Social Science

The program of study for the bachelor’s of arts degree in Social Science is currently under review by the Undergraduate College Curriculum Committee. Students interested in pursuing this degree are advised to stay in close contact with their academic mentor so that they can adjust to changes forthcoming in this program of study.

The Social Science major is designed to allow students to construct an interdisciplinary major concentrating in an area of specialization in the social sciences not included in other majors. Students design their major in consultation with a faculty member in one of the disciplines of the Social Sciences: Psychology, Sociology, Economics, or Political Science.

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Major Requirements for a B.A. in Social Science

The program of study for the bachelor’s of arts degree in Social Science is currently under review by the Undergraduate College Curriculum Committee. Students interested in pursuing this degree are advised to stay in close contact with their academic mentor so that they can adjust to changes forthcoming in this program of study.

In addition to meeting the course requirements for the major, all students must fulfill the General Education requirements for the Undergraduate College. The Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science requires 120 credits.

Required Courses 36 credits

Six courses in one discipline of the Social Sciences 18 credits

One course in each of the remaining three disciplines 9 credits
SSC-0350 Social Science Methodology Seminar 3 credits
SSC-0450 Senior Seminar: Integrating the Social Sciences 3 credits
SSC-0490 Internship 3 credits

Electives

The remaining credit hours are electives and can consist of courses from the disciplines in the Social Sciences, but should not be limited to these particular disciplines. Electives credits make up the remaining hours such that students graduate with 120 credits.
SSC-0350 Social Science Methodology Seminar

This course covers methodology for research in the Social Sciences including resources, research techniques, bibliography preparation, and format for formal papers. This course also introduces students to analysis within the nature of the Social Sciences. Prerequisite: Junior status or permission of instructor. Offered as needed. 3 credits.

SSC-0450 Senior Seminar: Integrating the Social Sciences
This course focuses on analysis and discussion of the meaning of the Social Sciences from their origin to present day. The relationship between present various Social Science disciplines will be explored in the context of the liberal arts tradition. Students will evaluate their own course of study as it related to themes covered in this course. This course will also guide students in selecting the topic and completing their senior thesis. Prerequisite: SSC-0350 and Senior status or permission of instructor. Offered as needed. 3 credits.

SSC-0490 Internship
Supervised work experience at an industrial, research, or community organization site. The type of work, period of work, and means of evaluation will be arranged by the work supervisor in consultation with the student’s major advisor. Prerequisite: Junior or Senior Social Science major status. 3 credits.

SSC-0495 Independent Study
Arranged on an individual basis with the permission of the instructor. 1 to 3 credits.

Degree Offered

B.A., Bachelor of Arts in Social Science
Goal 1
Write academically competent research papers.

Objective: Demonstrate the methodology of research in the social sciences by formulating a thesis or stating the purpose and scope of their research, gathering information and data, organizing information, presenting information, and drawing conclusions.

Goal 2
Approach societal or workplace problems from an interdisciplinary approach.

Objective 1: Write interdisciplinary papers in the social science seminars (junior and senior years).

Objective 2: Demonstrate the ability to integrate various approaches to the disciplines that support the social sciences.

Goal 3
Prepare students for graduate study, community service, and/or employment.

Objective: Assist students in meaningfully using their major in their future professional goals.