Indiana University East will offer Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Bachelor of Science in Sociology degrees beginning this summer 2011.

Currently, students interested in majoring in political science or sociology are enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Behavioral and Social Sciences with a concentration in political science or sociology.

Joanne Passet, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, said that the B.S. in Political Science and B.S. in Sociology degrees will be more readily recognized by employers and graduate admission committees.

“Political science and sociology courses are an important aspect of several degree programs at IU East, including criminal justice. These programs will offer a truly interdisciplinary approach, bringing multiple social science and humanities perspectives into these classes,” Passet said.

Associate Professor of Political Science Paul Kriese said that by offering the additional degrees, students will have an enhanced diversity for achieving their educational goals.

“The B.S. in Political Science is a rich, full, and dynamic degree program that will give people breadth and focus from an experienced faculty,” Kriese said.
The political science degree will prepare students for professional careers in local and state government, legal professions, secondary and higher education, international areas of study and work, and other arenas requiring an understanding of government and the ability to work well with people in that context.

The B.S. in Sociology will prepare students for positions in social services, business, mental health and other areas requiring an understanding of societal processes and the ability to work with people from a wide diversity of backgrounds.

“The degree programs will contribute to the economic development and social welfare of the region by preparing citizens in east central Indiana and west central Ohio to assume a variety of professional positions in these disciplines,” Passet said.