The program is designed for those students who do not wish to major in a single discipline, but are interested in a broad education that transcends traditional department boundaries. It is useful for those students who plan to enter graduate school for an advanced degree in one of the disciplines of the program; for those students who plan to enter professional schools for a degree in law, social service, or a phase of law enforcement; or for those students who seek a broad background in preparation for employment in business, industry or a government agency. The secondary education track is particularly designed for students planning to teach social studies at the secondary school level.

A director administers the program and students majoring in Social Sciences are advised by faculty from the Departments of Economics, Geography and Environmental Planning, History, Political Science, and Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice. Policies and requirements for the majors in social sciences are established by an advisory committee composed of representatives from the various disciplines included in the program. The major offers students the choice of two social sciences programs: a social sciences major in liberal arts or a social sciences major with a track in secondary education.

The Bachelor of Arts degree may be earned in either social sciences major by adding a foreign language to the course requirements. The language requirement can be met by completing the intermediate courses of a modern foreign language or its equivalent.