Why Study Social Sciences at Dominican University?

When you choose to major or minor in social sciences at Dominican University, you’ll receive a broad-based, interdisciplinary education. Through in-depth study into at least three main social science disciplines, you’ll also gain a deep understanding of the concepts and methodologies that integrate and underlie these fields.

Flexible and Multidisciplinary Learning

While the program is multidisciplinary and wide-ranging, the credit requirements of our social sciences degree provide plenty of room for you to pursue additional interests or prepare for advanced career paths that require further study.

A Foundation for Understanding Human Behavior

The social sciences aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the human condition. Whether your concentration is in:

  • Criminal Justice
  • History
  • Politics
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

You’ll explore what shapes human behavior and learn how to work with people in various circumstances. This foundation is excellent preparation for graduate and professional programs in diverse fields and a wide range of career paths.

Skill Development for Career Success

Our courses are designed to help you develop both hard and soft skills that will serve you well throughout your career and life. Optional internships offer you on-the-job training while enhancing your résumé and professional experience.

Opportunities for Recognition and Growth

As part of the social sciences program, you’ll also have the opportunity to qualify for membership in prestigious honor societies, including:

  • Alpha Chi: The National College Honor Society
  • Alpha Phi Sigma: The National Honor Society for Criminal Justice
  • Phi Alpha: The National Honor Society for Social Work
  • Phi Alpha Theta: The National Honor Society for History
  • Pi Gamma Mu: The International Honor Society for the Social Sciences
  • Psi Chi: The International Honor Society for Psychology

Capstone Research Project

No matter which concentration you choose, you’ll complete an independent capstone research project at the end of your social sciences program. Under close supervision from a faculty member, this experience allows you to:

  • Develop independent and critical thinking skills.
  • Hone your research and communication abilities.
  • Gain valuable preparation for future jobs or graduate studies.

This capstone project provides deeper learning and skill-building beyond the scope of standard lesson formats, giving you a competitive edge for your next steps.

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An interdisciplinary social sciences degree to prepare you for an incredibly diverse range of rewarding careers

The highest levels of personal support

Staff who are committed to your success

The finest small-university athletic program in the region

A spirited campus environment

Close proximity to New York City and three major airports

The Dominican Difference

Thanks to a rigorous curriculum, supported and taught by incredible faculty, Dominican University has provided me with all the necessary tools and knowledge that I need to succeed in the field of social sciences. The small classes and dedicated faculty are just two of the many things I love about this school. 

 Zakary Rivera, ‘22

Job Opportunities

Our social sciences degree will equip you for a wide variety of jobs and careers. Below are several examples; however, this list is by no means exhaustive. With the well-developed foundational skills and the broad-ranging knowledge base that the social sciences provide, the possibilities are endless.

Whether you think you’ll want a job straight out of college or are thinking about further study, here are the kinds of jobs you might pursue:

  • Development Specialist
  • Social worker
  • Human resources coordinator
  • Paralegal
  • Urban planner
  • Market research analyst
  • Public relations specialist
  • Diversity manager
  • School counselor
  • Consulting
  • Research
  • Business and Finance
  • Elected office
  • Political campaign manager
  • Community service
  • Advocacy
  • Teaching

What You’ll Learn

You’ll gain insight into what shapes human behavior and acquire critical skills for understanding and working with people across a variety of circumstances. You’ll also develop core, highly in-demand skills in areas such as critical reading and thinking, processing information from a variety of sources, and presenting material in a clear, coherent, and grammatically accurate form.

Degree Details


Tuition

The cost of attendance is an estimate of what it will cost to attend Dominican University for an academic year.

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Curriculum

Course structure

Whether you choose a social sciences major or minor, you’ll complete 39 credits, consisting of:

  •  Unit SS 472, which is ‘Social Science Seminar’ (3 credits)
  •  2-4 compulsory units and several electives from your chosen primary concentration (18 credits in total, the number of compulsory units depends on the concentration you choose)
  • Your choice of units from two other supporting Concentrations (9 credits each)


Concentrations

You can concentrate on any of the following subject areas:

You also have the option of pursuing a teaching degree along with your social sciences degree:

  •  B.A. Social Sciences with Preparation for Childhood Education
  •  B.A. Social Sciences with Preparation for Adolescence Education in Social Studies
  •  B.A. History with Preparation for Childhood Education


Department Staff

Paul Bonk

Assistant Professor
of Political Science and Coordinator of Social Sciences
paul.bonk@duny.edu

Office: (845) 848-4073

David Chun

Assistant Professor of Psychology
david.chun@duny.edu

Office: (845) 848-4070

Your Future Starts Now