2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog
Social Transformation Studies (BA)
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A major in Social Transformation Studies equips students to approach social justice and equity issues from a variety of perspectives and prepares them to excel in a wide variety of fields, including law and politics, violence prevention and advocacy, human services, education, business, health professions, and public health, as well as graduate-level studies. The Social Transformation Studies program provides students with skills that employers seek: the ability to work with and serve diverse and underserved constituencies, think critically, and write and communicate effectively.
The Social Transformation Studies major draws from the interdisciplinary scholarly and pedagogical traditions of the fields of American ethnic studies and gender, women, and sexuality studies to create something more than the sum of its parts. Ours is the only degree program of its kind in the state of Kansas.
Instructors and students in Social Transformation Studies analyze personal experience and social institutions as they shape and are shaped by race, ethnicity, indigeneity, gender, sex, sexuality, class, disability, citizenship, nation, coloniality, and global location. This analysis enables both an understanding of oppression as well as a vision for social equity and justice. A major in Social Transformation Studies offers students the opportunity to think critically about the multifaceted realities and identities of diverse peoples, as well as the important knowledges created by them; promotes social justice ideals and practices of inclusivity; and fosters community-based engaged research and praxis responsive to the needs and realities of underserved communities.
In addition to the general university and college requirements for the BA/BS degree, all Social Transformation Studies majors are required to complete 30 credit hours.
Graduation Requirements
To graduate with a degree in Social Transformation Studies, students must fulfill all program requirements and have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher in courses taken for the Social Transformation Studies major at Kansas State University.
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Kansas State University Core: 34-36 Credit Hours
K-State Core is the foundation for an impactful life and career after time at K-State. The K-State Core framework covers six disciplinary areas: English, Communications, Mathematics & Statistics, Natural & Physical Sciences, Social & Behavioral Sciences, and Arts and Humanities. In addition, a seventh area is reserved for institutionally designated use, which K-State is keeping as free electives. In total, the framework takes up 34-35 credit hours of 100 and 200-level coursework. Students who complete their general education elsewhere cannot be required to take additional general education coursework in the disciplinary areas of the framework without permission from KBOR to continue requiring courses in the K-State Core. Orientation: 1 Credit Hour
Outside Concentration: 9 Credit Hours
Outside credential of at least 9 credit hours (May be from any unit, except Social Transformation Studies, OR from approved interdisciplinary credentials within the unit). OR Any 9 credit hours in a single prefix (except for AMETH, GWSS, STRAN) (all must be 300 level or above OR at any level with a prereq in the same prefix; up to 5 credit hours may overlap with program). OR Any 9 credit hours in a microcredential (up to 5 credit hours may overlap with program). Overlays: [9] Credit Hours
May be fulfilled in K-State Core, Outside Concentration, electives, or the Program itself. - Ethical Reasoning Overlay Credits: [3]
- Global Perspectives Overlay Credits: [3]
- US Multicultural Overlay Credits: [3]
Social Transformation Studies major
The STRAN major requires students to take one 3 credit hour introductory course chosen from five courses, one 3 credit hour core course chosen from two courses, 9 credit hours of major courses with an AMETH, GWSS, or STRAN prefix, and 6 credit hours of approved electives or additional AMETH, GWSS, or STRAN courses.
Math Requirement
If not met through K-State Core requirements, MATH 160 is required.
Introductory course: 3 Credit Hours
One 3 credit hour introductory course chosen from five courses. Introductory course will offer an introduction to program. Core Course: 3 Credit Hours
Complete either STRAN 400 OR STRAN 550 Major Courses: 15 Credit Hours
Any courses with the AMETH, GWSS, or STRAN prefixes
Electives: 9 Credit Hours
Three 3-credit courses from approved electives or additional AMETH, GWSS, or STRAN courses. List of approved electives: https://www.k-state.edu/social-transformation/academics/undergraduate-degrees/social-transformation-studies/gwss%20cr%20electives.html *Note title on approved electives web page will be updated to read “STRAN cross-referenced electives” This list is not restricted only GWSS. BA Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Restricted Electives: 6 Credit Hours
3 credit hours in each of the following, with at least 3 credit hours at 300 level or above OR at any level with a prerequisite in the same discipline. One course in Humanities Credits: 3
Any course or combination of courses in Fine Arts Credits: 3
BA Natural and Quantitative Restricted Electives: 6 Credit Hours
One course in each of the following, with at least 3 credit hours total at 300 level or above OR at any level with a prerequisite in the same discipline. Natural Science or Quantitative course Credits: 3
Natural Science, or Quantitative, or Social Science with MATH or STAT Credits: 3
BA Second Language Requirement: 3-16 Credit Hours
Choose one of the following: Option 1: 3-14 Credit Hours
At least 3 credit hours of coursework culminating with level 4 or above (i.e., Frech 4, German 4, Spanish 4, etc.) or the equivalent of level 4 in a second language sequence. Option 2: 16 Credit Hours
At least 16 credit hours of coursework in which student takes the first and second levels of two different languages, selected from any language offered within the department of Modern Languages, ASL, or from any other second language transferred in at an equivalent level. Option 3: 3 Credit Hours
Students whose first language is not English may satisfy this requirement by meeting the English Proficiency Admission Standards for K-State or by completing the appropriate level of exit courses with the English Language Program. Free Electives: 16-31 Credit Hours
In addition to K-State Core Free Electives requirement, take any course so that the total credit hours completed equals 120. Total Hours Required for Graduation: 120
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