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Department of Social Sciences and Education Academics

The Department of Social Sciences and Education offers associate and bachelor's degree programs that combine academic excellence with hands-on learning. Whether your interests lie in education, criminal justice, health, psychology, human services, or leadership, our programs provide the knowledge, practical experience, and career-ready skills needed to succeed in today's workforce and beyond.

Majors in Education

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Prekindergarten Education, A.A.S.

Turn your passion for working with young children into a rewarding career with our online Associate of Applied Science in Prekindergarten Education. Designed for working professionals and aspiring educators alike, this flexible program combines foundational coursework with practical, real-world learning to prepare you for careers in early childhood education. Develop the knowledge and skills needed to support children's growth, learning, and development while building a strong foundation for career advancement or continued study.

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Regional Primary Education Cohort

Prepare to become a licensed PK–5 educator through our Regional Primary Education Cohort. This selective program combines rigorous coursework, hands-on field experiences, and close faculty mentorship to prepare future teachers for success in today's classrooms. Offered at the Hamilton campus in partnership with Miami University's Department of Teaching, Curriculum, and Educational Inquiry, the cohort provides a supportive, career-focused pathway to a rewarding profession in elementary education.
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Oxford Relocation for Education Majors

Start your degree at Miami University Regionals and take advantage of flexible scheduling, personalized support, and affordable tuition. Students complete the first half of their program at the Hamilton campus before seamlessly transitioning to Miami's Oxford campus to finish their bachelor's degree. This pathway offers a cost-effective and convenient route to earning a Miami degree while benefiting from the strengths of both campuses.

Majors in Social Science

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Psychological Science

Discover the science behind human behavior in the Bachelor of Arts in Psychological Science. Through hands-on research, data analysis, and applied learning experiences, students develop a deeper understanding of how people think, learn, and interact.

This versatile degree prepares graduates for careers in child development, human resources, market research, project evaluation, department management, counseling, mental health, and substance abuse services. Students also build strong skills in critical thinking, communication, research methods, and problem-solving, creating a solid foundation for graduate study and a wide range of professional opportunities. Available fully online or through a combination of online and in-person courses at our Hamilton campus.

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Combined Program: BA Psychological Science and Master's of Social Work

Accelerate your path to an advanced degree through this streamlined combined program. Students earning a B.A. in Psychological Science can seamlessly transition into a Master of Social Work (MSW) program and, through careful academic planning, complete their graduate degree in as little as one additional year. This pathway allows students to save time, reduce costs, and prepare for leadership roles in social services, mental health, community organizations, and related fields.
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Majors in Criminal Justice

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Criminal Justice, A.A.S

Launch your career in the justice system with the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice. This two-year degree provides students with the practical knowledge, critical thinking skills, and professional preparation needed for entry-level careers in law enforcement, courts, corrections, security, and related fields. Through a blend of classroom learning and real-world applications, graduates are prepared to enter the workforce or continue their education toward a bachelor's degree. Available fully online or through a combination of online and in-person courses at our Hamilton campus.

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Criminal Justice, B.S.

Develop a comprehensive understanding of the American justice system through the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program, which is available online and in person. Students explore the structure, operations, and challenges of courts, law enforcement agencies, corrections, and related institutions while building skills in critical thinking, communication, leadership, and problem-solving.

A hallmark of the program is the required field experience, which provides valuable hands-on learning and professional connections in real-world justice settings. Graduates are prepared for careers in federal, state, and local law enforcement, corrections, public service, private security, and a wide range of justice-related professions, as well as graduate and professional study. Available fully online or through a combination of online and in-person courses at our Hamilton campus.

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Double Major in Criminal Justice and Social Work

This interdisciplinary double major combines the study of criminal justice and social work to prepare students for careers at the intersection of justice, advocacy, and community support. Students develop the knowledge and skills needed to pursue social work licensure while gaining expertise in the legal and justice systems. Graduates are well prepared for careers in courts, legal services agencies, community corrections, rehabilitation programs, social service organizations, and offender diversion initiatives, as well as advanced graduate study.

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Credit for Prior Learning and Assessment Opportunity

Have you gained college-level knowledge through work, military service, professional training, certifications, or life experiences? Through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), Miami University may award credit for learning acquired outside the classroom.

Explore PLA Opportunities in Criminal Justice

Declare your Social Sciences and Education Major

Choose one of the options to start on your pathway to success!

Current Miami Regionals Student

Reach out to the Office of Academic Advising for support in pursuing your educational goals in Social Sciences and Education.
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Learning Outcomes

Criminal Justice, B.S.

Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice will be able to:

  1. Evidence application and synthesis of core concepts within criminal justice;
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of genre and disciplinary conventions and sources and evidence via written communication; and
  3. Demonstrate an increased knowledge of core concepts in criminal justice.

Criminal Justice, A.A.S.

Students who successfully complete the Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice will be able to:

  1. Describe, compare and contrast core concepts within the criminal justice system;
  2. Evidence an understanding of context, audience and content development via written communication; and
  3. Demonstrate an increased knowledge of core concepts in criminal justice.

Prekindergarten Education, A.A.S.

  1. Use knowledge of academic disciplines to design, implement, and evaluate experiences that promote positive development and learning for each and every young child. Candidates understand the importance of developmental domains and academic (or content) disciplines in early childhood curriculum
  2. Know the essential concepts, inquiry tools, and structure of content areas, including academic subjects, and identify resources to deepen understanding
  3. Use knowledge and other resources to design, implement, and evaluate meaningful, challenging curriculum that promotes comprehensive developmental and learning outcomes for every young child
  4. Identify and conduct themselves as members of the early childhood profession by knowing and using ethical guidelines and other professional standards related to early childhood practice
  5. Demonstrate knowledgeable, reflective and critical perspectives on their work, making informed decisions that integrate knowledge from a variety of sources
  6. Use a child development knowledge base, and demonstrate understanding of young children’s characteristics and needs, and of multiple interacting influences on children’s development and learning, to create environments that are healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for each child.

Psychological Science, B.A.

The Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) for the Psychological Science (PSS) major are aligned with the American Psychological Association’s (APA) 2013 Guidelines for the Undergraduate Major to include one content-based goal and four skill-based goals:

  1. Knowledge Base in Psychology: Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology
  2. Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking: Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena
  3. Ethical & Social Responsibility in a Diverse World: Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice Social Responsibility in a Diverse World: Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice
  4. Communication: Demonstrate effective writing for different purposes
  5. Professional Development: Apply psychological content and skills to career goals