2026-2027 Undergraduate Catalog
Social Science (BS)
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The Social Science interdisciplinary major focuses primarily on the critical examination of society’s institutions—their structures, theoretical foundations, evolution, and interrelationships—and how they affect and are affected by human behavior.
Cutting across a variety of social science disciplines, including American ethnic studies, anthropology, economics, geography, gender, women, and sexuality studies, mass communications, political science, psychology, social transformation studies, and sociology, the major intentionally trades depth of learning for broader scope of inquiry. By offering more latitude in its curriculum design, the program allows students to prepare for a range of pathways, including admission to certain professional programs.
Students are encouraged to explore a thematic emphasis that is bridged by the two concentration areas selected in consultation with their advisor. To best meet individual needs and interests, career goals and the program requirements, close collaboration with the advisor is expected.
Students majoring in Social Science must earn a 2.0 or better average in major requirements (Social Science Foundational Courses, Social Science Concentration Area 1, Social Science Concentration Area 2, Thematic Elective and Social Science Capstone).
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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 ****, etc, OR from approved interdisciplinary credentials within the unit). OR Any 9 credit hours in a single prefix (except for ****) (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 hour microcredential (up to 5 credit hours may overlap with program). Overlays: [9] Credit Hours
May be filled in K-State Core, Outside Concentration, electives, or the Program itself. - Ethical Reasoning Overlay, 1 course Credits: [3]
- Global Perspectives Overlay, 1 course Credits: [3]
- US Multicultural Overlay, 1 course Credits: [3]
Statistics Requirement
If not met through K-State Core requirements, STAT 225 is required.
Social Science Foundational Courses: 9 Credit Hours
Students choose 3 courses (9 credits) from the following list in three different disciplines: Social Science Concentration Areas 1 and 2: 27 Credit Hours
Select two disciplines to represent your Concentration Areas 1 and 2. Complete 12 hours for Concentration Area 1 with a minimum of 9 hours at 300 level or above. Complete 15 hours for Concentration Area 2 with a minimum of 12 hours at 300 level or above. A) Addiction Counseling and Social Work - ADC, SOCWK B) Anthropology - ANTH (not from ANTH 280, 380-389, 580-589, 680-689, 780-789) C) Criminology and Sociology - CRIM, SOCIO D) Economics - ECON E) Geography - GEOG (not from GEOG 121 & 122, 235, 440, 445, 535, 735, 740, 742, 745, 747) F) Mass Communication - MC G) Political Science - POLSC H) Psychology - PSYCH I) Social Transformation Studies - AMETH, GWSS, STRAN Social Science Capstone: 1 Credit Hour
BS Natural and Quantitative Restricted Electives: 12-15 Credit Hours
One course in each of the following, with at least two courses at the 300 level or above OR at any level with a prerequisite in the same discipline. Natural Science course Credits: 3-5
Quantitative course Credits: 3-4
Natural Science, or Quantitative, or Social Science w/MATH or STAT prereq Credits: 3
Natural Science, or Quantitative, or Social Science w/MATH or STAT prereq Credits: 3
BS Arts or Humanities Restricted Electives: 3 Credit Hours
3 credit hours 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. Fine Arts or Humanities: Any course or combination of courses Credits: 3
Free Electives: 20-24 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
Arts & Sciences common degree requirements for the BS are satisfied by the following: - BS Natural and Quantitative Restricted Electives
- BS Fine Arts or Humanities Restricted Elective (1 course at any level)
- Social Science Concentration Area 1 (at least one course will be at 300 level or above)
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