List of Social Science Courses in Nigeria and Their Requirements

 
Social sciences play a vital role in understanding human behavior, societal structures, and the functioning of institutions. They help analyze societal issues such as inequality, governance, social change, and development, contributing to policymaking, advocacy, and global cooperation. In Nigeria, universities offer a wide range of social science courses that prepare students for careers in various sectors such as government, business, social services, and academia.

This blog post offers a detailed guide on some of the most popular social science courses in Nigeria, including their key areas of study and the requirements for admission into these programs at top Nigerian institutions.

##1. Sociology
Sociology is the study of human society, social behavior, and institutions. It provides insights into how social relationships, power structures, and cultural norms shape people's lives. Students in sociology examine social issues like inequality, crime, family dynamics, and the impact of policies on different groups.

.Key Areas of Study:

Social Theory

Social Research Methods

Social Institutions (e.g., family, education, religion)

Criminology and Deviance

Development Studies

Social Stratification


##Top Institutions Offering Sociology:

University of Ibadan (UI)

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

University of Benin (UNIBEN)

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)

University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

Lagos State University (LASU)

.Requirements:

Minimum of 5 credits in relevant subjects (English, Mathematics, Government, and two other social science subjects like History or Geography) at SSCE or NECO.

A good score in the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exam.

Meeting the university's departmental cut-off marks.


##2. Political Science
Political Science focuses on the study of political systems, governance, policy, and international relations. Students learn about political ideologies, electoral systems, power dynamics, and the functioning of political institutions.

.Key Areas of Study:

Political Theory

Comparative Politics

International Relations

Public Administration and Policy

Political Economy

Nigerian Government and Politics

##Top Institutions Offering Political Science:

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

University of Ibadan (UI)

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

University of Benin (UNIBEN)

University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)

Federal University of Lafia (FULafia)

.Requirements:

Minimum of 5 credits in relevant subjects (English, Mathematics, Government, and two other subjects, typically including History or Economics) at SSCE or NECO.

A competitive score in the JAMB examination, meeting the university's cut-off mark.

##3. Economics
Economics is the study of resource allocation, production, and distribution in society. It provides a framework for understanding how individuals, businesses, and governments make decisions regarding scarce resources. It is ideal for students interested in financial analysis, policy-making, and business strategy.

.Key Areas of Study:

Microeconomics and Macroeconomics

Development Economics

International Trade

Public Finance and Fiscal Policy

Econometrics and Statistics

Monetary Economics


##Top Institutions Offering Economics:

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

University of Ibadan (UI)

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

University of Benin (UNIBEN)

University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

Lagos State University (LASU)

Covenant University, Ota

.Requirements:

Minimum of 5 credits in relevant subjects (English, Mathematics, Economics, and two other subjects, typically including Government or Commerce) at SSCE or NECO.

A competitive JAMB score and meeting the departmental cut-off marks.


##4. Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior, mind, and mental processes. It focuses on understanding how individuals think, feel, and behave in various contexts. Students can specialize in clinical psychology, counseling, organizational behavior, or social psychology.

.Key Areas of Study:

Psychological Theory

Social and Developmental Psychology

Clinical and Counseling Psychology

Behavioral Psychology

Research Methods in Psychology

Cognitive Neuroscience


##Top Institutions Offering Psychology:

University of Ibadan (UI)

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

University of Benin (UNIBEN)

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

Lagos State University (LASU)

University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)

Covenant University, Ota


.Requirements:

Minimum of 5 credits in relevant subjects (English, Mathematics, Biology, and two other subjects, such as Chemistry or Physics) at SSCE or NECO.

A competitive score in the JAMB examination.

##5. Anthropology
Anthropology is the study of humans, their societies, and cultures, both past and present. The discipline explores the evolution of humans, cultural practices, social structures, and the ways people interact with their environment.

.Key Areas of Study:

Cultural Anthropology

Biological and Physical Anthropology

Archaeology

Forensic Anthropology

Ethnography and Fieldwork

Human Evolution

##Top Institutions Offering Anthropology:

University of Ibadan (UI)

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

University of Benin (UNIBEN)

University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)

Federal University of Lafia (FULafia)

.Requirements:

Minimum of 5 credits in relevant subjects (English, Biology, and other social science subjects like Geography, Government, or History) at SSCE or NECO.

A satisfactory JAMB score, meeting departmental requirements.

##6. Geography
Geography is the study of the Earth’s physical features and how humans interact with their environment. This field involves the study of climate, natural resources, landforms, and urban development.

.Key Areas of Study:

Physical Geography (Landforms, Climate, Weather)

Human Geography (Urbanization, Population Studies)

Cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Environmental Management

Regional Planning

Economic Geography


##Top Institutions Offering Geography:

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

University of Ibadan (UI)

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

University of Benin (UNIBEN)

University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

Federal University of Lafia (FULafia)

University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)

.Requirements:

Minimum of 5 credits in relevant subjects (English, Mathematics, Geography, and two other subjects, typically including Science subjects or Economics) at SSCE or NECO.

A good score in JAMB, meeting the university’s departmental cut-off.

##7. History and International Studies
History and International Studies combines the study of historical events with an exploration of international relations, diplomacy, and global politics. This course is ideal for students interested in politics, history, and global affairs.

.Key Areas of Study:

African History and World History

International Relations and Diplomacy

Political Economy

Global Conflicts and Security

Foreign Policy Analysis

Conflict Resolution

##Top Institutions Offering History and International Studies:

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

University of Benin (UNIBEN)

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK)

University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

University of Ibadan (UI)

Covenant University, Ota

University of Jos (UNIJOS)

.Requirements:

Minimum of 5 credits in relevant subjects (English, History, Government, and two other subjects) at SSCE or NECO.

A competitive score in the JAMB examination, meeting the university's cut-off mark.

##8. Social Work
Social Work is focused on improving the quality of life for individuals and communities, particularly those in vulnerable situations. Students in this field work on understanding social problems and helping people through counseling, welfare programs, and advocacy.

.Key Areas of Study:

Human Behavior and Social Environment

Social Policy and Welfare

Community Development

Social Justice and Advocacy

Family and Child Welfare

Mental Health and Substance Abuse

##Top Institutions Offering Social Work:

University of Ibadan (UI)

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU)

University of Benin (UNIBEN)

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT)

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU)

Lagos State University (LASU)

University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID)

Federal University of Lafia (FULafia)


.Requirements:

Minimum of 5 credits in relevant subjects (English, Mathematics, and other social science subjects) at SSCE or NECO.

A good score in JAMB, meeting departmental requirements.


##Wrapping Up
The social sciences offer a broad spectrum of courses designed to help students understand and engage with the complexities of human society. By choosing any of these courses, students gain the knowledge, skills, and insights to contribute meaningfully to societal development, policymaking, and social services. Whether you are interested in politics, economics, psychology, or anthropology, the institutions listed above offer world-class programs to help you achieve your career goals. Be sure to review the specific entry requirements for each course and university to ensure you meet the necessary criteria for admission.