Social Science: Student Opportunities
Student Organizations and Clubs
The following organizations are open to students: California College Republicans, Young Democrats, Delta Phi Epsilon (National Professional Foreign Service Fraternity), Pre-Law Society, Psi Chi (Honorary Psychology Society), Economics Club, and Psychology Club.
Washington, D.C. Program
Various special academic opportunities, including the internship program, provide for supervised fieldwork in political campaigns, mental health agencies, correctional agencies, and business and research institutions. Examples of internships open to qualified upper division students include the Washington, D.C. Program and the Sacramento Legislative Seminar.
Recommended International Studies
The Social Science Division strongly encourages students to study abroad through Pepperdine's International Programs. These programs are an excellent way to gain overseas experience and make rapid progress in fulfilling the language requirement for the major.
Minor in Nonprofit Management
Pepperdine University offers a minor in nonprofit management which affords special opportunities for involvement in various non-profit human service organizations leading to careers in youth agencies such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, YMCA, YWCA, and the Red Cross.
Pre-law Emphasis for Majors in the Social Sciences
The Social Science Division has prepared a handbook for students who plan to enter law school. This handbook gives valuable information about preparing for and gaining admission to law school. Access the online handbook or pick up a hard copy from the Social Science Division office (AC 201).
Political Science Student Research and Publications
Our students have worked with professors in Political Science to publish in a variety of places including professional peer-reviewed journals, undergraduate peer-reviewed journals, editor-reviewed journals, and edited books. Our students have also won awards for their writing.
Psychology Student Research and Conference Presentations
Our psychology students have worked with professors in their areas to publish and present their unique research in a variety of places.
Career Opportunities
A wide variety of career opportunities exists for individuals with training in the social sciences. Some of these are available to persons who have a bachelor's degree, but many others require graduate study. The Social Science Division attempts to educate students for careers at the bachelor's degree level as well as to prepare students for graduate education. Careers in the social sciences are usually found in the following areas:
- Service professions (psychology, social work, etc.)
- Education (teaching, administration, etc.)
- Law (law, corrections and enforcement, etc.)
- Government (service, diplomacy, public administration, etc.)
- Business (industrial psychology, public relations, etc.)
- Basic research (university, research foundations, governmental research, etc.)