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


LeAnn Secord

Alumni Spotlight: LeAnn Secord

November 22, 2024

Joining the Aquinas community means becoming a part of something lasting – a lifelong connection rooted in trust, collaboration and genuine care. LeAnn Secord embodies these values beautifully and showcases why it’s great to be a Saint!

Dr. Roger Durham and five Aquinas students presented at the Michigan Political Science Association (MIPSA) conference.

Saints at Michigan Political Science Association Conference

October 22, 2024

Dr. Roger Durham and five Aquinas students presented at the Michigan Political Science Association (MIPSA) conference.

Ingrid Vredevoogd

Alumni Spotlight: Ingrid Vredevoogd

September 9, 2024

Not every teacher gets to return to the high school where they graduated. But for Ingrid Vredevoogd, who earned her Accelerated Master in Education (AME) at AQ this past spring, returning to Grandville to teach felt like returning home.

project unite

Serving Our Community through Project Unite

August 19, 2024

Aquinas College recently hosted its annual Project Unite Event during new student orientation, bringing together incoming students for a community-engaged learning experience.

Luke in Vienna

Alumni Spotlight: Luke Overmire

August 14, 2024

In today's fast-paced job market, one degree takes the spotlight for its impressive versatility: communication. This field of study equips graduates with high-demand skills that are applicable in nearly every industry.