It's Time to find your path

Social Science program

If you’re going to study people, you first need to know people. At Aquinas, that means venturing into classrooms, community centers, and local organizations to see human behavior in action. Whether you’re leading a discussion or conducting research, these experiences help you cultivate a deep understanding of social and cultural contexts. Through this work, you’ll build a community of your own with professors who mentor you, peers who challenge you, and neighbors who teach you what it means to make a difference. By the time you graduate, you’ll be prepared to use that knowledge to strengthen your communities, advocate for justice, and step confidently into a career that impacts real lives.

 

 
 

 

Majors & Minors

Communication

  • Business Administration/Communication Dual (major)
  • Communication (major and minor)
  • Communication w/Theatre Emphasis (major)
  • Concentration in International Business Management Marketing

Education

  • Elementary Education (major)
  • Secondary Education (major)**

**  Must be combined with a content area major:  English Literature, Integrated Science, Math, Social Studies, or Speech. Content area minor is optional:  Biology, Chemistry, English, Geography, History, Math, Physics, Political Science.

  • PK-12 Spanish
  • K-12 Music Education 

Political Science

  • Political Science (major and minor)

Legal Studies

  • Legal Studies Minor

Psychology

  • Child Life (major)
  • Psychology (major) with concentrations in Counseling Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and General Psychology
  • Psychology plus Master of Arts in Counseling (4+2)
  • Development Psychology (minor)
  • Certificate in Child Advocacy Studies (CAST)

Sociology

  • Sociology (major) with concentrations in Criminal Justice, Health and Human Services, and General Sociology
  • Sociology (minor)

Women's & Gender Studies

  • Women's & Gender Studies (minor)

 

 

Explore What Aquinas Has to Offer 

Virtual Tour

Aquinas College Virtual Tour

 

Want to get a better glimpse of Aquinas College? Visit our on-campus virtual tour to discover 10 different spots Aquinas has to offer. From scenic outdoor areas to classrooms and the Moose Café, imagine yourself at AQ while exploring from anywhere!Virtual Tour
Education

Choosing Education at Aquinas College

 

At Aquinas College, you not only receive high-quality teacher preparation, but you also have the opportunity to simultaneously earn your Catechist certification. Required by most Catholic schools, this certification increases your marketability and lessens the stress on your first year of teaching. Requirements vary by diocese, so consult your diocese for details and expectations.Education At Aquinas College
Student Clubs

Student Clubs

 

At Aquinas, enhance your degree and build professional connections by joining student-led business clubs and organizations offering hands-on networking and leadership experience in the Grand Rapids community.Find your RSO

Insignis Program

The Insignis Honors Program at Aquinas College offers high-achieving students a rigorous interdisciplinary curriculum, exclusive research opportunities, and a vibrant community that fosters intellectual growth and professional success.

Model UN

Aquinas College has a long and successful history of participation in Model United Nations Conferences (MUN).  It has been our philosophy to create opportunities for the highest level of participation in, and analysis of, the United Nations for Aquinas College students. 

Study Abroad

Discover global opportunities with the ability to study abroad at Aquinas College. Offering immersive semester, summer, and short-term programs designed to broaden your perspective and enhance your academic journey.

 

Social Sciences & Education News


Alumni Spotlight: Bridget Baehl

Alumni Spotlight: Bridget Baehl

February 2, 2026

For Bridget Baehl, finding her place at Aquinas College wasn't part of the original plan, but it became the defining chapter of her journey toward a career in higher education.

 How Anna Bee Built Community at Aquinas

Finding Her Hive: How Anna Bee Built Community at Aquinas

November 4, 2025

Anna is a widely beloved member of the Aquinas community, and she is every bit as kind as she is diligent. Her story at Aquinas is one of thoughtfulness and heart, traits that run through every chapter of her story, shaping her into the person she is today.

McNair Program

McNair Program Expands Opportunities for AQ Students Like Abbey Vallance

June 16, 2025

This spring semester, Abigail Vallance graduated from Aquinas College after successfully completing the McNair Scholars Program, a federally funded TRIO Program designed to prepare eligible students for graduate studies.

Alumni Spotlight: Anna Skog

Alumni Spotlight: Anna Skog

February 5, 2025

Anna Skog ’21, who dual-majored in English Writing and Communication, has graciously shared her success story in becoming a Digital Content Producer for WOOD TV8.

Student Symposium

Student Symposium Creates a Space for Significant Contributions to Academia

December 13, 2024

Aquinas College recently held the 2024 Student Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity Symposium, a twice-annual event that showcases the quality and diversity of AQ's research.