BA in Social Science

History and Social Science students at Siena Heights experience a variety of classroom and extracurricular learning opportunities. Class size is typically 15-20 students, enabling students to develop effective discussion skills. Students learn from video and web-based presentations as well as instructor lectures, classroom activities, and other learning adventures.

The study of History and the Social Sciences is the study of people and ideas, of events shaped by them and shaping them, and of concurrent conflicts and movements. These two majors are interchangeable, with History using tools from the Social Sciences to examine and interpret the meaning and significance of events, ideas, and movements, and Social Sciences using Historical Cases for political, economic, or geographic analysis in Political Science, Economics, or Geography courses.

The study of History and the Social Sciences is also a way of learning how to see issues from different points of view, how to evaluate situations, and solve problems from the past and in the present. History is both stories and their analysis to better explain our past and present. Social Studies Education students choose classes from both History and the Social Sciences along with classes from the Education program.

Fast Fact

History and Social Science are research-based studies using transferable skills for living and working and building the future. To complete either a History or Social Science major, students present a senior research project demonstrating both research and content proficiency.

Program Distinctions

• An interdisciplinary approach to the study of history, social studies, and social science;
• Diachronic and thematic teaching approaches by professors with a wide breadth of knowledge;
• Faculty mentors who work closely with students to reach their career goals.

Clubs And Organizations

Mu Lambda is the History/Social Science/Social Studies Education local Honor Society which recognizes both academic accomplishment and significant involvement in a wide range of community endeavors. Students who meet honors criteria can be nominated to pledge membership status upon completion of 24 semester hours of SHU coursework. Full membership status is reserved for graduating seniors who meet the criteria.

The Teacher Education Association for Community Help (T.E.A.C.H.) is an organization dedicated to reaching out and helping learners of the community who are in need, by providing supplies, support, and resources to enhance their education.

Siena Heights University is a Catholic university founded in 1919 and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. Enrolling a diverse community of traditional-age and working adult students, Siena Heights is a coeducational institution accredited by the Higher Learning Commission that was founded in the liberal arts tradition, offering associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The University is headquartered in Adrian, Mich., with degree completion centers in Dearborn, Southfield, Benton Harbor, Monroe, Battle Creek, Kalamazoo, Lansing, Jackson, and Online.

Mission

The name Siena honors St. Catherine of Siena, a 14th-century Italian Dominican who dedicated her life to a quest for truth and social responsibility. Similarly, the mission of the institution – to help students become more competent, purposeful, and ethical – grows out of the philosophy of Siena.

Throughout its history, Siena Heights has built a proud tradition of innovative responses to challenging social needs. Originally a college for women who intended to become teachers, Siena broadened its offerings over the years and by the 1950s was recognized as one of the nation’s 10 best liberal arts colleges for women.

The mission of Siena Heights University, a Catholic University founded and sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters, is to assist people to become more competent, purposeful, and ethical through a teaching and learning environment which respects the dignity of all.

Accreditation

Higher Learning Commission

In addition to the accreditation of Siena Heights University by the Higher Learning Commission, the following academic programs are accredited by their professional organizations:

• BFA and BA Programs in Art are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD).
• BSW in Social Work is accredited by the Council for Social Work Education’s Commission on Accreditation (CSWE).
• The Division of Education at Siena Heights University is granted Accreditation at the initial-licensure level by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
• The baccalaureate degree programs in nursing at Siena Heights University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791.
• The master’s degree program in nursing at Siena Heights University is pursuing initial accreditation by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), 655 K Street NW, Suite 750, Washington, DC 20001, 202-887-6791. Applying for accreditation does not guarantee that accreditation will be granted.

Siena Heights holds membership in the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, the Michigan Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Michigan, the Michigan Colleges Foundation (MCF), the Council of Independent Colleges, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics, the Council for Opportunity in Education, the Association of Governing Boards, the National Association of College and University Business Officers, and several athletic conferences, including the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference.

The University is authorized to prepare students for teacher certification in Michigan and other states. Upon request, students may review University accreditation at the office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, Sacred Heart Hall, Room 202, on the Adrian campus.