Social Sciences
Welcome to the Department of Social Sciences!
Political Science
The Political Science program is designed to give the students of the bayou region a comprehensive understanding of the essential aspects of politics. We offer courses in all subfields of the discipline, with offerings in American government, political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. We give students the analytical and critical tools necessary to evaluate political events and more importantly, to become actively engaged citizens. Law school has been our most common placement and often times, our students receive scholarship offers to attend. However, a degree in political science opens a variety of career paths and we have placed students in law enforcement, journalism, graduate school, the military, business, education, and government.
Students must choose either the legal studies or international politics concentration. The legal studies concentration is designed for students who wish to pursue a career in law or American Politics. The international politics concentration focuses on global issues and is ideal for students who wish to pursue a graduate studies or careers involving diplomacy, foreign policy, and trade.
Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice program is designed to address the bayou/coastal region’s current and future needs in the area of law enforcement and security. The program emphasizes coastal and maritime issues and is custom-made for the Associate Degree transfer student to complete the four-year B.S. degree by entering studies at the junior level. Students beginning the college experience as freshmen may complete foundation courses in general education and criminal justice in preparation for the main program ahead.
Social Work
The Social Work program is a dynamic, values-driven profession dedicated to improving lives through counseling, advocacy, program development, and the pursuit of social justice. Guided by a strong code of ethics, social workers empower individuals and communities to thrive. Our graduates promote human rights, challenge injustice, and uplift communities through inclusive and transformative practice. Every BSW student completes a 460-hour field placement, applying classroom knowledge in real-world settings, working directly with individuals, families, groups, and communities. Some career fields in social work include Health Care and Mental Health, Schools and Child Welfare, Military/Veterans Support, Criminal Justice and Law, Advocacy and Case Management, and Substance Abuse and Gerontology.
Sociology
The Bachelor of Arts in Sociology is offered exclusively through the Nicholls Online Program. For additional Information, check out Nicholls Online Sociology Program.
However, traditional students can still minor in Sociology.
A minor in Sociology requires the completion of 18 semester hours to include Sociology 151, and 15 semester hours to be chosen from courses 300-level or above.
Inside Out
The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program is a International program that creates a dynamic partnership between institutions of higher learning and correctional systems. The course focuses on conversations that transform our approaches to the understanding of crime, justice, freedom, inequality and other issues of social concern. Nicholls State University is the first in Louisiana to offer the course.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT
“Nicholls State University has presented me with the opportunity to meet and work alongside a remarkable group of faculty, staff, students, and members of the community. One of the most amazing things about being a faculty member in the Department of Social Sciences is that we cater to the needs of our students, and focuses on real-world issues that are prominent in our society.”
Melinda Jackson-Jefferson, Ph.D
Criminal Justice Program Coordinator
Associate Professor of Sociology
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
List of Clubs & Honor Societies
- Pi Sigma Alpha
- Criminal Justice Club
Pi Sigma Alpha
Pi Sigma Alpha is a national political science honorary founded at the University of Texas in 1920 and the Alpha Gamma Alpha Chapter of Nicholls State University was founded more recently in 2004 for the purpose of bringing together students and faculty interested in the study of government and politics. Membership in Pi Sigma Alpha is open to all Government majors and minors who place within the top-third of their class, have a 3.5 GPA in Government courses, and have completed twelve hours in Government (at least three at the 300 level).
The website for the national organization can be found at: http://www.apsanet.org/.