Social Science
Central's social science program encourages you to develop knowledge and skills in several disciplines. If you desire a broadly based experience in the social sciences, this major may be where you belong! A critical element of the program is recognizing relationships among the disciplines, including history, economics, political science, sociology and psychology.
A social science major gives you a solid background for many career options. Graduates have become social studies teachers, deputy sheriffs and youth leaders. The major offers you the opportunity to take courses across a number of areas, creating a customized plan of study that best suits your academic needs. It is particularly appropriate for prospective social studies teachers at the secondary level.
The Central Difference
Off-Campus Experiences
Central students can study off-campus — both internationally or domestically in the United States. These opportunities give students the chance to prepare to be global citizens, equipped to compete in the global job market. Students can check out experiences led by Central faculty or attend select academic programs across the world that provide opportunities for study, service, internships and other types of experiential learning. Options include experiences in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Central America, Ghana, England, the Scottish Highlands and more.
Studying Philosophy in France
A paper for a class taken during her first semester on campus led Kiera Dixon ’21 to a grant-funded research project in Paris.
Facilities
Central College is one of the most beautiful college campuses you'll find. A perfect mix of old and new, our buildings reflect our history and our future. Central's distinctive library is a spacious and popular haven with more than 230,000 volumes, computer stations, a multimedia collection and extensive online catalog.
Beyond Central
Putting the “Hire” in Higher Education
- Danielle Neu ’21, Legal Assistant, Rieper Law
- Joseph Roberts ’21, Social Studies Teacher, Ottumwa Community School District
- Dillon Maass ’20, High School History Teacher, Sigourney High School
- Jeremy Caracci ’18, Social Studies and At-Risk Teacher, West Des Moines Community Schools
- Joseph Flaherty ’14, Assistant Sports Information Director, Central College
Organizations
- History Club
- Sociology and Anthropology Club
- Economics Club
- Culture Club
- Phi Alpha Theta (history)
- Pi Sigma Alpha (political science)
- Mock trial
- Political Science Club
- Pre-law Club
- Psi Chi (psychology)
- Psychology Club
Graduate Placement
Majors go on to graduate school in a number of fields, studying education, sociology and more.
Internships
Social science students also gain experience through internships that prepare them for future employment or entrance into graduate school.
Courses & Faculty
The social science program offers you the opportunity to take courses in a variety of disciplines. You will select courses in areas including history, politics, economics, psychology and sociology.
Learn more about this discipline in the course catalog.
Meet the Faculty
- Anya Butt, B.A., M.S., Ph.D., Professor of Biology
- Shelby Messerschmitt-Coen, B.A., M.C., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Psychology
- Andrew Green, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Professor of Political Science
- Keith Jones, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Mark and Kay De Cook Endowed Chair in Character and Leadership Development and Professor of Psychology
- Tuan Nguyen, B.B.A., M.S., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Economics
- George Nwaogu, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Economics
- Tim Olin, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of History
- Dawn Reece, B.A., M.S., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology
- Randall Renstrom, B.S., M.A., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology
- Ashley Scolaro, B.S., M.S., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology
- Elena Vishnevskaya, B.A., M. Div., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Religion
- Shawn Wick, B.A., M.S., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology
- Jon Witt, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Professor of Sociology
- Lori Witt, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Associate Professor of History
- Keith Yanner, B.A., Ph.D., Professor of Political Science
- Jim Zaffiro, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., Professor of Political Science
Learn More
Want to find out more about Social Science at Central? Contact us to learn more about this discipline and our other strong academic programs.
Visit campus to observe classes and experience The Central Difference firsthand.
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