Prospective students in any social science program should acquaint themselves with the College of Arts and Sciences. Included in the College's website is comprehensive list of Majors & Departments, showing all programs of the College.

Undergraduate programs are offered in the following disciplines:

Anthropology - This major covers such topics as physical evolution and prehistory. The department has special strengths in sociocultural studies, applied anthropology, and policy-related subjects. You will be urged to pursue multidisciplinary work taking advantage of resources in foreign and comparative studies. The department routinely offers several courses in archaeology. In addition to ongoing excavations in Central New York, students and faculty conduct an excavation on the island of St. John in the Caribbean each summer.

Economics - This major is very popular both for traditional study and as a significant contributor to many interdisciplinary majors and minors. Economics majors can also include a course each semester from the School of Management. In addition to the traditional B.A., there is a B.S. in economics, which requires additional math and is especially appropriate if you are considering graduate study.

Geography - Geography majors study the social and natural sciences, mapping, and data analysis. The major requires study in five areas, including a core, environmental geography, location and regional analysis, population studies, and geographic information and analysis. Many students combine majors with other disciplines, including environmental management, urban and regional development, Latino-Latin American studies, policy studies, economics, political science, Russian studies, and international relations.

History - The undergraduate program, which leads to an B.A. in history, provides rigorous training in research, analysis, and writing. Because students of history learn to evaluate evidence, write well, think clearly, the history major is excellent training for almost any career, including law, business, international affairs and journalism. Whether or not your plans include further education after Syracuse, majoring in history is a practical choice. Courses here are taught by 25 faculty members whose reputation and wide-ranging interests are an exceptional resource for your work. Interdisciplinary areas include classical civilization and African-American, American, European, Latin American, Medieval and Renaissance, policy, Russian, and women’s studies.

International Relations (IR) - This is one of the most popular majors in The College. You study a geographical area such as Latin America, the former Soviet Union, Europe, Asia, or Africa; a topical area (foreign policy, for example); and choose a specialization from international political economy, international law and organizations, foreign policy, war and conflict resolution, and intercultural communications. IR requires that you acquire basic skills in a foreign language. You will participate in the University’s internships and overseas programs. IR supports semester study groups and internships in Washington, D.C.

Latino-Latin American Studies - This major is interdisciplinary, drawing on courses from political science, anthropology, geography, history, and Spanish. Courses on Latin American societies consider the cultures, resources, and histories of this diverse region. A growing body of courses explore the Latino/a experience in the United States.

Policy Studies / Public Affairs - Faculty are drawn from several disciplines to help students understand contemporary public policy issues. You study social theorists, come to understand the objectives of those seeking social change, and learn to apply social science techniques. You choose one of four topical specializations: society and the legal system; government and business; health, education, and human services; or environment. Community service is a requirement for the major, and you complete an internship.

Political Science - This is one of The College’s larger departments. Besides political science, you find numerous interdisciplinary curricula, including political philosophy, international relations, world policy, international development, European studies, South Asian studies, American studies, Latino/Latin American studies, nonviolent conflict and change, African American studies, Russian studies, and women’s studies.

Sociology - Investigate gender, race, class, and ethnicity; criminology and criminal justice; political sociology and conflict resolution; global change; life course studies; the family; labeling and devaluing processes; and individual specializations. The department emphasizes skill development in reasoning and writing, computer literacy, elementary qualitative and quantitative research, and information retrieval. You will be encouraged to sign up for a senior research project.

Alongside undergraduate offerings in the academic departments, Maxwell also offers the "MAX" courses--undergraduate cross-disciplinary courses on issues such as "Global Community" and "Critical Issues for the United States." For more information, contact Nancy Shepard.

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