Frequently Asked Questions: Social Science Major

This FAQ was created by the Social Science Advisor and is the best place to find answers to common advising questions. Start here before calling the advisor.

Why choose a social science major?

Students usually pick the Social Science Program (SOSC) because it is a broad interdisciplinary major that will help to explore the way things fit together for human organisms and their institutions. That is the big reason, the good reason, the reason listed in the catalog, but what is the special, personal reason? Some students select social science because it will allow them to fulfill the education prerequisites for a very particular occupational goal, e.g. teacher. Others choose social science because this major allows them to take a very broad view of human behavior and knowledge.

What is the social science major?

Taking into account the above reasons, the social science major consists of two patterns: breadth and depth. At this time, both patterns can be completed on line with some careful planning and communication with an advisor. However, the depth pattern is only available in the areas of sociology, family relations, and career and life planning. In addition, students interested in a California teaching credential in Social Science may be able to complete coursework toward subject matter competency by taking the breadth pattern and adding specific additional classes. These other courses may be completed at community colleges or other colleges.; Please also note that this coursework is subject to on-going approval by the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing. Their website is http://www.ctc.ca.gov/.

All social science majors, breadth and depth, enroll in two courses in common: a computer literacy class and the senior capstone course (SOSC 495).

What is the breadth pattern?

The breadth pattern is a broad, interdisciplinary 45-unit major. Its primary intent is to give students a solid liberal arts grounding in the social sciences.

Students take classes in geography, political science, history, and economics. In addition, they complete a computer applications class and a senior capstone course (SOSC 295) which also serves a writing proficiency course in the major.

You may download a copy of the major clearance form used to keep track of the requirements by clicking here.

What is the depth pattern?

The online depth pattern is a 45-unit major which consists of 24 units from the Sociology concentration and 15 units in the Career and Life Planning secondary concentration, plus an integrative capstone social science seminar and an introductory computer course.

In addition, you also complete a computer applications class (SOSC 110) and a senior capstone course (SOSC 495) which also serves a writing proficiency course in the major.

You may download a copy of the Social Science depth pattern - Sociology (primary) and Career and Life Planning (secondary) major clearence form: Sociology (primary) and Career and Life Planning (secondary).

How can I obtain subject matter competence for the teaching credential in social science?

You should major in the breadth area of social science and take an additional five classes to become subject matter competent. The online social science program offers most of the courses that lead to subject matter competence for a single subject teaching credential. A credential in social science enables the holder to teach history, geography, government, and economics in grades 6-12. Please note that a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.68 is required.

This is subject to the rules and regulations of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and subject to immediate changes. Please stay in contact with your advisor in social science (erovai@csuchico.edu).

You also need to know that additional courses may be required by the Education Department at the University or College before student teaching can begin. You may log on to their website for the most up-to-date listing of these requirements at http://www.csuchico.edu/educ/ and then click on the block plan icon.

Can I get all the classes I need online?

Yes, you may get all classes online. However, this degree completion program is designed for students pursuing a degree part-time. There are more course offerings some semesters than others. It is rare that you can find 12-15 units of required coursework. This program is best for students who wish to take 6-9 units each semester and juggle their other life commitments (job, family).

What are the requirements to enter a teaching credential program?

It is best to contact the Education Department of the college where you plan to obtain your teaching credential for more information.

Is there further information about the online program on the web?

See catalog for further information www.csuchico.edu/catalog/sosc/ and the Social Science website for Regional and Continuing Education http:rce.csuchico.edu/online/programdetail.asp?program=49. This website lists the specific classes available during the current and future semesters.

How can I get admitted?

This website provides information to online students who wish to be admitted to the University: http://rce.csuchico.edu/online/registration.html

Are there other options to full admission to the University?

The Open University Program provides an opportunity for students who have not been admitted to the university, or who have been denied admission or disqualified, to enroll in online state-support courses, based on faculty permission. This program is not intended for degree-seeking students and does not meet financial aid requirements. Open University is not available if you are enrolling for the same term as a regular student, or if you are a non-resident of California who was enrolled for the previous term as a regular matriculated student. If you are enrolled as an Open University student and decide to apply for admission to the university, you must meet all regular admissions requirements.

For further information, please go to our Open University page.

Who is my academic advisor? How do we communicate?

The Social Science Program is a unique program. It allows students to take courses from many departments. As such, it has a small course offering with part time faculty. There is one advisor for the program. Her name is Dr. Eugenie Rovai (erovai@csuchico.edu). The office is located in Butte 701 and the phone number is 530-898-5688 or fax 530-898-5986. The program secretary is Christine Williams (cwilliams@csuchico.edu). Her hours are M-F 8:30 am to 12:30 pm.

What other kinds of information do I need?

As a Bachelors student, you may need to complete other general education classes and requirements. For example, CSU, Chico has an upper division theme requirement that all students must fulfill. It is helpful for new students, if possible, to attend a summer orientation held by the advising office on campus. If you have other concerns or questions about offices and resources that might be helpful to you as an online student, please go to our Student Services page.

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