Social Science Interdisciplinary

203 Clemens Hall
North Campus
Buffalo, NY 14260-4670

716-645-2247
https://arts-sciences.buffalo.edu/social-sciences-interdisciplinary.html

Kim VanDerLinden, PhD
Director

Social Science Interdisciplinary Overview

The social sciences refer to a broad group of academic disciplines that focus on the individual, social, and cultural elements of human experience, the structure and function of societies and institutions, and the relationships among people and groups. Researchers in the social sciences draw on a diverse set of theories, methodologies, and modes of analysis to tackle complex problems in our world. The Social Sciences Interdisciplinary program integrates the strengths of numerous departments across UB, including anthropology, economics, geography, history, linguistics, political science, psychology, and sociology to offer students a unique undergraduate curriculum based on critical thinking and real-world application. The Social Science Interdisciplinary Program offers several different BA degree options including Cognitive Science, Health and Human Services, Legal Studies, Urban and Public Policy Studies and International Studies. There are also opportunities to minor in Health and Human Services, Nonprofit Leadership and Strategic Media Messaging.

The Cognitive Science BA is designed for students interested in using an interdisciplinary approach to understand how the mind works as manifested in organisms and machines, modeled through computational processes, and investigated biologically. Students explore questions such as: How do we acquire knowledge and exhibit creativity? What constitutes intelligent behavior in human and non-human entities? The curriculum affords students a great deal of flexibility and choice as it incorporates courses in psychology, linguistics, philosophy, computer science, anthropology, and neuroscience.

The Health and Human Services BA has three different concentration options: Child and Family Studies, Community Mental Health and Social Gerontology. Each concentration examines the systems delivering human services to individuals and communities in need, social problems, and the professions and professionals providing services. The curriculum incorporates introductory social science, statistics and research methods, human biology, ethics and specialized courses developed for each concentration. Child and Family Studies is designed for students with an interest in child development, the social and educational institutions that influence children and families, and the treatments and interventions associated with childhood issues. Community Mental Health is designed for students with an interest in the mental health field and examining the personal and social factors that affect mental health and wellness. Throughout their course of study, students explore numerous topics including personality development, addiction, family structures, access to care, diversity, and counseling theories and practices. Social Gerontology is designed for students with an interest in the aging process and health care issues as they pertain to older adults. Students explore the physical, social and psychological impacts of aging by focusing on issues and conditions that impact the elderly.

The Legal Studies BA is designed for students who have an interest in the philosophical, historical, social, and political underpinnings of the law and U.S. legal systems, as well as how the law is applied in various contexts. Students develop their writing and analytical skills throughout their coursework, and have an opportunity to complete an internship for academic credit. The Legal Studies major may be attractive to students who plan to attend law school, as well as those who wish to pursue careers in law enforcement, public administration, or nonprofit work.

The International Studies BA is designed for students who want to develop a global understanding of the world today. The major is rooted in the belief that significant language competence is fundamental to international competence and that interdisciplinary study provides a deeper understanding of the world’s events. The major combines introductory surveys of world history and international politics with a focused understanding of a particular geographic region: Europe, Latin America, Asia or Africa and the Middle East. Students may study the history, politics, culture and/or religion in their exploration of the chosen region.

The Urban and Public Policy Studies BA provides an opportunity for students to explore a number of important contemporary issues that influence life in the United States. Why do our neighborhoods and communities look and function the way they do? How are problems such as poverty, homelessness, segregation, gentrification, housing, crime, and inequality defined and addressed by policymakers and governments? What economic, social, political, and demographic factors explain why some cities thrive and others struggle? What role do public transportation systems play in urban development? When and why do governments decide to take action on a particular issue? How are policy decisions made? How do we evaluate the outcome of a given policy? What political dynamics shape our understanding of public issues? Students can explore such questions by taking courses in political science, sociology, economics, geography, and environmental design, offering a rich interdisciplinary perspective and broad exposure to different methodological approaches to the study of cities and policies.

Academic Advising

Students obtain academic advice and guidance from the academic advisors in the College of Arts and Sciences Student Advisement & Services office (275 Park Hall) and from faculty in their program of study. The CAS Student Advisement and Services Office assists undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences to plan their academic trajectory, develop goals and successfully complete their college careers.

Academic Advising Contact Information

College of Arts & Sciences Student Advisement & Services
275 Park Hall, North Campus
North Campus, Buffalo, NY 14260-4140
Phone: 716-645-6883
Email: cas-advisor@buffalo.edu

Programs

Majors

Combined

Minors