Culture and Society

In the social science degree program, you'll explore cultures and the dynamics that make societies work.

Real World Experts

  

When you study social science at OSU-Cascades, you benefit from OSU's strength in environmental sciences and sustainability. Professor Elizabeth Marino's research looks at the challenges facing communities affected by climate change and other disasters. She was appointed by the White House as a delegate to the Second Arctic Science Ministerial, an international meeting in Berlin.

Marino was the only social scientist on the United States delegation. Her contributions focused on strategic planning for communities affected by rising sea levels.

Social Science: Community Development and Leadership Option

Students can pursue a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree in social science with an option in community development and leadership. You will investigate the social and cultural dynamics in our communities, explore how these dynamics impact the development of sustainable communities, and examine how effective community leadership impacts positive social change.

You will gain fundamental skills in communication, political science, anthropology, environmental science and where these fields intersect with the arts and sciences.

Areas of investigation include wellness, place, dwelling, food and community, migration and sense of place, sustainable communication, and community dialogue and public environments. One of the most distinctive features of this program is that most programs of its kind are graduate certificate programs; this is an undergraduate degree program.

Sample Courses

  

Environmental Sociology
Cultural Codes in Communication
Social Psychology
Communication and Cyberspace
Psychopharmacology
Sociology of Intimate Relationships
Intro to US Government & Politics
Sustainable Communities
Social Aspects of Sustainability
Peoples of the World: North America
Anthropology, Health and Environment
Environmental Law & Politics
Welfare and Social Services
Introduction to Rhetorical Theory

Careers in Social Sciences

This degree provides you with the knowledge necessary to understand and make decisions in the growing fields of community development and leadership.

Social science graduates work in:

  • Youth and Family Services
  • Public Health
  • Education
  • Regional Planning
  • Community Organizing
  • Market Research
  • Government Policy
  • Environmental Leadership