Department of Social Science (Sociology, Psychology, Gerontology, & Social Work)
Degrees OfferedBachelor of Arts in Sociology, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (Concentration Gerontology), Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & BSW in Social Work
Purpose of DepartmentThe primary purpose of this Department is to provide students with a liberal arts education that enables them to initiate employment career or to pursue their education in graduate or professional schools. Students of the Department will attain fundamental knowledge of the basic concepts, principles, theories, research methods, and skills in critical thinking and problem solving. Students will also develop awareness about the value of life and commitment to human principles.
The Department offers the following majors:
Students majoring in sociology, sociology as gerontology concentration, and psychology, are required to complete 120 semester hours. This total is divided into the following: University Core (48 semester hours), Department Core (18 semester hours), Major Core (30 semester hours) and Electives (24 semester hours), which are divided into Restricted and General/Free Electives and which will be determined by the respective academic advisor. In the case of the social work major, all courses are required.
The Department offers a course set of four for its students and for students from other departments. This course set addresses Evaluation Research (EVR) and is listed under the major of sociology.
Major in Psychology: Psychology is the systematic study of individuals behavior, affect, and mental processes. This major acquaints students with the fundamental concepts, theories, and methods of scientific research of the discipline. The major also allows students to apply psychological principles to everyday life.
Major in Social Work: Social work seeks to remediate human problems by directly helping the affected groups and individuals, and by enabling them to stand on their feet when possible. Social work is intertwined with the system of social welfare. The idea of social welfare itself is rooted in the assumption that a decent human society should provide reasonable opportunity, security, and service for its members, especially those in need. The major helps students to understand social work as principles, themes, and practices all which are connected to the existing system of social welfare.
Major in Sociology: Sociology is the study of society as a web of diverse and numerous social groups that interact with one another based on the respective values and norms. Students majoring in sociology will learn about society's many social institutions, social groups, social structures, and social processes, and the forces that underlie social change and stability in society.
Major in Gerontology: Gerontology is the study of the aged and the aging process. The major is designed to help students understand the status of the elderly and to give them an appreciation for gerontology. In the process of their educational career, students will learn about theories, concepts, principles, and problems related to aging. They will also gain insight into the society's response to old age and how this influences the aging process.