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Social Sciences (BA)

Our Social Sciences degree program is a liberal arts major with a focus on courses from a range of interconnected fields including economics, history, political science, sociology, and psychology. This major can be customized to meet your interests and personal or career goals. 

Requirements

A minimum total of 120 credits (approximately 40 courses) is required for a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in social sciences. Of this total, students must choose a minimum of 36 credits (approximately 12 courses) and all courses taken must be social sciences related. See our General Education program page for the remaining degree requirements.

Social Sciences degree students choose from two available tracks:

Standard (Multidisciplinary) Track

In the Standard track, you will choose to concentrate in three social sciences areas and have the opportunity to take a variety of courses within those areas of study. Select a minimum of 36 credits (approximately 12 courses) from any three departments/programs below. 

Program Notes:

  • At least 15 credits (five courses) must be taken from one department, and at least nine credits (three courses) should be taken from each of the two other departments.
  • At least half of the major must be upper-division (1000-level) courses.
  • All courses selected for the social sciences major must be approved by an academic advisor.
  • Flexible Format: Many CGS programs offer a blend of face-to-face and flexible online class formats, all designed to meet our students' needs and schedule constraints. When considering what subjects to study in the Social Sciences, see our  PDF list for courses available online.

Program Planning Checklist:

Use the Standard (Multidisciplinary) Track checklist (PDF) to plan and track your progress in the major.

Pre-Education Track

The social sciences degree also offers a 36-credit pre-education option, in partnership with the School of Education. The program is ideal for students interested in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Professional Year (PY) programs. In the pre-ed option, you’ll take a core special education course and a variety of history, civics, and geography courses that will help you prepare for social studies teacher certification or graduate education. Completion of the prerequisites for the School of Education does not guarantee acceptance to its programs.

Below is a list of requirement areas and courses that are recommended in meeting each area and category. This list does not include all courses that will meet a given area. Students may choose courses from this list or search the catalog for other appropriate course options.* CGS online offerings are marked with (Web) or (Hybrid) on the program webpage.

Area 1. History, Geography, Culture: (15-18 Credits)

Choose one course for each category:

U.S. HISTORY

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Format: F2F and Web
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WESTERN EUROPEAN HISTORY

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WORLD HISTORY (NON-WESTERN)   

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ANCIENT HISTORY      

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GEOGRAPHY

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Format: F2F and Web

WORLD CULTURES      

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Area 2. Civics: (3 Credits)

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Area 3. Economics: (3 Credits)

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Format: F2F and Web
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Format: F2F and Web

Area 4. Sociology & Social Foundations: (3 Credits)

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Formerly: ADMPS 1001 Social Foundations of Education
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Format: F2F and Web
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Area 5. Foundations of Special Education: (3 Credits)

This is a required course.

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Formerly: IL 1580 Foundations of Special Education

Two 1000-Level Electives: (6 Credits)

Choose two courses from the following:

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Format: Hybrid
Note: Formerly LEGLST 1210; Cross-listed with PS 1213
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Program Notes:

  • All courses selected for the social studies pre-education track must be approved by an academic advisor.*
  • At least half of these courses must be upper-division (1000-level) courses.

Program Planning Checklist:

Use the Pre-Education (Social Studies) Track checklist (PDF) to plan and track your progress in the major.

Opportunities Within This Major

Internships

Student in front of the Cathedral of LearningPut what you’ve learned in class into action by completing an internship at a location that matches your interests. We’ll help you find an opportunity that fits with your already busy schedule. Social Sciences students enroll in CGS 1900 Choosing Your Path Internship.

Learn more about internships »

Study Abroad

Group of Study Abroad StudentsSocial science students are known for their breadth of knowledge and critical thinking. Expand your worldview by participating in an international learning experience. Our short-term study abroad programs are a perfect option for working adult students.

Explore study abroad opportunities »

Career Outlook

A degree in social sciences gives you a strong academic foundation and skills that employers find attractive, including oral and written communication, critical thinking, organization, problem solving, and interpersonal skills.

Top 10 Jobs for Social Science Majors:

♦ Management Consultant
♦ Operations Director
♦ General/Operations Manager
♦ Marketing Manager
♦ Financial/Securities/Investments Analyst
♦ Supply Chain Analyst
♦ Executive Director, Nonprofit Organization
♦ Business Analyst (unspecified type)
♦ Account Manager 
♦ Land Surveyor

Source: PayScale.com

Connect with CGS Career Services to learn about current and future employment opportunities within this major.

Note

Requirements are subject to change. Check with a CGS academic advisor before registering.