College of Arts & Sciences
Department of Social Sciences
The social science department explores the complexities of human behavior, societies, and cultural systems through disciplines such as sociology and political science. With a strong emphasis on critical thinking, research, and ethical inquiry, the department prepares students to understand and engage with diverse communities and global issues. Students gain valuable skills in analysis, communication, and problem-solving, which are applicable to careers in public service, education, social work, law, and nonprofit leadership, as well as graduate and professional studies.
Our minors include:
Student Outcomes
Our majors have graduated from some of the top law schools and graduate schools in the nation. Many work in national, state, and local government as agents, analysts, and foreign service officers—one even was the former head of the TSA. Others work as campaign professionals or lobbyists, in non-profit organizations, and in a variety of business organizations.
Law School
Our program is excellent preparation for law school. Over the last 10 years, 93% of our majors who have applied to law school have been admitted—significantly better than the national average. And it’s not like they only get into undesirable programs. Those graduates have attended Dayton, DePaul, Duke, Georgetown, Iowa, Indiana University-Bloomington, Indiana University-Indianapolis, NYU, Ohio State, Regent, and Valparaiso.
Graduate School
Over the last 10 years, our majors have earned or are earning an MA or PhD from Ball State, Indiana University, the London School of Economics, and so many more. Others have stayed to continue their education here at AU, earning an MBA or MOL.
Start your Career
Government
- Intelligence Analyst
- Foreign Service Officer
- Governor’s Staff
Politics
- Run for Judge or Mayor
- Press Secretary
- Campaign Manager or Political Consultant
Non-Profits
- Lobbyist
- Development Officer
- Research Analyst
Business
- Stock Broker
- Fashion Industry Buyer
- Logistics Account Manager
- Digital Marketing Manager
Anderson and your future.
The future for social science majors is promising, with employment in life, physical, and social science occupations projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. Approximately 148,400 openings are expected each year due to employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave these occupations permanently. This growth is driven by an increasing demand for professionals who can analyze complex societal issues, inform public policy, and contribute to community development. Social science graduates are well-positioned to apply their analytical and communication skills across various sectors, including government, education, healthcare, and business. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
With strong skills in research, communication, and critical analysis, Anderson University graduates are ready to address complex social issues and make meaningful contributions to their communities and the broader world.
Students graduating from these majors are prepared for:
- Counseling
- Social work
- Public policy
- Human resources
- Law enforcement
- Nonprofit Management
- Government
- Politics
- Law
- Non-Profits
- Journalism
- Public administration
“The AU history department faculty believed in my abilities, care about my future goals, and meet me where I am at (with a challenge) the way that Shrock, Murphy, and Dirck did.” - Crystal (Jones) Kulhanek
Student Organizations
Student organizations are open to all students. They provide you an opportunity to meet regularly with others who share your interests. Although there are many student organizations at AU.
Center for Public Service
The Center for Public Service (CPS) was established at AU in 1973 through a sizable grant from the Eli Lilly Endowment for the purpose of preparing outstanding students for careers in public service through experiential learning.
Student Government
All Political Science majors should consider running for a position in the Student Government Association ( SGA). They serve as the voice of AU students to meet the needs and expectations of the student body.
Pi Sigma Alpha
Pi Sigma Alpha, the national Political Science honor society, was founded in 1920 at the University of Texas for the purpose of bringing together students and faculty interested in the study of government and politics. Chapters exist at accredited colleges and universities across the U.S. and actively promote extracurricular activities related to public affairs. Anderson University’s chapter, Alpha Eta Omega, was established in 2012.
Alpha Chi
Alpha Chi is a national academic honor society that was established in 1922 to promote academic excellence and exemplary character among college and university students and to honor those who achieve such distinction.
Model United Nations Team
The Model United Nations team travels to national and regional conferences to compete with teams from other colleges and universities by representing a specific country or organization. The simulations at these conferences give you the chance to learn how the UN works and a forum for addressing global concerns in a real-world context. You’ll prepare position papers before the conference, draft and pass resolutions during the conference, and try to persuade others to support your position. Conferences are also great networking opportunities, as you’ll meet students, professors, and potential employers from across the US.
College Republican & College Democrats
Meetings provide a forum to discuss issues and events from a partisan perspective. By working closely with one another, both College Republicans and College Democrats model the activism marked by grace, hope, compassion, and respect that is the hallmark of the Political Science program.
The Anderson You
You have unique interests and skills that set you apart. Explore the free My College Career Quiz to receive a personalized list of majors selected just for you. We’ve taken out the guessing work. Come find the Anderson you.