Social Sciences
Students and faculty in the Department of Social Sciences take the principles, methods, and goals of scientific inquiry and apply them to group-level, human endeavor.
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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. Our faculty 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 academic advisers, professors, and career counselors. 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 they will need to embark on a wide range of fulfilling careers in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Whether seeking careers in management consulting, marketing, survey and design research, higher education, sustainable development, urban planning, social work, diplomatic services, local, or state or federal government, our students benefit from the solid preparation our courses provide. Our majors also give students excellent preparation for law school and advanced degrees in many of the social and applied sciences. In addition, our degree programs complement the more technical courses of study offered at Illinois Tech, making them good choices for students wishing to pursue a dual degree.
Humans play a major role in shaping the implementation of every technical solution that is developed and applied. In our weekly Great Problems, Great Minds Seminar Series, we bring in the world's great minds to speak on the great problems facing society to discuss potential solutions and the interaction of people with potential technical solutions.
Dedicated to Public Service
Alumnus Olurotimi “Timi” Akindele (PS ’15) is applying his social sciences education in the career he is building in the federal government.
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Shaping a Future in Public Interest Law
For alumna Erin Monforti (CECD ’19), a major in social and economic development policy was the perfect match for her plans to pursue public interest law.
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GDP and the Average Worker
Jonathan Rosenberg, professor of political science, discusses the benefits and costs associated with gross domestic product.
Improving the City He Loves
As a first-generation college student at Illinois Tech, Allan Huang (CECD ’18) knew the challenges that can come with immigrating to a new country—his parents did it.
Learn MoreFeatured Faculty
The faculty of the Department of Social Sciences are experts in wide-ranging focus areas within the fields of political science, social sciences, and sociology.
Yuri Mansury
Hao Huang
Daniel Bliss
Patrick R. Ireland
Christine Meyer
Ullica Segerstrale
Jonathan Rosenberg
Matthew A. Shapiro
Joseph A. Renow
Can AI Explain Medical Mysteries?
Whether it’s on television via shows such as Grey’s Anatomy and House or in the real world, medical mysteries have long piqued our interest as a society. Imagine the plot twist if the titular...
May the Memories Be with You: Professor’s Documentary Explores Impact of Star Wars Experience
For Star Wars fans around the globe, launching into space, building your own lightsaber, enjoying a meal at the cantina, and racing droids once seemed like a far-off fantasy only attainable in a...
How Homes Should Prepare for a Green Future
As the movement away from fossil fuels and toward a greener future continues to build momentum, our buildings have become a focal point for the energy transition. The current popular strategy for...
When Cara Karter chose social and economic development policy as her major, she never imagined that she’d end up working for a tech startup. Now she is using policy and data analysis to help Americans get the support they need to apply for food stamps.
Cara Karter (EDSE ’16)
Urusla Hersh went straight into a job after high school, working full-time for two years. Then a Camras scholarship from Illinois Tech changed everything.
Ursula Hersh (Social and Economic Development Policy 3rd Year)
A passionate environmental advocate, Brian Gomez is putting his education to use for organizations working to improve Chicago and protect our planet.
Brian Gomez (CECD ’18)
A passion for East Asia shaped Gerard Jumanan’s experience as a global studies major. Now he aims to apply all he’s learned in law school.
Gerard Jumanan (Global Studies ’19)“The idea of studying a social science discipline in a technology school was really interesting to me. So far, I’ve especially learned a lot from my IPRO class. People involved in building businesses and creating revolutionary technology came to class and gave us real insight about how they are shaping the world. Those kinds of experiences showed me what real education feels like and what it can lead us to imagine and do.”
“I love the small class sizes at Illinois Tech. I always feel like my teachers have the time and willingness to support me. The Social Sciences department is full of great teachers who have supported me in developing my writing skills and have helped me succeed in my classes. I really feel like I receive individualized support and recognition for my successes and effort.”
“Illinois Tech provides a very practical approach to education that many other graduates lack. I felt well versed in problems outside my field , working with students in other disciplines, and knowing how to start and manage a project independently. My policy degree specifically contained many hard skills I did not see in my peers. Courses like IPRO (which I did four of!) provided a perfect example of the working world where members of different disciplines self-manage to achieve a project or goal.”
Contact Social Sciences
Phone
312.567.5128Department Type
AcademicOffice Location
Department of Social Sciences
Siegel Hall
3301 South Dearborn, Suite 116
Chicago, IL 60616