Program Description

This multidisciplinary degree asks students to build projects and research using a variety of fields, but offers a level of specificity by focusing on the Social Sciences, fields known for studying human society and relationships: Criminal Justice, Economics, History, International Studies, Journalism and Media, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology. The varied discipline curriculum prepares students with up-to-date social sciences content and methodological skills, including oral and written communication, interpersonal relationship building, team work, analytical and critical thinking, research, and problem solving skills.

The degree is specifically designed for students with over 75 accumulated credit hours, either transfer or prior IU coursework, but who have not followed a specific degree plan. The requirement flexibility provides students a means to graduate in a timely manner with the content and skills students need to achieve their career goals, but with equal academic rigor; as it incorporates the research methodology and capstone courses common to other, discipline-specific majors within the School of Social Sciences.

 Student Learning Goals

The interdisciplinary nature of this degree yields both overall learning goals, and discipline specific learning goals. 

Overall

1. Students will develop substantive knowledge in at least two fields within the Social Sciences.
2. Students will communicate effectively in oral presentations and in written projects.
3. Students will develop critical thinking and analytical skills, argumentation and skills in research methodology specific to the fields of Social Sciences studied.

 Discipline Specific

• Criminal Justice
• Economics
• History
• International Studies
• Journalism and Media
• Political Science 
• Psychology
• Sociology

Degree Requirements 

General 

Complete 120 total credit hours, with at least 30 at the 300-400 (upper division) level, with a program cumulative grade point average of 2.0 

General Education Requirements (30 credit hours)

Complete the University General Education requirements.

Additional Bachelor of Science Distribution Requirements Beyond General Education

• MATH-M 112 College Algebra (three credit hours)
• Three addtional in life science or physical science courses, with a least one having an associated or integrated lab component. (11-15 credit hours, depending on choice of courses.)
• See list of courses distinguishing between Life and Physical Sciences. 

Major Requirements

Multiple tracks are available for the students to assist them in attaining their degree. The
student should determine the appropriate track with the assistance of a Social Science advisor.

Track One (minimum 36 credit hours with grade of C- or better to apply to degree)

• 18 credit hours from two different disciplines in School of Social Sciences or Economics. 
• Complete the methods/statistics and capstone course(s) from one of the disciplines chosen, as part of the 18 required; as specified in grid below: 

Track Two (minimum 36 credit hours with grade of C- or better to apply to degree)

• Complete a minimum of 12 credit hours in three different disciplines in the School of Social
  Sciences and Economics.
• Select one of these disciplines and include in the 12 credit hours the discipline’s methods/statistics and capstone course as specified in the grid above.