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?

The Social Science Program (SOSC) curriculum provides a myriad of educational opportunities, both multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary. Students select the breadth pattern in this major to acquire a broad view of human behavior and concepts contained within the social sciences for personal knowledge and occupational goals in education. Other students select the depth pattern in the SOSC major to acquire social science knowledge and skills for professions that cross traditional academic boundaries.

What is the social science major?

The social science major consists of two patterns: breadth and depth . At this time, both patterns can be completed online with careful planning and communication with an advisor. The breadth pattern is a multi-disciplinary major that allows students to explore the main currents of the world, acquire geographic literacy, and learn basic facts and concepts inherent in behavioral sciences and history. The depth pattern is an interdisciplinary path of study that allows students to select two areas from 23 areas of concentration; however, the only combinations presently offered online are Sociology and Career and Life Planning. Students select this pattern if they are interested in working with social organizations or groups, including career placement or college and high school advising. . Students interested in a California teaching credential in Social Science can complete the breadth pattern, which prepares them for subject matter competency and the CSET, required for teacher credential programs. Information on the CSET exam and credentialing can be found on the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing. Their website is http://www.ctc.ca.gov/.

All social science majors, breadth and depth, enroll in three courses, a computer literacy class (SOSC 110/210 or equivalent), an online portfolio (SOSC 490)and the Senior Capstone course (SOSC 495). The computer literacy class is a lower-division class that should be completed before applying to CSU, Chico, as there are no classes offered online that meet the requirement. The Senior Capstone course meets the university's writing proficiency requirement for graduation.

What is the breadth pattern?

The online breadth pattern is a broad, interdisciplinary, 46-unit major. Its primary intent is to give students a solid liberal arts grounding in the social sciences.

Students take classes in anthropology, economics, geography, political science, sociology, and history. In addition, they complete the seven units required by all majors (SOSC 110/210, SOSC 490B and SOSC 495). You may download a copy of the major clearance form used to keep track of the requirements by: MS Word file or PDF.

What is the depth pattern?

The online depth pattern is a 46-unit major which consists of 24 units from the Sociology concentration and 15 units in the Career and Life Planning secondary concentration, plus the seven units required by all majors (SOSC 110/210, SOSC 490C and SOSC 495).

You may download a copy of the Social Science depth pattern - Sociology (primary) and Career and Life Planning (secondary) major clearance form: MS Word file or PDF.

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

The online breadth area of social science covers most of the courses that lead to subject matter competency for a single subject (Social Science) teaching credential. A credential in social science enables the holder to teach history, geography, government, and economics in grades 6-12. Subject matter competency, however, still requires passing the CSET single subject, Social Science, exam. Additional courses are required by the Education Department at the University before student teaching can begin. You may log on to the Education Department's 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 take all classes online. This is a degree completion program so only junior and senior level courses are offered. There are more courses offered some semesters than others so planning is important. Please stay in contact with your advisor in Social Science: Social Science Program 530-898-5688 or email sosc@csuchico.edu.

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:

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 long-term use by degree-seeking students as only 24 units of Open University classes can transfer into regular enrollment and Open University enrollment 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, or to concentrate on two disciplines or subject areas. There are two advisors for the program. The SOSC Program Coordinator, Dr. Eugenie Rovai, (erovai@csuchico.edu) advises on-campus students and online students during Intersession and summer. During the academic year, Dr. Gwen Sheldon, the SOSC Graduate Coordinator, advises online students (gsheldon@csuchico.edu). The office is located in Butte 509 and the phone number is 530-898-5688 or fax 530-898-6781. The office administrator is Ms. Robin Taylor (sosc@csuchico.edu ). Her hours are Monday-Thursday, 8:00am to 1:00pm., and Friday, 8:00 am to 12pm.

What other kinds of information do I need?

To receive a Bachelor of Arts degree, you may need to complete other general education classes and requirements. For example, CSU, Chico has an upper division theme requirement (9 units) that all students must fulfill. Currently the only upper division theme offered entirely online is Theme G-Global Issues. The SOSC advisors can direct you to the appropriate online theme(s). 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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