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Social Science

 

Greetings from the Social Science Department!

We are one of the largest and most diverse departments on campus. We offer majors and minors in Broad Field Social Science, Criminal Justice, Economics, International Relations, Political Science and Sociology. Most majors also have concentrations that allow them to develop additional expertise.  Sociology and Criminal Justice majors have the option to concentrate in Human Services, a rigorous program that prepares students to take the state social work exam and for professional licensure. The majority of students obtain internships, coordinated and supported through our department, that help them gain experience working in the areas that interest them most. Many are eventually hired directly by the organizations where they did their internship, or find that the practical experience and networks they acquired through their internships helps them obtain other jobs, or navigate graduate school. 

Our students tend to be among the most actively involved in social and political issues on campus and beyond. As a social science student, you learn how to analyze complex issues and write about them effectively, making persuasive arguments grounded in empirical evidence. The interests you bring to class, or develop through your studies, can form the basis for fascinating research projects. Our most recent graduates wrote senior seminar papers on a range of important subjects, including mental illness among prison inmates, the Islamic State, authenticity within hip-hop music, environmental sustainability, democracy and political participation, micro-lending and maternal substance abuse. Our students’ important and relevant research projects are always supported by diverse faculty expertise and close mentorship.  

Many of our graduates go on to successfully earn advanced degrees in such fields as social work, public health, law and urban planning.  Others obtain positions directly after graduation in a multitude of educational, nonprofit social service and advocacy organizations; international non-governmental organizations; financial institutions; micro-lending agencies; government agencies; the Peace Corp and police departments. They work as politicians, political campaign managers, legislative aides, probation officers, teachers and social workers.  
Please contact me at any time to explore a major or minor in Social Science.

Carolyn Field, Ph.D.
Chairperson, Social Science Department
Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice Program Director
Division Head, Social and Behavioral Sciences
cfield@edgewood.edu