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General Program Information

The Social Sciences study humans’ behaviors and interactions, both with other humans and their physical environments. Because the social sciences focus on the study of humans, social scientists attempt to explain human behavior as conscious and purposive. The social sciences include psychology, sociology, international relations, geography, history, political science, anthropology and economics. Each discipline emphasizes a different aspect of human behavior. Psychologists, for example, often emphasize the different ways in which people perceive and interpret information in their environment, whereas, sociologists stress the problems of modern industrial societies and the need to coordinate human interaction on a large scale.

A degree in the social sciences can prepare you for a wide range of careers including law, business, human services, health care, and politics. Feel free to explore the majors offered in the department of social sciences.

"Shawnee State University is a great learning environment. Professors are helpful, classmates are friendly, and support services are available."

Alissa Strickland, Psychology major

Majors in Social Sciences

History

History, the study of humanity's past, is a flexible and practical bachelor of arts degree. It provides excellent preparation for a variety of fields including law, politics, business, and journalism.

International Relations

International relations examines the connections and relationships between the world's various nation-states. The bachelor of arts in international relations incorporates politics, economics, ideology, geography, ethnicity, and culture.

Psychology

The bachelor of arts degree in psychology provides an excellent education in the understanding and study of mental processes and behavior.

Psychology Pre-Art Therapy

Art therapists are mental health professionals who use the creative process of art in order to improve the mental and emotional well-being of their clients.

Psychology Pre-Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists work with clients to facilitate health and well-being through the use of purposeful occupational activities.

Sociology

The bachelor of arts degree in sociology teaches students to apply the rigors of science to the humanistic concerns of the social world. Students focus on all levels of society from the family to the nation.

Social Science

A broad degree, the bachelor of arts in social science, examines human and social concerns from multiple disciplinary viewpoints. The social science major incorporates courses from anthropology, economics, history, political science, psychology, and sociology.

Social Science with Legal Assisting (2+2)

The associate of applied business in legal assisting technology/bachelor of arts in social science degree is designed to allow students who have completed their associate degree in legal assisting to pursue a baccalaureate degree.

Associate of Arts, Social Science Concentration

The associate of arts in social sciences is designed to assist students in entering the job market immediately after completion of a two-year program. It is also an option for students intending to transfer into a baccalaureate program at another college or university.

Speak with an Advisor

If you are interested in learning more about the Department of Social Sciences and the opportunities within this field, contact us to arrange a meeting with an academic advisor.

Minors in Social Sciences

Minors offer students enrolled in any of SSU's baccalaureate programs an opportunity to broaden their course of study with an auxiliary focus. The department of Social Sciences invites students at SSU to consider a minor in any of the many offered by the department.

A minimum grade of "C" is required for any course within the minor. Courses taken on a pass/no-credit basis may not apply toward the minor. All minors are subject to all applicable baccalaureate degree and curricula rules and restrictions issued by the academic departments and the General Education Program. Please consult your advisor or contact the chair of the Department or consult the following sections for additional information.

Anthropology

Anthropology is the study of humanity. The minor in anthropology provides students the opportunity to study the field in an organized fashion.

Criminology

Criminology is the study of crime and criminal behavior. The criminology minor introduces students to the sociological and psychological study of criminality.

Economics

Economics is the study of how business and personal decisions are made by people in a world of limited resources. The economics minor provides insight into economic decision-making, long- and short-term planning, investment and savings.

Geography

Geography is the study of both environmental location and the relationship between human beings and their environment.

History

The history minor provides an introduction to the study of humanity's past.

Neuroscience

Combining biology and psychology, the neuroscience minor provides an intricate examination of the workings of the brain and mind.

Political Science

The political science minor exposes students to public policy and government, both nationally and internationally.

Psychology

The psychology minor introduces students to the science of behavior and thought processes.

Criminology

Criminology is the study of crime and criminal behavior. The criminology minor introduces students to the sociological and psychological study of criminality.

Religious Studies

The Religious Studies minor provides an opportunity to study religions of the world in a comparative, critical and academic perspective.

Sociology

Sociology is the study of society, as well as, a set of methods used for studying social issues. The sociology minor provides exposure to this broadly applicable field.

Women's Studies

The women's studies minor is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on politics, culture, history and society from a woman's perspective.