Social Science Program

The Social Science Program offers students an interdisciplinary liberal arts degree that includes courses in seven related disciplines: World History, US History, Anthropology, Sociology, Economics, Geography, and Political Science.  Students who have taken some of the Social Science required courses as part of their general education but who decide to change their major or minor as late as their junior year may find that this diversity of subject areas helps them fulfill their requirements for graduation.  This program is also valuable to students who come to Eastern to get a second bachelor’s degree in Social Studies for teaching. 

Students in Social Science develop the essential skills of a liberal education, including critical thinking, problem solving, and verbal communication, together with an understanding of the development of human societies and institutions over time.  These skills and perspectives prepare graduates for a wide variety of careers.

Program Strengths

• International and Multicultural.  The Social Science program potentially incorporates international and multicultural perspectives but the extent to which it does so depends on the area and course choices the student makes.  If the student chooses world history, anthropology or sociology as an area of concentration, there is a strong likelihood of such content.  Similarly, he or she would need to choose international politics or the geography of Africa as opposed to courses related to the United States.  There is a wide diversity in the subject areas and content of the program.

• Learning Beyond the Classroom.  Social Science students have considerable opportunities for non-classroom learning as they have access to information about travel abroad programs or independent study in at least three academic departments. 

• Student Satisfaction.  Students often express satisfaction with the way the program is meeting their need to expedite graduation or to qualify them for a variety of careers from law to law enforcement, and in many different businesses.

Degree Requirements: Social Science Major