Social and Data Science Composite Degree Options:
Students have a choice of two composite degrees in Social Science. The Social and Data Science BA is a Bachelor of Arts with a focus on two areas in the social sciences. The Social Science BSEd prepares candidates for secondary (7-12) teaching in social studies (History, Economics, Geography, Political Science). Education Candidates should also consider the History BSEd options. Both History and Social Science BSEd degrees are advised by the History faculty.
Social and Data Science BA Program Mission
Professionally train students in a modern and dynamic environment with the net aim of enhancing their capabilities to be successful.
Social and Data Science Program Goals and Outcomes
Student Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
| Student Learning Goals |
Student Learning Outcomes |
| SLG 1: Graduates apply the areas of knowledge and the unique methods and approaches of history, political science, sociology, economics, philosophy, and geography. |
SLO 1: Students will model their understandings of these disciplines in writing and projects unique to the social science major. |
| SLG 2: Graduates possess an expansive knowledge base of the social scientific theorization on culture and its relevance at local, national, and global levels. |
SLO 2: Students will integrate cultural understandings into their papers and projects |
| SLG 3: Graduates use historical methods to answer research questions about both the past and present. |
SLO 3: Students will complete a history research project requiring the use of archival research or other historical methods. |
| SLG 4: Graduates understand political power and the main theoretical approaches used by political scientists. |
SLO 4: Students will demonstrate content recall and modification through tests, assignments, and research projects in the political science curriculum. |
| SLG 5: Graduates appraise individual development and identity as well as the interactions of individuals, groups, and institutions. |
SLO 5: Students will compare and contrast critical and analytical frameworks regarding identity formation and organizations in political science and sociology. |
| SLG 6: Graduates effectively use tools of economic analysis, in particular how people organize for production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. |
SLO 6: Students will apply appropriate economic methods in their economics coursework, and specifically be able to model market behavior at micro- and macro-levels. |
| SLG 7: Graduates will apply the approaches of geographic concepts and tools, physical and human landscapes, and the interaction of people, places, and environments. |
SLO 7: Students will use tools of geographic analysis in their geography coursework. |
| SLG 8: Graduates employ advanced critical and analytical thinking and writing skills, including the ability to present and support and argumentative thesis. |
SLO 8: Students will complete a senior capstone project incorporating multiple perspectives in the social sciences to answering a research question and arguing their position. |
Social Science Education Program Mission
Provide students with the knowledge, skills, tools, and training required to function as qualified, professional teachers able to expertly impart knowledge and guide their charges with the objective of preparing a better citizen.
Social Science Education Program Goals and Outcomes
Student Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
| Student Learning Goals |
Student Learning Outcomes |
| SLG 1: Meet North Dakota ESPB Social Studies teaching standards. |
SLO 1: Demonstrate a broad base of coursework and knowledge in social studies including history and at least two of the following three core areas: political science and civics, economics, and geography.
SLO 2: Demonstrate study of the structures, key concepts, methodology, and generalizations that connect the various social studies, including the examination of professional standards and expectations for P‐12 education.
SLO 3: Demonstrate the study of multi‐cultural, cross‐cultural, diversity, global issues, and multiple perspectives.
SLO 4: Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship of the past to the present, particularly when addressing controversial issues.
SLO 5: Demonstrate an understanding of current trends in social studies with an examination of various teaching methods and techniques.
SLO 6: Demonstrate the use of current, appropriate instructional technology. |
| SLG 2: Craft analytical and persuasive writing. |
SLO 7: Demonstrate advanced critical and analytical thinking and writing skills, including the ability to present and support an argumentative thesis. |
Additional Program/Degree/Graduation Requirements
Admission to Teacher Education
- Social Science BSEd majors must successfully complete the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) before applying to the Teacher Education Program. For more information on PPST requirements go to MinotStateU.edu/history/.
- 2.5 GPA required in major for admission to Teacher Education
Social Science Portfolio
- Completion of social science portfolio required for graduation. For more information on portfolio requirements go to MinotStateU.edu/sse/.
Graduation Requirements
- Social Science BSEd majors must take the appropriate PRAXIS II content area exam and the PLT exam. Their official scores must be reported to the university before graduation. (Graduation requirements do not mandate specific scores on these exams, but the North Dakota Teacher licensure requirements do. These include successful PRAXIS II content area and PLT exams. For more information go to MinotStateU.edu/history/teacher_ed.shtml)
- 2.5 GPA required in major for graduation.
