Social Studies Major (Secondary Emphasis)

B.S. in Ed. degree

Social Studies - an interdisciplinary program

The Social Studies major requires an accompanying minor in History. Double counting between the major and minor is not allowed.

In order to be recommended for student teaching by the Political Science department, each student must:

  • count no course toward the major with a grade lower than C-.

  • have completed a minimum of 15 credit hours on the major at CMU with a cumulative average of at least 2.70.

  • have a grade of C+ or higher in PSC 405.

  • have a maximum of 6 hours on the major, including PSC 305, may be taken CR/NC.

Required Courses I (23 hours)

  • ECO 201 Principles of Macroeconomics 3(3-0)

  • ECO 202 Principles of Microeconomics 3(3-0)

  • GEO 120 Environmental Geography 3(3-0)

  • GEO 121 Cultures of the World (3-0)

  • PSC 105 Introduction to American Government and Politics 3(3-0)

  • PSC 261 State and Local Government 3(3-0)

  • PSC 305 Midtier Teaching in Political Science 2(1-2)

  • PSC 405 Methods for Teaching Political Science 3(3-0)

Social Studies majors who have completed a midtier course for a second major in History (HST 300) may have the requirement of PSC 305 waived in their program.

Required Courses II (9 hours)
Additional hours of Political Science chosen from the following:

  • PSC 101 Political Behavior 3(3-0)

  • PSC 320 The American Legislative Process 3(3-0)

  • PSC 321 The American Chief Executive 3(3-0)

  • PSC 322 Judicial Process and Politics 3(3-0)

  • PSC 323 American Parties and Politics 3(3-0)

  • PSC 327 Lobbying and Interest Group Behavior 3(3-0)

  • PSC 421 Constitutional Law: Powers of Government 3(3-0)

  • PSC 422 Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Liberties 3(3-0)

Required Courses III (6 hours)
One course from the following:

  • ECO 301 Environmental Economics 3(3-0)

  • ECO 306 Money and Banking 3(3-0)

  • ECO 310 American Economic Development 3(3-0)

  • ECO 381 Patterns of Economic Development 3(3-0)

One additional GEO course at the 300-500 level

Electives (3 hours)
Selected from ECO, GEO, and PSC in consultation with an advisor.

Total: 39-41 semester hours

Note: Minimum of 17 hours at the 300-level or higher selected from the areas above.