Message from the Chair
Welcome to the IIT Department of Social Sciences website! Science is defined by its commitment to systematic observation and the systematic knowledge gained from that observation. In the social sciences, we take the principles, methods, and goals of scientific inquiry and apply them to group-level, human endeavor. Social scientists conduct basic research into fundamental processes, concepts, and interactions. We also conduct applied research where we use theories, methods and findings to consciously inform and evaluate group-level decisions and practices.
IIT's Social Sciences faculty draw from diverse backgrounds of study and life experience to inform both our basic and our applied work. We enjoy finding ways to incorporate talented and motivated undergraduates into our research and to engage undergraduates in lively and compelling classroom interactions. Our work complements much of the other research and interests found here at IIT and results in frequent collaborations with colleagues in other departments.
IIT's Department of Social Sciences offers three undergraduate degrees: 1) a Bachelor of Science in Sociology, 2) a Bachelor of Science in Political Science, and 3) an interdisciplinary Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences. The department offers minors in political science and sociology, and participates with other IIT departments in offering interdisciplinary minors in the philosophy and sociology of science; law and society; technology and human affairs; and urban affairs.
Our department offers a pair of accelerated degree programs: a B.S./J.D. program with IIT's Chicago-Kent College of Law that can be completed in six years and a B.S./M.P.A. program with IIT Stuart School of Business that can be completed in five years.
Our department is small and highly interactive. We are engaged in an exciting range of research on science, technology, and the environment; designed objects and the built environment; urban affairs; international migration; American and comparative politics; and policy analysis.
Our majors get special treatment and develop close relationships with their major advisor, instructors, and career counselor. We encourage our students to find the questions and modes of inquiry that fascinate them. We can even customize programs of study to suit an individual's interests. We work hand-in-hand to help students find the internships, externships, and jobs that will provide them with a real advantage in the post-graduate marketplace.
Our students receive the rigorous, multidisciplinary training that they need to embark on successful careers in the private, nonprofit, and public sectors. Our majors also are ideal preparation for law school and advanced degree programs in any of the social and applied sciences. These degrees are well suited for those seeking careers in management consulting, marketing, survey and design research, higher education, sustainability, urban planning, social work, and local, state, and federal government positions including the diplomatic corps. They are an excellent complement to more technical courses of study here at IIT, too, and are a good choice for students who pursue a dual degree.
For more information about the Sociology, Political Science or Social Sciences majors at IIT or the Department of Social Sciences, please contact the Admissions office. We hope to hear from you!
Thank you for your interest!
Christena Nippert-Eng, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Sociology
Chair, Department of Social Sciences
2010-2011 Chair, American Sociological Association Section on Communication and Information Technologies
