Social Science: B.A., B.S.

Students of Social Science will explore the interaction and history of social, political and economic structures, and how they affect human beings in complex society.

Students explore theories, methods and problems addressed by anthropologists, political scientists and sociologists in their examination of critical concerns for modern society, both to understand them in a historical context and to consider policies to address those issues. Students also will develop valuable research, analytical and communications skills as, together with a faculty mentor, create a program to meet specific needs and goals.

Degree programs in Social Science offer students the opportunity to develop individualized degree plans based on their intellectual, professional, and personal interests. General program guidelines can be found on the “Program Details” tab, and students will work with an academic mentor to choose courses that meet the guidelines and address each student’s individual interests. Students can also work with their academic mentors to identify applicable transfer credit, prior college-level learning, and possible course equivalencies. Working with a mentor and using SUNY Empire’s educational planning process, students can develop a specialized concentration in Social Science by following the general program guidelines as well as any applicable concentration guidelines. Students may also develop their own concentrations.

For more information about general undergraduate degree requirements, please visit Earning an Undergraduate Degree.

For sample degree programs and other degree planning resources, please visit the Department of Social Science and Public Affairs Degree Planning Resources web page.

Program Details

The Social Science area of study includes a variety of academic disciplines and approaches. Social science traditions explore a range of social, political and economic issues. Students who develop programs in Social Science examine theories, methods, problems and solutions in their chosen concentrations. Students who develop degrees in Social Science develop the capacity to think critically about the social world and act as informed citizens and community members.

Bachelor’s Degree programs in Social Science must meet the six foundations listed below.

Degrees in Social Science include the following six foundations:

Broad Social Perspective
Historical and Comparative Perspectives
Perspectives on Power and Privilege
Theoretical Perspectives
Social Science Research Methods
Critical Thinking and Analysis

These foundations may be met through transcript credit; college-level knowledge demonstrated through individual prior learning assessment (iPLA), professional learning evaluations (PLE), or credit by examination; or individual courses, a series of courses, or components within individual courses with Empire State University. The student’s Degree Program Rationale Essay should clearly explain how the degree plan meets each of the foundations in the concentration, what will be learned, and how the student will build on these foundations to meet personal, academic, or career goals.