Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences
- Next Application Deadline:
- December 1, 2026
- Credit hours:
- 61
- Next Term Start Date:
- January 11, 2027
Start your path toward careers in psychology, social work or human services with an associate degree in social and behavioral sciences.
The online Associate of Arts (AA) in Social and Behavioral Science from Ohio State is designed to provide flexible access to a high-quality liberal arts education while helping you balance work, family, and personal commitments. Through coursework in Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, and other social sciences, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of human behavior, communities, and social systems. Whether you’re interested in exploring careers in social work, human services, nonprofit organizations, or community advocacy, this online associate degree provides a strong foundation for your future.
As an online social and behavioral science degree, the program prepares you for entry-level roles such as social work assistant, case manager, community outreach coordinator, and other human services positions. The knowledge and skills you develop can help you advance professionally while building a broader understanding of the social, cultural, and psychological factors that influence individuals and communities.
The online AA in social and behavioral science is designed to meet your goals wherever you are in your academic or career journey. It can serve as a stand-alone credential if you are seeking immediate career opportunities, or as a pathway to continued education. The curriculum includes transferable general education (GE) courses and foundational social science coursework that can apply toward a bachelor’s degree.
Why choose Ohio State for the online AA in Social and Behavioral Science?
The online AA in Social and Behavioral Sciences is offered through Ohio State Lima, one of Ohio State’s regional campuses dedicated to expanding access to high-quality education. As part of The Ohio State University, you’ll earn the same respected degree in a flexible, fully online format designed for working adults. Combined with the tuition advantage of Ohio State’s regional campus, the online AA degree in social and behavioral sciences offers a high-value way to continue or begin your college education and pursue your long-term academic goals.
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 Buckeye alumni. With competitive tuition and a strong academic reputation, this program offers a high-value pathway to a college degree from a nationally recognized institution. Ffor students interested in social work, it can be the first step toward earning an online Bachelor of Social Work from Ohio State.
Pathway to a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) degree
One of the advantages of the online Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Science is the opportunity to continue seamlessly into Ohio State’s online Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW) program. As you complete your associate degree, you’ll earn general education and social science credits that are guaranteed to apply toward the BSSW, helping you make steady progress toward your bachelor’s degree while avoiding the uncertainty that can come with transferring between institutions.
Through coursework in social work, sociology, psychology, and related disciplines, you’ll build a foundation for future study while exploring career paths that support individuals, families, and communities.
Benefits of the AA to BSSW pathway
- Earn general education and social science credits that apply directly toward the bachelor of social work program at Ohio State.
- Continue your education within The Ohio State University from associate degree to bachelor’s degree with a pathway to the Master of Social Work Advanced Standing program.
- Follow a clear academic pathway without worrying about whether credits will transfer.
- Study online with asynchronous courses designed for working adults with busy schedules.
- Prepare for careers in social work, human services, community advocacy, and related fields.
Frequently Asked Questions
The AA degree can be taken part-time and you can complete the degree in 10 semesters.
Once you submit your contact information, a dedicated Enrollment Advisor will connect with you 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. Learn more about the support an Enrollment Advisor offers.
While some colleges offer an Associate of Arts in Social Work, those programs are often focused specifically on introductory social work concepts, human services, and direct-service skills. Ohio State’s Associate of Arts in Social and Behavioral Science takes a broader approach, combining coursework in social work, sociology, psychology, and other social sciences with online general education coursework.
This broader foundation helps students develop a deeper understanding of human behavior, communities, and social systems while keeping multiple career and educational pathways open. Students interested in social work can explore the field through relevant coursework while earning credits that transfer into bachelor’s degree programs, including Ohio State’s online Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW). For students who may ultimately pursue careers in social work, counseling, human services, nonprofit leadership, public service, or related fields, the Social and Behavioral Science concentration offers both flexibility and a strong academic foundation for future study.
The online Associate of Arts degree is a part-time program which does not meet the requirements to be eligible for the Regional Campus Commitment Program. However, online students can still apply for scholarships through Scholarship Universe.
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.
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.
Yes. You can use VA education benefits—including the Post‑9/11 GI Bill® and Montgomery GI Bill®—while enrolled part‑time online in an undergraduate program. Your eligibility and benefit amount is determined by several key factors, including credit hours, time served, active‑duty status, course modality (online vs. in‑person), and location of your classes, all of which influence both tuition coverage and your Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA). Online students receive a reduced national MHA rate, while in‑person students receive location‑based rates. Your eligibility tier, determined by months of service, further adjusts the percentage of benefits you receive.
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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.
Ready to apply?
Follow the steps below to start your application as a first time freshman.
Start here, create an account using the link at the bottom of the form.
Select Application: “Freshman Domestic Online Only Application“
Select the Academic Program Associate of Arts
Select the term that you want to start the program
Click Start Application
Under Available Sub-Plans/Specializations, select Social and Behavioral Sciences
Complete the application
Pay $60 non-refundable application fee to submit
Follow the steps below to start your application if you have earned college credit since high school.
Start here create an account using the link at the bottom of the form.
Select Application: “Transfer Domestic Online Only Application“
Select the Academic Program Associate of Arts
Select the term that you want to start the program
Click Start Application
Under Available Sub-Plans/Specializations, select Social and Behavioral Sciences
Complete the application
Pay $60 non-refundable application fee to submit
Application Details
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
- Must not hold an existing associate or master’s degree in any field
- A cumulative college GPA of 2.0 or higher (if applicable).
International applications are not accepted.
To complete your application, you should request that all colleges or universities you’ve attended send your official transcript to Ohio State. Include a transcript of any college courses taken in high school. Note: You do not need to provide a transcript for course work completed at Ohio State.
How to send your transcripts to Ohio State:
- If you attended a college or university in Ohio, request that your transcript be sent electronically.
- For institutions outside of the state of Ohio, request electronic delivery, if available, to avoid processing delays.
- If ordering a transcript online, select The Ohio State University as a recipient. In the absence of a list of universities to select from, have your school email your encrypted transcript directly to ugdocs@osu.edu.
- If your school does not offer electronic delivery, please have your transcript(s) mailed to:
The Ohio State University
Undergraduate Admissions
PO Box 182646
Columbus, OH 43218-2646.
What is not accepted:
- Advising reports
- Unofficial transcripts or scans labeled “UNOFFICIAL”
- Documents with a URL across the top
- Transcripts missing the institution’s name, seal, stamp, or GPA
Transcripts should not be delivered by the student or sent to other addresses on campus. Doing so will prevent acceptance of the transcript as official.
Application Instructions
Follow the steps below to start your application as a first time freshman.
Start here, create an account using the link at the bottom of the form.
Select Application: “Freshman Domestic Online Only Application“
Select the Academic Program Associate of Arts
Select the term that you want to start the program
Click Start Application
Under Available Sub-Plans/Specializations, select Social and Behavioral Sciences
Complete the application
Pay $60 non-refundable application fee to submit
Follow the steps below to start your application if you have earned college credit since high school.
Start here create an account using the link at the bottom of the form.
Select Application: “Transfer Domestic Online Only Application“
Select the Academic Program Associate of Arts
Select the term that you want to start the program
Click Start Application
Under Available Sub-Plans/Specializations, select Social and Behavioral Sciences
Complete the application
Pay $60 non-refundable application fee to submit
Once admitted: You must accept your offer within three weeks of receiving your admission notice. To secure your spot, you’ll need to pay a $100 nonrefundable acceptance fee. Your notice of admission will be emailed to you as soon as you’re admitted and will include instructions on how to accept or decline the offer. You can also pay the acceptance fee through your Applicant Center. As a condition of enrollment, all admitted applicants are required to answer a question regarding disciplinary and felony history prior to paying the acceptance fee.
GED Scores
If you earned your GED we will need official scores to evaluate as part of your application. The best way to order those is to visit this site and request your scores.
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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 you 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: $34,200
- Mid Level: $45,930
- Senior Level: $63,290
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: $38,090
- Mid Level: $61,990
- Senior Level: $102,070
Job Outlook
Average
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: $53,150
- Mid Level: $80,390
- Senior Level: $132,260
Job Outlook
Bright
Related Careers
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers
- Community Health Workers
- Healthcare Social Workers
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse 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.
Examines the origins, evolution, and outcomes of the African American freedom struggle, focusing on the Civil Rights and Black Power movements.
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.
Relationship of anthropology to the art and science of medicine.
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.
Economic activity is a form of social relationship that connects us to people and places in our community and around the world. Develop a spatial understanding of the economy and society, focusing on issues such as globalization and inequality. Tie these geographic perspectives to your own position in global economies and explore how this poses challenges and opportunities for global citizenship.
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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
Featured 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.
Faculty
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 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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