Social Science is an interdisciplinary contract major offered through the School of Social Science and Human Services. It is designed to enable students with specialized interests in the Social Sciences to develop, in collaboration with a faculty advisor, a coherent program of courses in areas of inquiry for which regular majors are not offered, allowing students to explore specialized or emerging fields. Examples of such programs include, but are not limited to:

• Community Mental Health
• Cultural Studies
• Ethnic Relations
• Gender Studies
• Labor Studies

It is recommended that students consider combining their major concentration with an appropriate minor (e.g. Sociology, Psychology, Substance Abuse, Women’s Studies, Africana Studies, Latin American Studies, Economics).

Each of the concentrations requires 10 courses, at least 4 of which must be at the upper level. Since the choice of concentration and design of the major are individualized, interested students are encouraged to contact the convener early in their college careers.

The major is offered by the School of Social Science and Human Services and leads to a BA degree. In addition to the major requirements, students must fulfill the following General Education and School of Social Science and Human Services requirements.

Outcome 1: Demonstrate critical analysis of arguments and evaluate major assertions. 

Outcome 2: Write effectively. 

Outcome 3: Demonstrate an understanding of methods, skills, and tools used in a variety of disciplines including historical, theoretical, scientific, and philosophical. 

Outcome 4: Ability to use appropriate technologies to conduct research and evaluate that research. 

Outcome 5: Understand and articulate the importance of diversity within and among societies.

1. Transfer students who have 48 or more credits accepted at the time of transfer are waived from the courses marked with a (W) below.  Waivers do not apply to Major Requirements.
2. Double counting between General Education, School Core, and Major may be possible.  Check with your advisor to see if any apply.
3. Writing Intensive Requirement (five courses):  two writing intensive courses in the general education curriculum are required: Critical Reading and Writing and Studies in the Arts and Humanities; the other three courses are taken in the major.
4. Not all courses are offered each semester.  Please check the current Schedule of Classes for semester course offerings.
5. The Career Pathways Program requirements must be completed prior to graduation.  Visit the Cahill Career Center.

Note: A 2.0 GPA in the major is required for graduation.

General Education Requirements
Four Year Plan
Graduation Requirements
School of Social Science and Human Services Website
Degree Completion Program
Faculty Profiles