The primary objective of the department is to offer a curriculum which prepares graduates to earn the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Social Sciences, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Social Sciences, or the Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Psychology. Also, the department offers a program which leads to application to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for secondary teacher Level I certification in Social Studies.
Another objective of the department is to guide post-baccalaureate students to meet the necessary requirements for teacher certification in Social Studies. Post-baccalaureate, certification-only programs are available for students who have earned a bachelor's degree. Students interested in learning about specific program requirements for teacher certification should visit the Department of Secondary Education & Graduate Studies.
The mission of the Social Sciences programs is to provide education, scholarship, and training in the social sciences disciplines. Our Social Science and Applied Psychology degree programs are designed to deliver a strong foundation in liberal arts that helps to prepare students for successful careers, professional programs, or graduate programs in social sciences, applied psychology, or education.