Overview

The Social Ecology programme at University of California, Irvine (UCI) provides students with a comprehensive framework for understanding the complex relationships between individuals and their environments. By integrating multiple social science perspectives, the curriculum prepares graduates to address contemporary societal challenges through rigorous research and practical application.

Why Social Ecology at University of California, Irvine (UCI)?

Choosing this major allows students to benefit from the interdisciplinary spirit of the School of Social Ecology. The curriculum is uniquely structured to include expertise from three distinct departments: Criminology, Law and Society; Psychological Science; and Urban Planning and Public Policy. This collaborative environment ensures that students gain a well-rounded perspective on how legal, psychological, and environmental factors intersect.

The programme emphasises the translation of research into actionable solutions. Students develop the ability to examine global and interpersonal problems using both social scientific and naturalistic research methods. This focus on empirical evidence and policy mitigation prepares students for the diverse demands of the modern workplace and advanced academic study.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 56682 per year
National fee: USD 56682 per year
Local fee: USD 19080 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum requires the completion of ten upper-division courses, ensuring a broad exposure to various social science disciplines. Modules may include:

Criminology, Law and Society
Urban Planning and Public Policy
Psychological Science
Social Ecology
Research Methods
Social Scientific Analysis

Students have the opportunity to further specialise their studies by selecting additional courses from the three core departments. Advanced students may also petition to include research-based modules or graduate-level coursework to fulfil their major requirements, provided they meet specific academic criteria and faculty supervision standards.

Careers with Social Ecology

Graduates are equipped with the analytical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for a wide range of professional paths. The programme focuses on developing skills that meet the needs of today’s workplace, particularly in sectors involving policy development, social services, and environmental advocacy. By understanding the challenges of translating research into practice, students are well-prepared for roles that require mitigating social and legal problems.

The interdisciplinary nature of the degree also provides a strong foundation for those pursuing further education in law, psychology, or public planning. Graduates often find success in roles where an understanding of human behaviour and societal structures is essential for creating sustainable and equitable community solutions.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Criminology

Law
Society

Urban Planning

Public Policy
Psychological Science

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-08-21 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-12-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

115

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IELTS

6.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Irvine, United States

Disciplines

Sociology Ecology View 271 other Bachelors in Ecology in United States

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Academic requirements

GPA

3.4

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

115

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

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IELTS

6.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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Other requirements

General requirements

You must receive a 3.0 GPA (3.4 for non-California residents) or higher in the 15 required “a-g” subject courses, with no grade lower than a C.

UCI will not consider SAT or ACT scores for admission or scholarship purposes. After enrollment, exams may be used for class placement or some graduation requirements.

Personal Insight Questions (your personal insight questions should be exactly that – personal. This is your opportunity to tell us about yourself, what matters to you, your hopes, ambitions, life experiences, and inspirations. Key points about the personal insight questions include: freshman applicants choose four out of eight questions to answer, each response is limited to a maximum of 350 words. We encourage you to take your time. Be open, be reflective, and be honest. Your personal insight questions provide context for the rest of your application.)

English proficiency requirements

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

56682 USD / year

≈ 56682 USD / year
Out-of-State

56682 USD / year

≈ 56682 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

19080 USD / year

≈ 19080 USD / year

Living costs

Irvine

United States

1560 - 2585 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Social Ecology.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Living costs

Irvine

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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