Department of Social Sciences and Cultural Studies Home

The Department of Social Sciences & Cultural Studies combines four scholarly disciplines, each with its separate faculty and academic programs. The department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science, Sociology, and Criminal Justice. In addition, the department offers minors in Native American Studies, Political Science, Criminal Justice, and Sociology.

Criminal Justice

The criminal justice program at MSU Billings is designed to provide students with an understanding of the principles and practices of the criminal justice system in the United States. Students will learn about the essential components of the criminal justice system, including police, courts, and corrections. The program is especially suited for people who are planning a career with a criminal justice agency as well as those who are interested in the study of crime and criminal justice. A degree in Criminal Justice provides the background for a student to enter a variety of occupations in the criminal justice field such as law enforcement officer at the local, state or federal level, corrections officer, or probation officer. Students with a degree in criminal justice may also find employment with regulatory agencies, social service agencies, and in business. The major also prepares students to enter graduate programs in criminal justice, sociology, and public administration.

Sociology

Sociology is the study of social life and the social causes of human behavior. The sociologist's interests range from the intimate family to the hostile mob, from crime to religion, from race and social class to the shared beliefs of a common culture, from work to sports. Few fields have such a broad scope.

Political Science

Political Science is the study of politics, government, and public affairs. It provides the student with knowledge and understanding of the theory, organization, functions, and processes of domestic and international systems and institutions of politics and government, including the role of individual and group relations.

Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies is among the most innovative programs at MSU Billings. It is a completely interdisciplinary program, which requires students to take courses in a range of subjects, including ecology, environmental ethics, environmental history, geography, and other environmentally related fields.

Native American Studies

Graduates are prepared to enter the workforce in the growing field of environmental occupations in the government and private sectors or to continue their studies at the graduate level.

The Native American Studies Program has four primary goals: (1) to offer a comprehensive academic program in Native American Studies for both Native American and non-native students; (2) to provide increased awareness of and appreciation for the rich cultural heritage, knowledge, and contributions of Native Americans in the United States; (3) to contribute actively to increased multicultural awareness and appreciation at MSU Billings ; and (4) to cooperate with other MSU Billings programs in providing a supportive environment for Native American students.