Social Sciences (BA)

Requirements

Social Sciences Standard Major

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.

• Africana Studies (social sciences-related courses)
• Anthropology (social sciences-related courses)
• Economics
• Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies (social sciences-related courses)
• History
• Jewish Studies
• Legal Studies
• Political Science
• Psychology (social sciences-related courses)
• Religious Studies (social sciences-related courses)
• Sociology
• Urban Studies

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 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.

Students must complete a minimum of 120 credits (approximately 40 courses) for a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in social sciences. Of this total, students must take a minimum of 36 credits (approximately 12 courses) according to the specifications. At least 18 credit hours must be at the 1000-level. See our General Education program page for the remaining degree requirements.

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.