Social Science, B.A. (E, A)

This major fulfills the E and A areas of the REAL Curriculum. Students develop an understanding of diverse ideas present in the humanistic inquiry and expression evident in historical sources. This occurs through the acquisition and application of knowledge, research and analytical skills, and critical reflection of primary and secondary source evidence. Students develop cultural and behavioral analysis competencies by examining the interaction of cultures, behaviors, and beliefs. This occurs through thinking critically and analytically about historical issues themes, personalities, and events. To complete all REAL Curriculum requirements, students need additional majors and/or minors to fulfill the R and L areas. For students in the Social Science Teaching Option, their L area requirement can be met with the Education Minor.

Writing Intensive courses are denoted below with a (WI). Two writing intensive courses are required to graduate, with at least one at the 300- or 400-level. The Social Science major can include up to 27 credits of writing intensive courses dependent on the courses selected.

General Education courses will be denoted below with a (GE). Students are required to take at least 30 credit hours of general education designated courses within their degree requirements. The Social Science major includes 18-21 general education credits.

Majors seeking the B.A. degree in Social Science (both options) must complete the B.A. language requirements described here.

Students must take one U.S designated and one Non-U.S. designated course from the following list:

The Non-Teaching option is only for students who were enrolled previously in the Social Science Teaching Option. Enrollment in the Social Science Non-Teaching Option is contingent upon students having at least junior standing and having already completed a minimum of 30 Radford University credit hours as a Social Science Teaching Option Major.

Students must choose two.

Students must choose one.

Nine credit hours of 300 level history courses (3 credit hours from program designation group US (United States), and 6 credit hours from group EU, and/or GL). Students may not count any one course for more than one program designation.

Students must take one U.S. designated and one Non-U.S. designated course from the following list:

Majors will select Social Science Electives in one of the four major content areas (History, Political Science, Geography and\or Geospatial Science, Economics) and take six additional credit hours at the 300-400 level in that field.  If the electives are in History, those courses must be divided between American (Group US) and Non-American (Groups EU and GL) courses.

To graduate with a major in Social Science (Non-Teaching Option), a student must have a grade point average of 2.0 or higher in all courses with departmental prefixes associated with their particular Social Science major.  To graduate with a major in Social Science (Teaching Option), a student must have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher in all courses both in the Social Science major as well as overall college work and at RU.

In addition to completing requirements in the Social Science major, those intending to teach in the public schools must also complete all specified courses and requirements in the School of Teacher Education and Leadership. Social Science Education candidates must have a 2.75 grade point average (at RU and in-major) in order to be admitted to Teacher Education and to Early Field Experiences. See the College of Education and Human Development Secondary Education page for details.

These credits can be used to fulfill additional courses, majors, minors, and/or REAL Curriculum requirements,  including Foundational Writing and Foundational Math. Students seeking teaching licensure must also complete the requirements for Teaching Certification and should work with an advisor to choose additional courses, majors, and minors.

Students in the Social Science Teaching Option must complete all requirements of the Social Science major teaching option and all specified courses and requirements of teacher licensure according to the specifications of the College of Education and Human Development. See College of Education and Human Development for details.

The Non-Teaching option is only for students who were enrolled previously in the Social Science Teaching Option. Enrollment in the Social Science Non-Teaching Option is contingent upon students having at least junior standing and having already completed a minimum of 30 Radford University credit hours as a Social Science Teaching Option major.