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[ Admissions Requirements ] [ Graduation Requirements ] [ Careers ]
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Social science explores the social interactions that occur in culture, society
and politics. The faculty integrates the study of local, national and international
issues with an understanding of the global context in which they occur. Metropolitan
State’s program is unique in stressing the interrelationships among the
various fields of the social sciences. The mastery of these fields of study—anthropology,
political science and sociology—is of growing importance to students’
economic and civic viability as successful participants in this fast-paced contemporary
society. This focus gives the program special flexibility, allowing students
to tailor a major to meet their individual needs and interests. Within this
program, students are engaged in a highly disciplined process of investigation
that encourages them to understand, analyze and ultimately act upon the social
environment.
Graduates in social science are uniquely qualified for a variety of opportunities
and leadership roles in both professional and community life. Employers and
graduate and professional schools repeatedly confirm this assertion. They seek
graduates with an aptitude for creative thinking, reasoning abilities, oral
and written communication skills, sensitivity to cultural diversity, and a global
perspective.
Metropolitan State University prides itself on its outstanding faculty, which
include professional educators and community faculty members who are both teachers
and full-time professionals in their areas of expertise. Faculty in the Social
Science Department have received numerous teaching awards. In addition, they
have been recognized for their applied work on local, state and global issues.
Faculty are committed to integrating theory and practice within the Social Science
Department program offerings.
In addition to being grounded in their specific academic disciplines, faculty
seek to apply their knowledge both within and outside academia. Students also
are encouraged to integrate theory and practice through a variety of learning
strategies that include practical application.
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Admissions Requirements
To be eligible for admission to the Social Science major, students must first attend a Metropolitan State Orientation meeting. Students should then make an appointment by calling the department at 651-793-1441 to meet individually with a social science faculty member. Evaluation of transfer course credit in anthropology, political science and sociology will be made by the Social Science Department. Since Metropolitan State social science courses are writing intensive, students planning to enroll in intermediate (300-level) courses must have successfully completed Writing 131 or the equivalent, or have the instructor's consent.
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Graduation Requirements
To graduate from Metropolitan State University, you will complete at least 120 semester credits, including 40 semester credits at the upper-division level (courses numbered 300 or higher). Thirty of these credits must be completed through Metropolitan State, including at least 18 credits in courses required by your major. In addition to these major requirements, you must also complete 48 credits in general education of which at least eight credits must be upper division. Additional information about these requirements is available from the university's Admissions Office.
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Careers
As a social science major you may choose from three program options--generalist, social action, and disciplinary track--each of which prepares you for a variety of careers in an increasingly diverse world.
The generalist track provides a solid foundation for graduate work in anthropology, sociology or political science and gives you strong academic preparation for careers in public agencies, nonprofit organizations and the business world. This program is also appropriate preparation for professional study in fields such as law, public affairs and international relations.
A growing number of students are seeking an education that prepares them for public interest careers. The social action track is designed to meet this need. This track prepares you for career opportunities such as advocate, community organizer, legislative lobbyist, policy analyst, social researcher, public affairs officer, community development specialist, campaign staffer, and elected or appointed public official.
The disciplinary track enables you to focus in anthropology, political science or sociology. In consultation with the social science faculty, students with highly specific educational objectives may design a program to fit their particular academic needs.
The learning outcomes for this major provide the knowledge, skills and abilities to enter the 21st century workplace:
- to know and understand the essential concepts of social science;
- to comprehend the historical foundations, theoretical paradigms and research methods of social science;
- to develop higher order thinking skills by analyzing and interpreting social science literature;
- to write analytically in a style that is informed, well-reasoned and literate;
- to recognize and understand differences of gender and sexual orientation, race and ethnicity, religion, and social class;
- to understand and utilize a global perspective; and
- to develop civic skills by participating in community-based learning and internships.
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