Social and Behavioral Sciences, B.A.~ Degree Requirements
Total semester credits: 120
Semester credits in the major: 24
You officially begin the major by co-enrolling in SBS 300 and SBS 308. SBS 300 is a large class where you will meet all of the new SBS majors, a cohort of scholars that will graduate with you in about four semesters. You will work closely with a professor to create an Individual Learning Plan. That ILP maps out how you will achieve your career and occupational objectives using courses selected from the SBS curriculum. You will graduate from the program with a Social and Behavioral Sciences B.A., completing a minor or concentration in a traditional discipline as well. Your competence as a social or behavioral scientist will be demonstrated when you complete and formally present your Capstone Research Project. This project is your design and original research. You will present it publicly to demonstrate your cumulative learning in the Major Learning Outcomes described below [Learn more at CSUMB.EDU/capstone].
SBS MLO 1 Understanding of social and behavioral sciences theory including ~ understanding of classic and contemporary theories of society, groups, and individuals ~ability to apply and interpret integrative theoretical frameworks to explain social phenomena at local and global levels ~ ability to assess how the primary social and behavioral sciences issues (e.g. human behaviors, community social relations, socioeconomic patterns, local and global interactions, cultural and political dynamics, race, ethnicity, class, gender, and human sexuality) are influenced by geographical and historical processes
SBS MLO 2 Research methodology, information management, retrieval, and analysis competency including ~ ability to use appropriate quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods ~ ability to effectively use modern electronic technologies and statistical software to collect, manage, present, and analyze social, cultural, economic, historical, geographical, political, and psychological data ~ competence in statistical analysis, cultural resources assessment, evaluation of public economic policies and programs, geospatial data management, social needs assessment, and geographic information systems (GIS)
SBS MLO 3 Specialized disciplinary and area studies competency including ~ preparation for a smooth transition into postgraduate training in schools that may not have an interdisciplinary focus ~ solid foundation in at least one traditional discipline such as anthropology, archaeology, cultural geography, geographic information systems, social history, political economy, political science, social psychology, or sociology ~ knowledge of diverse cultures within and outside of the United States
SBS MLO 4 Application of social science principles and practices in real world contexts including ~ ability to apply knowledge of SBS theories and methods in the assessment of real-world problems ~ application of SBS technical and research skills in real-world contexts for the purpose of identifying social issues and solutions ~ demonstration of problem-solving skills pertaining to issues of immediate local and global concern or of specific relevance to diverse cultural or underrepresented populations within or beyond the California Central Coast region ~ ability to identify social and behavioral science analytical tools and applications that meet specific SBS or local/global community needs ~ demonstrated ability to identify, use, and apply such tools and applications within the guidelines and ethical standards set by the SBS disciplines and the Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects at CSUMB
Anthropology Concentration students must fulfill the learning outcomes for these courses:
Archaeology Concentration students must fulfill the learning outcomes for these courses:
Geographic Information Systems Concentration students must fulfill the learning outcomes for these courses:
Political Economy Concentration students must fulfill the learning outcomes for these courses:
Social History Concentration students must fulfill the learning outcomes for these courses:
Sociology Concentration students must fulfill the learning outcomes for these courses:
Subject Preparation for Teaching Credential in History and Social Science
The Social and Behavioral Sciences major offers a pathway into a teaching credential program for prospective high school teachers. For this pathway you should select the Social History Concentration. If you complete this state-certified curriculum, you will receive a waiver from completing the comprehensive qualifying exam (CSET) in order to be admitted to a single-subject (high school) teacher credential program after you complete your B.A.