Social Science

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Admissions: 1-877-UMA-1234 ext. 3465 or (207) 621-3465
Advising Center: 1-877-UMA-1234 ext. 3149 or (207) 621-3149
Coordinator: Lorien Lake-Corral
Website: https://www.uma.edu/academics/programs/social-science/

Intro/Overview

The social science faculty of the University of Maine at Augusta are committed to the teaching and learning of the social science disciplines (anthropology, psychology, communications and sociology) in support of the Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science and selected baccalaureate and associate degree programs, through traditional and electronic instruction, at multiple campuses, centers and sites throughout the state.

Program Objectives

The Bachelor of Arts in Social Science program guides us toward a deeper understanding of people, their culture, and their environment through explorations in anthropology, psychology, sociology, political science, communications, economics, history, communications and geography. Social Science coursework provides a unique preparation for positions of leadership in the institutions that shape our society. In addition to the core Social Science degree students may choose a concentration in Psychology. Students can also choose to minor in many of the specialties offered by either College.

Learning Outcomes

The social science faculty delivering the Bachelor of Arts in Social Science degree at the University of Maine at Augusta are committed to the development and enhancement of our students’ skills, abilities, and competencies with regard to the following curriculum goals:

1. Theory

Graduating social science majors will be able to articulate and apply social science theories by:

1. Identifying conceptual elements;
2. Identifying theories’ scopes and their limitations;
3. Articulating the historical and ongoing development of social science theories;
4. Comparing, contrasting and critiquing these theories;
5. Identifying the ethical implications of these theories;
6. Employing theories in scholarship and action; and
7. Developing new theories.

2. Research

Graduating social science majors will…

1. Interpret, evaluate, and synthesize previous research findings located in scholarly literature, data tables, and typologies.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of and capability with research methods, terminology, and ethics.
3. Design and carry out research.
4. Write research products with attention to elements of academic style, including citation and data reporting guidelines.
5. Connect research activities and research projects to social and individual life outside academic contexts.

3. Practice

Graduating social science majors will…

1. Construct and apply social science knowledge, skills, and values in pursuit of a meaningful and fulfilling life.
   1. Knowledge: Ability to construct and apply concepts, theory, and research
   2. Skills: Deploy processes of observation and analysis to enable meaningful social action
   3. Values: empiricism, social justice, ethics
2. Possess the knowledge, skills, and values of civic engagement in the social sciences
3. Understand the extent to which personal troubles are community or social problems, amenable to individual-, group-, community- and society-level intervention
4. Act in service for change
5. Assess their own ethical values and the social context of problems, recognize ethical issues in a variety of settings, think about how different ethical perspectives might be applied to ethical dilemmas, and consider the ramifications of alternative actions in civil society. (adapted from LEAP VALUE rubric: https://www.aacu.org/ethical-reasoning-value-rubric)

4.Professional Identity & Development

Graduating social science majors will…

1. Articulate what “professionalism” means:
   1. to them
   2. according to professional standards of their chosen field(s)
2. Demonstrate facility with:
   1. professional standards
   2. identities and roles
   3. civic and ethical responsibilities or obligations
   4. career options
   5. potential life course paths
3. Develop an actionable 5-year plan
4. Apply what they know about social science history, theory, ethics, and research to their professional, personal, and civic lives.

5. Diversity

As they critique theory, develop their professional identity, conduct research, and act in the world, social science students will engage with diversity in human and social…

1. experiences,
2. perspectives,
3. cultures,
4. epistemologies,
5. resources, and
6. power.

Admissions Requirements (see UMA general requirements)  

Career Opportunities

A degree in Social Science from UMA qualifies graduates for important careers requiring decision making, problem solving, evaluation, research and written or oral communication. Many of our graduates advance to leading roles in government, business, education, social services and other fields. Others cap the baccalaureate degree with graduate study, yielding opportunities in law, clinical psychology, social science, counseling, social work, research, college teaching and many more.

Skills You’ll Acquire

Graduates of UMA’s Social Science program have well-developed organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills. These skills, along with the related skills listed below, have served our students well as they prepare for careers as teachers, lawyers, social workers, college administrators, and much more.

Working With People

• Understanding human development
• Acquiring knowledge of abnormal behavior
• Assessing needs/interests
• Developing sensitivity to cultural needs
• Working as a team member

Research & Analysis

• Observing details
• Seeing relationships
• Interpreting events/ideas
• Evaluating social institutions
• Learning theories

Communication

• Listening to others
• Speaking publicly
• Mediating/negotiating
• Interviewing non-judgmentally
• Writing clearly
• Conveying ideas

Organization

• Collecting and organizing data
• Observing and comparing people, data, things
• Compiling reports
• Organizing people
• Planning

Careers You Can Seek

Social Science majors develop a wide range of skills which they utilize in a variety of occupational areas. The list below showcases a sampling of occupations pursued by our Social Science majors. Some positions may require additional specific training.

Education/Research

• Market Research Interviewer
• Learning Disabled Student Consultant
• Genealogist
• Canvass Director
• College Recruiter
• Adult Education Director
• Research Analyst

Human Services

• Program Director, Big Brothers/Sisters
• Role-Playing Game Designer
• Crisis Counselor
• Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor
• Volunteer Coordinator
• Divorce Mediator
• Affirmative Action Representative
• Women’s Center Program Director
• Social Worker*

Business/Public Administration

• Camp Director
• Radio Advertising Account Executive
• Hotel Concierge
• Employment Advisor/Specialist
• Training Coordinator
• Journalist
• Travel Agent/Guide
• Policy Analyst
• Campaign Manager
• Employee Relations Specialist
• Urban/Regional Planner
• Legislator

Communication

• Lobbyist
• City Recreation Center Director
• Arbitrator*
• Peace Corps/VISTA Volunteer
• Probation Officer
• Museum Guide
• Social Media Manager

*Baccalaureate or graduate level study is generally required for these occupations.

Programs

• Social Science, BA

• Behavioral Science Minor
• Psychology Minor
• Sociology Minor

• Social Media Certificate

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