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) from any three departments/programs below. All courses taken must be social sciences related. See our General Education program page for the remaining degree requirements.
Social Sciences Standard Track
Social Sciences is a liberal arts major with a focus on courses from three social sciences departments. The Standard track can be customized to meet your interests and personal or career goals. You will choose to concentrate in three areas from the list below and have the opportunity to take a variety of courses within those areas of study.
Pre-Education Option
The College of General Studies and the Pitt School of Education have collaborated on a concentration in the social sciences major that incorporates the prerequisite science course work needed for admission into the certificate program in social studies education. This option may be used by students interested in the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) offered in the School of Education. Completion of the prerequisites for the School of Education does not guarantee acceptance to its programs.
Course 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, click here to view what courses are available online and visit CGS Courses to learn more about our flexible offerings and how to search for classes in the course catalog.
Prerequisites and Courses
Standard Track
Choose a minimum of 36 credits (approximately 12 courses) from any three departments/programs below.
Please note:
- At least five courses must be taken from one department, and at least 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.
Pre-Education Track
Students pursuing the social studies pre-education track take a wide variety of courses in history, political science, economics, and other subjects, in addition to a required foundations course in special education, for a total of 36 credits (approximately 12 courses).
Please note:
- 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.
- Students are also encouraged to participate in an internship during their degree program and may fulfill some CGS general education and major requirements by completing a study abroad program.
- Courses offered in both face-to-face and online formats are marked with an (#). Courses with no indicator are offered face-to-face only.
