Course work and programs of study in the social sciences at Carthage offer students a broad understanding of the forces shaping the evolution and function of human society. Through various disciplines, the nature of social interaction in the spheres of the family and community, workplace and economy, national and international relations are explored, and the role that a liberally educated individual and citizen can play in advancing the well being of constituent groups is examined and debated.
At Carthage, the social sciences include several fields of departmental study: Business Administration, Economics, Geography, Political Science, Psychology, and Sociology. In addition to majors (and minors) in each of the above disciplines, the Division offers majors in Accounting, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Marketing, International Political Economy, and other interdisciplinary programs. The Division provides all Carthage students with a wide range of courses for meeting the Social Science distribution requirement of the general education curriculum, and structures its several majors to balance theoretical and applied study. Opportunities for field placement are integral to several programs. Throughout the curriculum, students will find courses that sharpen their analytical skills while encouraging an examination of their value precepts.
After completing the program of study as majors, Carthage graduates find themselves prepared to begin professional careers in business management, governmental agencies, secondary education, or social service organizations. A few majors, who together make up approximately one-third of all Carthage students, choose to continue immediately with their education by entering the various graduate programs in their respective disciplines or professional schools in law, management and social work.