Social Policy

The Social Policy program not only helps students gain an in-depth understanding of social issues but also equips them with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement policies that positively impact communities. In a world that increasingly faces challenges such as inequality and social problems, this program provides students with great opportunities to contribute to building a fair and sustainable society. So, what opportunities does this program offer, and who is best suited to study it? Let’s explore!

Program Introduction

This program is a newly established undergraduate major announced by the Ministry of Education of China in 2021. Social Policy is an emerging discipline that systematically studies the basic principles and general methods of social management activities.

Social policy focuses on social change and responds to social concerns, transforming academic concepts, perspectives, methods, and wisdom into more targeted and actionable guidelines, strategies, and actions. It is characterized by a strong and unique practicality and applicability.

Training Objectives

As an essential component of modern national governance, social policy plays a crucial role in the economic and social development process. Social Policy uses legislation and administrative intervention as tools to formulate social policies and innovate social management systems, aiming to coordinate social relations, standardize social behavior, solve social problems, resolve social conflicts, improve people's lives, promote social justice, respond to social risks, maintain social stability, and promote social development.

Graduation Requirements

Graduates of the Social Policy program should possess the following abilities:

• Master the basic theories, knowledge, and methods of social policy.

• Understand the causes, types, and development trends of social issues.

• Be familiar with social welfare systems and social security policies.

• Possess skills in social surveys, data analysis, and policy evaluation.

• Be able to write high-quality policy research reports.

• Have strong communication skills and teamwork spirit.

Core Courses

The core courses of the Social Policy program include:

• Principles of Sociology

• Principles of Political Science

• Principles of Economics

• Introduction to Social Policy

• Social Welfare Systems

• Social Security Policies

• Social Problem Analysis

• Social Research Methods

• Policy Evaluation

• Social Work

Research Directions

The key research directions in the Social Policy program include:

• Social policy development

• Social welfare and security systems

• Social issue analysis and intervention

• Social policy evaluation and impact

• Comparative social policy studies

Degree Awarded

Graduates of the Social Policy program are awarded a Bachelor degree.

Career Development

Graduates have a broad range of career prospects and can develop in the following areas:

• Government departments: Engaging in social policy formulation, social welfare management, and social security policy evaluation.

• Social organizations: Engaging in social services, community development, and project management.

• Research institutions: Engaging in social policy research and social issue surveys.

• International organizations: Engaging in international development cooperation and humanitarian assistance.

• Enterprises: Engaging in corporate social responsibility and human resources management.

Related Majors

• Sociology

• Social Work

• Anthropology

• Women's Studies

• Home Economics

• Gerontology

Top Universities Offering Social Policy

• Dalian Ocean University

• East China University of Political Science and Law

• China Agricultural University