Social Sciences | Ithaca College

Social Studies Departments:

Studying The Social Sciences:

Students explore how we come to act and believe as we do, how we relate to one another in small or large groups, how we communicate, and how we govern ourselves within our communities. Students challenge themselves, and are challenged by the faculty, to go beyond opinion and develop a sophisticated understanding of the pressing social and behavioral problems of today. Whether delving into what motivates humans in a research lab or discussing contemporary economic and politics issues, students become skilled at explaining human behavior using a variety of techniques, from statistical analysis to laboratory experiment, from surveying and interviewing to observing people living and working in communities.

What careers do students in the Social Sciences pursue?

Our alumni are analysts, community researchers, financial managers, entrepreneurs, attorneys, physicians, counselors, social workers, leaders in government, foreign officers. They work in marketing, health, education, human services, and a wide variety of fields in non-profits and industries that are making a difference in the world. Our graduates develop intellectual flexibility. They can adapt to constantly changing circumstances, and they have the confidence and imagination to envision solutions to our society's most pressing problems. They go on to become active, compassionate members of their communities and knowledgeable leaders in their fields, equipped with an invaluable understanding of the relationship between the day-to-day work they do and its impact on the larger world.

Politics / TVR major Rob Flaherty '13 served as Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Digital Strategy, and is currently Deputy Campaign Manager for President Biden. Although he initially wanted to work in television radio, his interests shifted early in his studies after watching "The West Wing," which led him to also pursue a degree in poltiics. While at IC, he worked as communications director for Myrick for Ithaca, helping a then 24-year-old Svante Myrick become the city of Ithaca’s youngest mayor and first mayor of color. He also worked as communications coordinator for New York State Assembly woman Barbara Lifton. These experiences cemented his desire to work in politics. "I think we're living in a moment that calls out for Ithaca College graduates. I think the special sauce at IC is how you go out and do stuff, while learning how to think about it critically.”

Allaire Tetrault '20, who earned a BA in Sociology and a minor in Womens, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is an Expansion Associate at The Seed Foundation, a national nonprofit that partners with urban communities to provide innovative educational opportunities that prepare underserved students for success in college and beyond. After graduating, she found The Seed Foundation through her service year at Public Allies, an AmeriCorps program, and has since helped to managing a portfolio of strategic projects and initiatives to enhance the organization’s operations, including providing support and coordinating around the creation of the 4th college-prep boarding SEED school in South Los Angeles, CA, for resilient youth.

TJ Costello, who graduated from Ithaca College with honors, earning a BS in Applied Economics, is a senior economist in the Data Analysis section at the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. TJ’s focus is on economic analysis and data analytics as well as being the subject matter expert on transportation and economic development issues. Previously, he oversaw special projects for the Comptroller including the Major Events Trust Fund (METF) and the Endangered Species Research Project. Prior to his state service, TJ worked as director of economic development at the Greater Austin San Antonio Corridor Council; a consultant on economic growth initiatives and small business development in Austin; Assistant City Manager for Hillsboro, TX and as national coordinator for the American Arbitration Association in New York City (overseeing outreach efforts for the Association's 37 regions).