The study of social science is the study of society and human relationship. It includes topics such as history, psychology, sociology, culture, geography, anthropology, archeology, economics, communications, and political science. The unifying principle is a desire to understand the world we live in from a variety of different perspectives and experiences. Sociology students have an innate curiosity about human behavior, including how societies develop over the course of history and current societal constructs of today. In the sociology program, students explore the furthest reaches of human existence—from ancient civilizations to the depths of outer space—to expand your knowledge and understanding of human behavior.
The Bachelor of Arts with a Social Sciences major at Sul Ross is an interdisciplinary program that provides a well-rounded education to those seeking to expand their worldview. Social sciences involve the study of groundbreaking ideas, critical perspectives, and research methods across academic disciplines and scholarly traditions, from the arts and literature, to history and philosophy, to government and economics, to the natural sciences. A multidisciplinary, social education provides the reading, reasoning, and communication skills to thrive in a broad range of careers. Above all, the Social Sciences program is a gateway to pursue life-long learning.
The social studies certification program is recommended for those students intending to teach social studies subjects in Texas secondary schools. This general certification provides a broad social studies background qualifying one to teach in seven fields rather than only two fields while providing enough electives to permit the development of particular depth in one or two of these fields.
Minor in Sociology
How are societies formed? Where did we come from? How did we get here? Where are we going? If you enjoy thinking about questions related to the origins and evolution of human society, Sociology is the minor for you! The Sociology minor program exists to complement major programs as diverse as geology, computer science, psychology, history, political science, education, kinesiology, and criminal justice.
Alpine Program Coordinator
Dr. Mark Saka
msaka@sulross.edu
432.837.8304
Students in the social sciences program explore media through classes in theatre, art, and English and further understandings of government and current events through political science, economics, and history. Dive into the world of human behavior through psychology, sociology, anthropology, and philosophy. Whatever courses you choose to combine for your degree, your research will allow you to collaborate with faculty members from all fields of study comprising the major. Social science students develop skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and effective oral, verbal, and written communication to better understand condition of humanity and how to affect change in the world around us.
Each social sciences degree is unique and tailored to the student’s interests, allowing students to align academic and career paths through imaginative fields of study. Students hone skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, research, and effective oral, verbal, and written communication to better understand condition of humanity. Graduates of this program have gone on to work in fields as diverse as human resources, the oil industry and public service or have pursued graduate degrees. Other career options include politics, media, education, communication and finance.
Graduates with a social science degree are equipped with the skills necessary to shape the future. Social sciences subjects are naturally suited to the kinds of careers that make a very real difference to society. Social scientists consider the ways in which social and scientific forces can make humans’ lives better or worse, including
- Families
- Education
- Economics
- Politics & Law
- Mass Media
- Beliefs
- Social networks
As you investigate the matters that shape our society each day, such as race, gender, sexuality, class, legal systems, you will have the opportunity to research, analyze, and discuss these topics with your professor and classmates. Students in the Sociology program will have the opportunity to conduct hands-on research in the field, interact with government and NGO leaders, and coordinate with community organizations that strive to help fellow citizens in the Big Bend and Trans-Pecos region.
Students are required to take a major field assessment examination during the semester in which they graduate. Students should contact their major field advisors concerning specifics of the examinations.
Graduates of this program have gone on to work in fields such as
- Human Resources
- Oil and Gas Industries
- Public Service
- Health
- Environmental Planning
- Politics
- Media
- Journalism
- Advertising
- Civil Service
- Law
- Psychology
- Statistics
- Education
- Communication
- Finance
- Businesses which seek employees with liberal arts backgrounds
A social sciences degree also prepares students for
- Law School
- Paralegal careers
Understanding how people relate to one another, how people interact with the environment, and why these changes take place, as well as research, writing, and critical thinking skills that develop in the Sociology program are applicable toward many professions, including
- Advocacy
- Social Services
- Research Organizations
- Business Management
- Education
- Federal, State, and Local Government
- Law
- City Planning
- Community Organizing
- Counseling
- Marketing and Public Relations
- Sales
| Mark Saka Chair of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Professor of History LH 210 C-157 432.837.8304 msaka@sulross.edu |
Ismail D. Gunes, Ph.D. Assistant Professor MAB 109 C-12 432.837.8166 ismail.gunes@sulross.edu |
Bibiana Gutierrez Assistant Professor of Psychology Virtual office, email to schedule appt 432.386.3223 bmg15th@sulross.edu |
Alicia Trotman Assistant Professor of Psychology LH 306 C-157 432-837-8147 alicia.trotman@sulross.edu |
All undergraduates must be advised in order to register/enroll in courses in a future term.
Academic Advisors provide students with schedule planning and degree checklists, identify academic support structures (tutoring) for at-risk students, help new students transition from other institutions, and assist students in deciding on a major. Academic Advisors also provide students with one-on-one instruction on how to use Lobo Online which is the student’s portal to academic and administrative services at Sul Ross State University.
Advisors accept student inquiries by appointment (Zoom, Teams, and Skype), over the phone, or as walk-ins. Students must be advised before registration and they must receive their advisor’s final approval of schedules and official degree plans.
Visit Academic Advising to learn more.
Social Sciences Major
Freshman Year
Semester I
Semester II
ENG/ENGL 1301
3 credit hours
ENG/ENGL 1302
3 credit hours
MATH 1314
3 credit hours
Life & Physical Sciences
3 credit hours
Life & Physical Sciences
3 credit hours
Creative Arts
3 credit hours
HIST 1301
3 credit hours
HIST 1302
3 credit hours
Social & Behavioral Sciences
3 credit hours
Language, Philosophy and Culture
3 credit hours
SRSU 1101
1 credit hour
–
–
Total: 16 sch
Total: 15 sch
Sophomore Year
Semester I
Semester II
COMM 1310 or 1311
3 credit hours
Foreign Language
3-4 credit hours
Foreign Language
3-4 credit hours
Literature BA Req
3 credit hours
PS 2305
3 credit hours
PS 2306
3 credit hours
ECO 2301
3 credit hours
Core Component Area Option II
3 credit hours
HST/HIST 3309
3 credit hours
ECO 2302
3 credit hours
Total: 15-16 sch
Total: 15-16 sch
Junior Year
Semester I
Semester II
GEOG/GGR 4304
3 credit hours
Advanced World History
3 credit hours
GEOG/GGR 3301
3 credit hours
GEOG/GGR 4301
3 credit hours
HST/HIST 3311
3 credit hours
PS/POLS 3302
3 credit hours
Advanced American History
3 credit hours
PS/POLS 3304
3 credit hours
Adv Anthropology, Economics, Psychology or Sociology
3 credit hours
Elective
3 credit hours
Total: 15 sch
Total: 15 sch
Senior Year
Semester I
Semester II
Advanced World History
3 credit hours
Advanced American History
3 credit hours
Adv Anthropology, Economics, Psychology, or Sociology
3 credit hours
PS/POLS 4302
3 credit hours
PS/POLS 3307
3 credit hours
Elective
3 credit hours
PS/POLS 3308
3 credit hours
Elective
3 credit hours
Elective
3 credit hours
Elective
3 credit hours
Total: 15 sch
Total: 15 sch
Total Credit Hours Required for Bachelor of Arts in Social Science: 120
All undergraduates must be advised in order to register/enroll in courses in a future term.
Academic Advisors provide students with schedule planning and degree checklists, identify academic support structures (tutoring) for at-risk students, help new students transition from other institutions, and assist students in deciding on a major. Academic Advisors also provide students with one-on-one instruction on how to use Lobo Online which is the student’s portal to academic and administrative services at Sul Ross State University.
Advisors accept student inquiries by appointment (Zoom, Teams, and Skype), over the phone, or as walk-ins. Students must be advised before registration and they must receive their advisor’s final approval of schedules and official degree plans.
Visit Academic Advising to learn more.
Social Sciences Major
Freshman Year
Semester I
Semester II
ENG/ENGL 1301
3 credit hours
ENG/ENGL 1302
3 credit hours
MATH 1314
3 credit hours
Life & Physical Sciences
3 credit hours
Life & Physical Sciences
3 credit hours
Creative Arts
3 credit hours
HIST 1301
3 credit hours
HIST 1302
3 credit hours
Social & Behavioral Sciences
3 credit hours
Language, Philosophy and Culture
3 credit hours
SRSU 1101
1 credit hour
–
–
Total: 16 sch
Total: 15 sch
Sophomore Year
Semester I
Semester II
COMM 1310 or 1311
3 credit hours
Foreign Language
3-4 credit hours
Foreign Language
3-4 credit hours
Literature BA Req
3 credit hours
PS 2305
3 credit hours
PS 2306
3 credit hours
ECO 2301
3 credit hours
Core Component Area Option II
3 credit hours
HST/HIST 3309
3 credit hours
ECO 2302
3 credit hours
Total: 15-16 sch
Total: 15-16 sch
Junior Year
Semester I
Semester II
GEOG/GGR 4304
3 credit hours
Advanced World History
3 credit hours
GEOG/GGR 3301
3 credit hours
GEOG/GGR 4301
3 credit hours
HST/HIST 2302
3 credit hours
PS/POLS 3302
3 credit hours
ED 3300
3 credit hours
PS/POLS 3304
3 credit hours
Adv Anthropology, Economics, Psychology or Sociology
3 credit hours
ED 3302
3 credit hours
Total: 15 sch
Total: 15 sch
Senior Year
Semester I
Semester II
Advanced World History
3 credit hours
ED 4603 or 4605
3 credit hours
Adv Anthropology, Economics, Psychology, or Sociology
3 credit hours
PS/POLS 4302
3 credit hours
PS/POLS 3307
3 credit hours
ED 4322
3 credit hours
PS/POLS 3308
3 credit hours
ED 3301
3 credit hours
ED 4314
3 credit hours
ED 3303
3 credit hours
Total: 15 sch
Total: 15 sch
Total Credit Hours Required for Bachelor of Arts in Social Science: 120
