Social Sciences Bachelor's Degree
The social sciences use scientific methods to study human behavior in individuals, in groups and in cultural and political institutions. In addition to our outstanding faculty and our low student-to-faculty ratio, our program allows students to explore a variety of the social sciences while concentrating in one field. Stevens Institute of Technology also offers a wide range of interdisciplinary options to students both within the College of Arts and Letters and throughout the institute. This interdisciplinary focus allows students to study the political, sociological, and psychological impact of technology, engineering, and science upon society.
What You Will Study
The specific fields included in the Stevens Institute of Technology program in social science include psychology, sociology, and political science.
Psychology is often defined as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. These mental processes include: thinking, feeling, memory, learning, judging, perceiving, problem solving. However, psychology also includes the study of intelligence, language acquisition, as well as human development across the life span. Major emphasis is placed on the neural brain processes underpinning these processes.
Sociology can be defined as the scientific study of society and group behavior. Sociologists study issues from social relationships and interactions (also referred to as microsociology) to social institutions and organizations (also referred to as macrosociology) as well as the connection between micro- and macro-sociology.
Political Science is the study of political systems, governments, and ideologies. The discipline considers the nuances of power and politics ("those who have power" and "how they attained it" through social, economic and/or political capital). Within political science there are several specialized areas: international relations, comparative politics, national politics, state and local politics. Lately, areas such as public opinion, political parties, legal studies, gender and racial politics have received the greatest attention.
Possible Careers in the Social Sciences
Psychology Track
Several of our students have gone on to study medicine, others to become researchers in neuroscience. There are opportunities for careers in business and industrial organization as well as school counseling and of course in clinical psychology. At the B.A. level, students may find work in government agencies, such as in Child Welfare or in Non-governmental agencies.
Sociology Track
The sociology track is is a good foundation for graduate studies in sociology, social psychology, and related fields. In addition, sociology graduates may find work in government agencies, non-profit organizations, social service agencies, and educational institutions. They can also go on to plan careers in law, social welfare, education, public health, market research, public relations, management, and human resources.
Political Science Track
The political science track will ready you for career options in the public sector (federal, state, county, local governments), research organizations, think tanks, non-profit organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).