The program is supported by the following departments: Geography/Anthropology, Economics, Government, History, and Sociology. Students interested in pursuing an in-depth study of social science or social studies education should consult with the Social Studies Program director to develop an individual program of study and field experience. One major and one minor program in social studies education are available at the elementary level. Fifth-year programs for both elementary and secondary are also offered by the program.

Students will:

• Understand chronology and cause-and-effect relationships in U.S., world and Washington State history;
• Understand the core principles of U.S. democracy and understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship;
• Understand major developments, eras and turning points in U.S., world and Washington State history;
• Explain the spatial arrangements of people, places and environments using maps, charts and other tools;
• Use sources of information such as historical documents and artifacts to investigate and understand historic occurrences;
• Understand monetary systems, consequences of economic choices and infuence of government policies upon the economy.