College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies

College Overview

The College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies (SSIS) provides dynamic curricula and activities that examine all aspects of human society through the study of social justice, policy, mental and physical health, culture, social behavior, and the natural environment within innovative departments, programs, and centers/institutes. Key to our students’ success is their awareness of culture and community, scientific thinking and analysis, anti-racist practices, and ethical decision-making.  

The College offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as concentrations, minors, and certificates. The University also offers a Doctorate in Educational Leadership, which reflects a partnership between our department of Public Policy and Administration and the College of Education.  The knowledge and skills developed by the College's programs are applicable to a wide variety of careers. Students should consult with individual departments for further career and graduate and professional school opportunities.

For more information about the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies, please click here.

Program Descriptions

Program Descriptions

Anthropology

Located at the nexus of the natural and social sciences and humanities, Anthropology is the study of human cultural, social, and biological diversity, past and present. Through its holistic emphasis on comparative, evolutionary, and cross-cultural analysis, Anthropology prepares students for excellent jobs and opens doors to various career paths by providing global information and the skills critical for succeeding in business, research, teaching, advocacy, and public service.

Asian Studies

The Asian Studies Program at California State University, Sacramento is an interdisciplinary program that seeks to prepare students for civic engagement in an increasingly inter-connected world by providing an in-depth understanding of the diversity of Asia from a political, cultural, and historical perspective.

Economics

The Economics major offers students a comprehensive education, focusing on the economic perspectives of society and equipping them with analytical tools to address current economic issues. Additionally, a graduate degree is available for those seeking advanced studies.

Environmental Studies

The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of challenging issues like pollution, wildlife and wilderness preservation and restoration, land use, biodiversity loss, resource depletion, energy and natural resource conservation. They learn how policy and practice assess and address those challenges towards resilient natural systems and a sustainable society.

Ethnic Studies

Ethnic Studies offers an undergraduate degree through an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the cultures, languages, historical, and contemporary issues relating to Asian American Studies, Chicanx/Latinx Studies, Native American Studies, and Pan African Studies. The program directs students to critically examine the contributions made by these groups to world civilization and to American society.

Family and Consumer Sciences

The Family and Consumer Sciences Department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in the following three majors: Fashion Merchandising and Management, Family Studies and Human Development, and Family and Consumer Sciences (a Single Subject Pre-credential Program). Our majors are prepared for work in many sectors of the fashion industry, a variety of family support service careers, or via the pre-credential program, become eligible to apply for a teaching credential with a waiver of the subject-matter exam.

Gerontology

Gerontology is an applied interdisciplinary program that focuses on our aging world. The Program prepares students to work with dynamic and diverse older adults – the fastest growing population in the US and worldwide. Students learn to address challenges and positive life transitions related to individual and family health. The Gerontology program prepares students for work in the vast field of aging as well as prepares students for advanced degrees in public health, nursing, social work and other allied healthcare fields. Current graduates work in the fields of healthcare, public policy, federal, state, and local government agencies, research institutes, long-term care, and non-profit organizations.

Liberal Studies

The Liberal Studies program is an interdisciplinary major, which encompasses a wide variety of areas of knowledge in a multidisciplinary curriculum. It is a major designed for students who either (i) intend on becoming elementary or special education teachers in California, or (ii) who have an interest in an interdisciplinary course of study. The Liberal Studies major is a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing-approved subject matter program. The curriculum provides excellent preparation for careers in teaching, government service, community service, counseling, librarianship, and public health.

Nutrition, Food, & Dietetics

The Nutrition, Food, & Dietetics Department provides high-quality experiential learning to diverse Sacramento State students so that they become empowered professionals in their community who lead disease prevention, sustainability, food access, and health promotion for individuals, families, and communities.

Political Science

The Department of Political Science offers three majors including Political Science, International Relations, and Political-Science Journalism.  We also offer a minor and a Masters in Political Science. Ideally located in the state capital, the Department offers students unique opportunities to integrate their studies of politics and theory through an extensive range of internships in state and local government.

Psychology

The undergraduate program in Psychology allows students to develop a scientific understanding of the behavioral, biological, cognitive, cultural, developmental, and social aspects of human behavior. Graduate programs offer an opportunity to pursue coursework and research experience in Applied Behavior Analysis, Psychological Research, or Industrial-Organizational Psychology.

Public Policy and Administration

The Department of Public Policy and Administration focuses on professional training for graduate students interested in working in or adjacent to the public sector.   It offers a Master of Public Policy and Administration, a Certificate in Collaborative Governance for matriculated graduate students, and a Certificate in Judicial Administration through the College of Continuing Education. It also participates actively in the Doctorate in Educational Leadership Program.

Social Science

The Social Science major is offered by the departments of Anthropology, Economics, Ethnic Studies, Geography, Government, History, Sociology, and Women's and Gender Studies. It serves both as (i) a multidisciplinary major for the Bachelor of Arts degree and (ii) subject matter preparation for those interested in teaching History and Social Science at the middle or high school level. The Social Science major is a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing-approved subject matter program. Beyond careers in teaching, the major provides excellent preparation for careers in teaching, public administration, business, management, community service, law, as well as professional or graduate school.

Sociology

The study of Sociology gives students the ability to observe human behavior, analyze data, and collaborate with others to achieve desired social change. The mission of the Sociology Department is to provide our students with the theoretical and substantive knowledge to participate as skilled professionals within the institutions and organizations that shape our region. Students have the opportunity to deepen their experience through internships at non-profits, and state and local government.

Women's and Gender Studies

Women’s and Gender Studies is a dynamic interdisciplinary field preparing students to be future leaders, scholars, and social justice activists. We are dedicated to studying the social production of gender, and women’s experiences in relation to formations of sexuality, race, class, nationality, ability, ageism, and other categories of difference. Students are prepared for careers in teaching, counseling, psychological or family therapy; law; health, social work, human services, and public service.

Departments/Programs

• Anthropology: BA; MA; Minor
• Asian Studies: BA; Minor
• Economics: BA; Certificate; MA; Minor
• Environmental Studies: BA; BS; Minor
• Ethnic Studies: BA; Certificate; Minors
• Family and Consumer Sciences: BS programs; Certificate; Minor; Subject Matter
• Gerontology: BS; Certificate; Minor
• Liberal Studies: BA
• Military Studies: Minor
• Nutrition, Food, & Dietetics: BS; MS; Certificate; Minor
• Peace Corps Prep: Certificate
• Political Science: BA programs; Certificate; MA; Minor
• Psychology: BA; BS; Certificate; MA; MS; Minor
• Public Policy and Administration: MPPA, Certificate
• Social Science: BA
• Sociology: BA; MA
• Women's and Gender Studies: BS; Minor

Centers/Institutes

The College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies has a long history of involvement in social policy-oriented scholarship and instruction. That history, and the College's current roster of talented researchers and instructors, has placed SSIS at the forefront of the University's efforts to meet diverse community needs, consistent with the stated values of the University’s strategic plan. These efforts are channeled through the following centers, institutes, and other entities:

• Archaeological Curation Facility
• Asian Pacific Islander American Research & Resource Center
• Center for California Studies
• Cooper-Woodson College Enhancement Program
• Educational Insights Center (EdInsights)
• Full Circle Project
• Institute for Social Research (ISR)
• Iranian and Middle Eastern Studies Center
• Hazel Cramer Endowed Chair
• Rekhi Singh Endowed Professor in Happiness