Undergraduate Programs		Degree Options | Minors | Opportunities | Admission | FAQs

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions for Students

1. How difficult are the mathematics requirements in the Social Science programs?

It depends on the option selected. For most, you will need only a pre-calculus course and a non-calculus introduction to statistics.

2. Can I secure Michigan teaching certification in history or geography?

No and Yes. The Department does not offer a program leading to secondary school teaching certification in only history or geography. Instead, we offer the broad-based Social Studies teaching accreditation, which requires a few more hours of course work, but which certifies students to teach history, geography, government, and economics. Certification is possible, thanks to courses and activities offered by the Department of Education, which works closely with the Social Sciences faculty.

3. Why do I have to minor in mathematics, general science, or a specific science in the Social Studies Education option?

The combination of a Social Studies major teaching area and a mathematics/science minor teaching area gives our teacher education graduates a unique combination, unlikely to be matched by graduates from other institutions. Since teachers in Michigan are certified to teach in minor areas as well as major areas, the combination not only makes you stand out, but enhances your employability. Supply and demand are pretty close in Social Studies, but the nation is chronically short of science and mathematics teachers. Several of our past graduates have secured jobs primarily because of their ability to teach the social sciences and to pick up a spare section or two of science or math for school districts short of science and math teachers.

4. Do I have to major in pre-law to go to law school?

No. Law schools admit students from a wide variety of disciplines, including the Departments other degree options. The Department's pre-law program is, however, an option specifically designed to prepare students with the skills they will need in law school and law practice.

5. How difficult is it to transfer into Social Sciences from another major?

If you do it in the first year or two, not difficult at all, but a bit more difficult in the third year. Because the Department believes that its students should have the opportunity to explore other areas, many of our degree options have a relatively large number of electives. Course work taken for other majors can be used as electives, making the loss of credits in the transfer process minimum. However, the Social Studies Education option is an exception to this rule.

6. What jobs do graduates of your Department get?

This varies widely. Many of our graduates have gone on to graduate or professional schools in law, business, or one of the social science disciplines. The reason is simple--many professional careers in the social sciences tend to require an advanced degree--a Masters or a doctorate. MTU Social sciences graduates include attorneys, judges, pastors, and museum curators. Others are business managers and owners, city planners, museum curators, journalists, librarians, archivists, social workers, and research analysts. Teaching also is a very popular career option--and this career can begin with a bachelor’s degree and the teaching certificate.

7. Who do I talk to about becoming a major, or about other student issues?

Students may schedule an appointment with the department chair (bseely@mtu.edu) or with Terry Reynolds (treynold@mtu.edu) for help with any questions about registration, course selection, major requirements, admission to the department, or transferring.