The Social Sciences major integrates three social science 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 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.

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 prepare students for a wide variety of positions in the public and private sectors.