Social Studies Major (SSTJ)

The Social Studies major offers a broad, interdisciplinary approach to social science perspectives. The major provides students with exposure to courses that prepare students for teaching and non-teaching careers. It also offers the content foundation necessary for students hoping to pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) and apply for the new Western Michigan University MAT program. Major Requirements Minimum of 64-65 hours selected from disciplines listed below.

1. Minimum of “C” in all course work required for the major.

2. All course work at the 3000/4000 level must be completed within 10 years.

3. No minor required.

Core Courses

(Minimum of 40 hours)

ECON 2010 - Principles of Microeconomics Credits: 3 hours
ECON 2020 - Principles of Macroeconomics Credits: 3 hours
ECON 2190 - Economic Principles of Sustainability, the Environment, and Natural Resources Credits: 3 hours
GEOG 1020 - World Geography through Media and Maps Credits: 3 hours
GEOG 1050 - Physical Geography Credits: 4 hours
GEOG 2050 - Human Geography Credits: 3 hours
HIST 2020 - World History to 1500 Credits: 3 hours
HIST 2030 - World History since 1500 Credits: 3 hours
HIST 2100 - American History to 1877 Credits: 3 hours
HIST 2110 - American History since 1877 Credits: 3 hours
PSCI 2000 - National Government Credits: 3 hours
PSCI 2400 - Comparative Politics Credits: 3 hours
OR
PSCI 2500 - International Relations Credits: 4 hours
PSCI Elective (2000 level or higher) Credits / Units: 3

Intermediate Elective Courses

(Minimum of 9 hours in three different fields)

ECON (3000-level), Credits: 3 hours

GEOG (3000-level), Credits: 3 hours

HIST (3000-level), Credits: 3 hours

PSCI (3000-level), Credits: 3 hours

Advanced Elective Courses

(Minimum of 9 hours in three different fields. At least one “baccalaureate writing” course at 4000 level is required)

ECON (4000-level), Credits: 3 hours

GEOG (4000-level), Credits: 3 hours

HIST (4000-level), Credits: 3 hours

PSCI (4000-level), Credits: 3 hours

Diversity Required Cognate

(Minimum of 3 hours)

AAAS 3000 - African and African American History, Culture and Experience to 1865 Credits: 3 hours
AAAS 3010 - African American History, Culture and Experience from 1866 to the Present Credits: 3 hours
AAAS 3140 - The Black Community: Historical and Contemporary Perspectives Credits: 3 hours
ANTH 2600 - Sex, Gender, Culture Credits: 3 hours
ANTH 2800 - Language in a Global World Credits: 4 hours
ANTH 3390 - Cultures of Latin America Credits: 3 hours
ANTH 3410 - Global Africa Past and Present Credits: 3 hours
ANTH 3470 - Ethnicity/Multiculturalism Credits: 3 hours
REL 3165 - Religion and Globalization Credits: 3 hours
REL 3170 - Religion and Gender Credits: 4 hours
See advisor for other appropriate diversity courses.

Internship/Work Experience

(Minimum 3 hours. Confer with an advisor before registering for internship credit)

GEOG 4120 - Professional Practice Credits: 1 to 3 hours
HIST 4950 - Internship Credits: 3 to 9 hours
PSCI 3900 - Field Work in Political Science Credits: 1 to 12 hours
(Or an advisor approved course)
Note: Admission to the MAT in Secondary Education may require completion of additional credits in history, political science or geography. Please see your advisor.