Social Science
Bachelor of Arts
About the Major
The social science major at SDSU has two tracks. The first is the general social science major, an interdisciplinary major where students learn to analyze and critically examine social, political, cultural, and economic phenomena by studying human behavior and social processes. Social science research attempts to understand how society works through behavioral or social explanations. The second track is the social science major in preparation for the single-subject teaching credential. This track is designed for students who want to teach history, geography, government, or economics in middle or high schools. As part of this track, there will be a new program called Accelerated Curriculum for Educators (ACE), that allows students to earn a bachelor's degree and teaching credential in only four years (rather than the usual five).
Program Highlights
The general track is very flexible and allows students to tailor their course of study to their intellectual interests or career goals. The teaching track prepares students to teach any social science topics in middle or high schools.
Sample Courses
- Social Psychology
- United States History for Teachers
- American Constitutional Law
- The United States-Mexico International Border
Career Options
Social Science provides a liberal arts education that can prepare students for a wide range of careers. Students in the teaching track typically continue to a credential program and work as middle or high school teachers, or in other education-related fields.
- U.S. Department of State
- San Diego Unified School District
- Balboa Park Cultural Partnership
Academic Experiences
- Independent Study
- Student California Teachers Association
Transferable Skills
- Critical thinking abilities
- Assessing, evaluating, and understanding
- Didactic skills
- Oratory skills
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Writing and rhetorical skills
Social Science Program
College of Arts and Letters
