findings regarding the major forms of psychopathology and treatment.
Survey of the history of American medicine from the Colonial period through the twentieth century.
This course provides an overview of media’s role in citizenship by learning about media industry operations, how media influence us, critical evaluation of media, media responsibility and literacy, and how our experiences and biases affect the current relationship between mass media and democracy. We will learn how to engage with media to promote informed, active, and responsible citizenship.
Understanding Online Course Types
As you research the right online program for you, you likely will come across the terms “asynchronous” and “synchronous.” Learn what these terms mean and how they’re important to consider when understanding how a program will fit into your life.
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Faculty
At Ohio State Lima, the Social and Behavioral Sciences concentration within the Associate of Arts degree is led by dedicated faculty committed to your success and academic exploration. With expertise spanning psychology, sociology, and social work, these faculty members bring real-world relevance and research-driven insight into the online classroom.
Faculty
Stephanie Price
Lecturer
Stephanie Price serves as the BSSW Program and Field Education Coordinator and Associated Faculty at The Ohio State University – Lima Campus, a role she began in 2023. She brings 29 years of professional experience as a case manager, prevention educator, psychiatric social worker, and school social worker. Her career spans community mental health, inpatient psychiatric care, individual, group, and family counseling, and community education. As an educator, Stephanie draws on her extensive professional experience to create a learning environment that is practical, collaborative, and grounded in real-world social work practice. She emphasizes critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and the importance of self-reflection in preparing students for the complexities of the profession.
Dawn Starr, Ph.D
Professor, Psychology, LimaIan Breidenbach
Associated Faculty, LimaDavid Easter
Senior LecturerTestimonials
See what other Ohio State students and alumni have to say about their online learning experience.
“Ohio State is a large institution with a lot of possibilities and opportunities. You will meet people who you can connect with and who will connect you with others.”
“Being able to apply everything I was working on for school immediately to my work was my favorite part of the program.”
“I could not have faced so many obstacles without the support, strength and guidance from the faculty and staff. Even when times were tough, they believed in me, so I believed in me.”
Tuition Fee Overview
Investing in your future with a higher education degree is one of the best investments you can make for your future success. At Ohio State, we know understanding your program’s cost is an important part of your decision-making process. Below are the tuition fees you can expect with your program. Estimates are based on the expenses typical of an Ohio State Online student, who would take 6 credit hours each semester as a part-time student or 12 credit hours each semester as a full-time student. Actual costs may vary.
| Tuition Fees | Part-Time – Per Credit Hour (unless otherwise noted) | Full-Time – Total Cost Per Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Instructional Fee | $383.54 | $4,602.50 |
| General Fee (Autumn, Spring and Summer) | $11.79 | $141.50 |
| Learning Technology Fee | $7.50 | $90.00 |
| Distance Learning Fee | $100.00 (per semester) | $100.00 |
| Non-Resident Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 |
| International Surcharge (if applicable) | $200.00 (per semester) | $200.00 |
| Textbook and Course Material | $175.00 (per semester) | $175.00 |
Tuition fees are subject to change. The table above serves as a guide and not an official bursar’s bill. Full-Time costs are total tuition costs per semester.
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