The Social Sciences major integrates three Social Sciences emphases (Anthropology, Political Science, and Sociology) into a comprehensive program designed to enhance students’ understanding of the world through the application of social scientific scholarship to domestic, regional, and global problems as well as issues of diversity. The major provides practical insights into why and how the world in which we live operates in the way it does.

The Anthropology emphasis focuses on the empirical and comparative study of humans as biological and cultural beings. Lower-level courses introduce students to major theoretical perspectives and fields of study in anthropology (cultural, linguistics, biological, and archaeology), and upper-level courses focus on holistic and cross-cultural analysis of topical areas within these fields of study.

The Political Science emphasis focuses on political behavior and political institutions at the local, state, national, and international levels by examining governments, power, and policies. Lower-level courses introduce students to the major theoretical perspectives and fields of study in political science (comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and U.S. politics) and upper-level courses focus on topical areas within these fields such as globalization and the state, gender and politics, international political economy, and political psychology.

The Sociology emphasis focuses on how the social world operates, from the micro level of everyday interactions in small groups such as families to the macro level of processes in social institutions such as the economy, religion, politics, and education. Lower-level courses introduce students to the major theoretical perspectives and topical areas in sociology, and upper-level courses focus on specific social institutions, social trends and processes, and social stratification.

In addition to preparing students for graduate school in one of the specific Social Sciences emphases, the Social Sciences major can prepare students for careers in the non-profit sector, human services, law, politics, journalism, cultural resource management, and business. The major’s multidisciplinary focus and emphasis on developing sound research and writing skills prepares students for a wide variety of positions in the public and private sectors.

General Education Requirements

Program Requirements