Social Science

Sharon A. Roger Hepburn, Chairperson

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Undergraduate Program

The Social Science major is administered by the Department of History. The Social Science Teaching Option prepares students for rewarding careers as professional educators. Graduates of this program earn a license to teach social studies in middle schools and high schools. As part of their training, Social Science majors will be exposed to social science methodology, content, and research. The major enhances the graduate’s reading, writing, and oral skills and the ability to process diverse information into a coherent whole. In particular, the Social Science major will develop an understanding and appreciation of the inter-connectedness of the various social science disciplines. Graduates will also have the opportunity to learn about a wide diversity of cultures and develop a keen appreciation for the aesthetic and intellectual life that they may one day pass on to their own students. The Social Science major is an interdisciplinary program consisting of coursework in the primary Social Science disciplines of History, Political Science, Geography, and Economics. Students wishing to be licensed to teach social studies in middle school or high school must select the Teaching Option.

Non-Teaching Option

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.

REAL Curriculum

This major fulfills the E and A areas of the REAL Curriculum. Students develop an understanding of the diverse ideas present in humanistic inquiry and the expression evident in historical sources. This occurs through the acquisition and application of knowledge, research and analytical skills, and critical reflection on 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. Students need additional majors and/or minors to fulfill the R and L areas to complete the REAL Curriculum requirements.

Additional Degree Requirements

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 2.5 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 2.5 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.

Academic Programs

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

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