Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Social Science is to educate students at the undergraduate level in the programs of Anthropology, History, Indigenous Nations and Dakota Studies, Justice Administration, Psychology, Social Work, and Sociology. Being a diverse group of disciplines, we believe that it is important to promote both theoretical and practical knowledge in our various fields. Our common focus is the study of people in terms of their individual lives, their history and culture, and the social-structures in which they live. As sciences, we believe that critical thinking and a high regard for evidence are essential for achieving progress in our fields. Finally, we believe that all of our disciplines are grounded in the liberal arts, and that the core skills of reading, thinking, speaking, and writing are the best way of developing knowledgeable and enlightened citizens for our future.

Come for a Visit

The Department of Social Science is located in the Social Science Building (SS), which is the northernmost building on campus. Our main office is on the first floor in SS 103. Within the Social Science Building are classrooms, faculty offices, conference rooms, laboratories, student lounge areas, club and activity rooms, a dance studio, and the Social Science Museum.

Please contact the Social Science Department with any questions you may have at 507-537-6224 or by email at janice.ross@smsu.edu.