Behavioral and Social Sciences

The Behavioral and Social Sciences Exploratory Track is ideal for students who have an interest in
understanding people and how they integrate into society. Many majors in this track are majors with a strong traditional Liberal Arts focus. Excellent track for students interested in pursuing careers in the social sciences such as psychology and education or those considering studies in law.

Majors and Programs

• Anthropology (B.A or B.S.)
• Early Childhood Education (B.S.) | Has an educator licensure option
• Economics (B.A or B.S.)
• Elementary Education (B.S. Ed.) | Has an educator licensure option
• Geography (B.A or B.S.)
• History (B.A or B.S.) | Has an educator licensure option
• Human Development and Family Sciences (B.S.) | Has an educator licensure option
• Physical Education (B.S. Ed.) | Has an educator licensure option
• Nonprofit and NGO Studies (B.A. or B.S.)
• Political Science (B.A or B.S.)
• Psychology (B.A or B.S.)
• Sociology (B.A or B.S.) | Has an educator licensure option
• Special Education (B.S. Ed.) | Has an educator licensure option
• Pre-law (Note: pre-professional programs are not majors)

Required Math

• Varies by major. All students must complete the NIU Quantitative Literacy General Education Requirement. Additional math course(s) are outlined in each major.
• Students pursuing majors in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences may have the option to choose a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or a Bachelor of Science (B.S.). The B.A. requires completion of the foreign language requirement. The B.S. requires completion of the laboratory/mathematical sciences sequence.
• MATH 201 is required for most College of Education majors: Early Childhood Studies, Elementary Education and Special Education.

Introductory Classes

• Many introductory classes are available in the NIU General Education Curriculum. Students can explore these majors by enrolling in general education courses.
• College of Education majors: HIST 260, HIST 261, EPFE 201, PHIL 231, PSYC 102 and SESE 240

Special Note for Educator Licensure

Students interested in teaching specific subject areas should contact the major department of interest or the Office of Educator Licensure and Preparation for details about the respective program. Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) Test is required for those pursuing educator licensure.