Social Science, BS

The purpose of a social science major is to prepare a student to understand the broad implications of the various social science disciplines and to utilize that knowledge as a foundation for personal, professional, and educational growth. The social science major with an emphasis in History, Political Science, or Sociology prepares students for professional or graduate study in the social sciences or law, as well as an extensive variety of professions.

The social science major consists of 45 semester credits. A minimum of 18 semester credits must be selected from upper division coursework. In addition, students must complete The Peacock Professional Experience (“general education”)  program along with additional elective credits to complete the 120 semester credits required for the Bachelor of Science degree. A minimum 2.00 GPA in the major is required for graduation.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts and theoretical perspectives pertinent to their chosen emphasis, or in human social behavior more generally.
• Students will be able to recognize and understand various types of social inequality and the impact types of inequality have on individuals, institutions, and societies.  
• Students will be able to understand and apply the basic research methods of their chosen emphasis (or capstone), including research design, data/evidence analysis, and interpretation. 
• Students will be able to approach the social sciences with a spirit of skeptical inquiry, and utilize scientific approaches to solve problems related to human behavior and society. 
• Students will be able to communicate social science theory and their own research findings effectively in a variety of formats.