ONU School of Social Science and Human Interaction

I’ve experienced self discovery. My future goals and dreams are going to become reality thanks to the guidance of my professors."

Madison Carpenter, political science and philosophy major

Choose your Field of Study

The School of Social Sciences and Human Interaction in the Getty College of Arts & Sciences offers several major and minor programs.

student working in the WONB studio recording interviews

Get ready for your career or graduate school

Here you’ll discover rigorous academics combined with meaningful outside-the-classroom experiences. You’ll learn how to think on your feet, communicate, problem-solve and work on a team. You’ll have the flexibility to double major or add one or more minors to your degree to expand your future options.

Do more. The opportunities are waiting for you.

The only way to prepare for the reality of your future career is to experience it. Through real world experiences, you’ll encounter diverse people, cultures and ideas. And you’ll put the theories you learn in class into practice while building an outstanding resume.

Join our award-winning Mock Trial team

students participating at the mock trial tournament

Take a class with incarcerated individuals through our Inside-Out Prison Exchange program

student listens to an inmate during the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program

Report, write and produce news for ONU3-TV, WONB (ONU radio) or The Northern Review.

Assist professors with research projects and attend professional conferences

Live, study and intern in Washington, D.C., through our collaboration with the Washington Center

ONU students standing in front of the Washington monument

Conduct public opinion polling with Northern Poll or Great Lakes Poll

students added local polls in order to encourage off-campus students to vote.

Students in the School of Social Sciences and Human Interaction can study abroad for a semester or for the summer and still graduate on time.
If law school is your ultimate goal, our 3+3 program enables you to complete your bachelor’s degree and juris doctorate degree in just six years instead of seven. You not only save on tuition costs, you enter the workforce earlier. These majors in the School of Social Sciences and Human Interaction can participate in this program: criminal justice; political science; and sociology. Learn more
Sociology majors can complete a master’s degree in social work in just five years through our collaborative program with Case Western Reserve University. Learn more.
ICAPP gives ONU students and faculty a voice in the national conversation. Non-partisan and education-based, it promotes good citizenship through education and information. ICAPP is concerned with any issue impacting citizens in the Midwest. Through activities like opinion polling, public policy papers and more, ICAPP promotes civic literacy and an informed understanding of public policy. Learn more.

Follow Your Passion

Our graduates find challenge and purpose in their careers. They are rising to leadership roles and making a difference in their communities.

Forensic scientist Holly Kramer processes DNA samples to generate and analyze DNA profiles in the national database, and she verifies database matches for the Kansas Bureau of Investigation in Topeka.

“I love that I get to perform a public service every day. It’s so fulfilling to know that your daily work is helping your community become a safer place to live.”
Managing editor at U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C., Adam drives the integrated online editorial and audience strategy, manages the editorial staff, and writes and edits content on U.S. foreign policy and peace building.

“I enjoy working with USIP’s experts to help the American public better understand the most pressing peace and security challenges.”
Probation officer for the United States District Court, Eastern District of Michigan in Detroit, Kody supervises offenders convicted of federal crimes and investigates offenses ranging from major drug crimes to firearm offenses, white collar crime to terrorism, working with officers and agents from the FBI, ATF, DEA and U.S. Marshals Service.

“I enjoy contributing to an agency that is so much bigger than myself, and I take pride in being a federal law enforcement officer.”
Rachael is a compliance specialist for PNC Bank in Cleveland and a licensed attorney in Ohio who works on issues related to the Bank Secrecy Act and anti-money laundering compliance.

“I love that my days are never the same, and I am continually meeting new people with different backgrounds, careers and experiences.”
An interpretive and education ranger at Yellowstone National Park, Margo provides programming for public and school groups and roves the park interacting with guests.

“I love connecting people from around the world with the natural world, and I especially love being able to see incredible wildlife, thermal features and mountainous views along the way!”
Megan is the administrator of a 193-unit independent living apartment complex in Beachwood, Ohio, where she manages daily operations and supports the needs of over 200 older adults.

“I love facing new opportunities and challenges every day because working with people ensures that no two days are alike.”