College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies

Program Description

The Social Science major is offered by the departments of Anthropology, Economics, Ethnic Studies, Geography, Political Science, History, and Sociology. It serves both as an interdisciplinary major for the Bachelor of Arts degree and to provide subject matter preparation for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in Social Science.

To qualify for a teaching credential, candidates must also complete an approved Professional Education Program and other requirements as specified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. California faces a shortage of qualified teachers. Over the next decade we will need to find 300,000 people to take on the challenging but rewarding job of teaching in California schools.

Since the Social Science program involves work in several departments, and since special rules on overlap with General Education apply to this program, advising is essential to the efficient completion of the program.

Note: On June 1, 2006, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved the program of subject matter preparation for the Single Subject Teaching credential in Social Science submitted by California State University, Sacramento.

Special Features

• The program also provides an opportunity for students to build on the foundation of general education and become familiar with several areas in the Social Sciences. A Social Science major is excellent background for advanced graduate studies and in professional careers.  Non-credential students need not complete the pre-credential professional education coursework, and elective courses are available to complete the 120-unit Bachelor of Arts degree.
• As an interdisciplinary major, the Social Science program works closely with the Career Center and the California Interns Network to support internship opportunities that will enhance future professional development and employment.
• Through the Social Science major, graduates will also earn a 24 unit minor in History. Formal submission of a Minor Degree Application is required.
• Social Science majors can also earn a minor in other disciplines including Economics, Ethnic Studies, Geography, Political Science and more. Additional specialized advising is required in these cases.
• Graduates of the Social Science program have distinguished leadership careers in government service, public policy, politics, business, K-12, education, higher education administration, law, law enforcement, counseling, community service, and military service. Several Social Science majors (including two former mayors of Sacramento) are inductees into the College of Social Science and Interdisciplinary Studies Academy of Distinction and Honor.
• The Social Science program works closely with the Career Center on campus to provide proactive and comprehensive career services to students through: career development, experiential learning, on-campus recruitment, and employer relations.

Career Possibilities

Middle School or High School Teacher of Civics, Economics, Geography, and History · Politics · Government and Civil Service · Lobbyist ·  Attorney · Law Enforcement · Business · Public Relations · Human Relations/Personnel Specialist · Journalist · Military Service · Community Service · Graduate School