Department overview
Building a better understanding of people, policy and communities
Rider University’s Department of Social Sciences brings together programs that examine how people, communities, institutions and systems work. Through the study of politics and policy, criminal justice, homeland security, sociology, and social work, students learn to think critically, communicate effectively and better understand the forces that shape individual lives and society as a whole.
Our programs
Majors
Minors
Build your network
Our dedicated and driven faculty members are active researchers and practitioners who bring their passion and specialized, real-world knowledge and experience into the classroom. Rider students can find many opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research and present their work at disciplinary conferences.
Join the club
Connect with like-minded students through clubs focused on politics, public affairs, global issues, sociology, social work and civic engagement. These opportunities allow students to build community, strengthen leadership skills and engage in meaningful conversations beyond the classroom.
- Alpha Kappa Delta
- Alpha Phi Sigma
- Criminal Justice Club
- Law and Justice Society
- Political Science Club
- Social Work Collective
- Sociology Club
Put it into practice
Rider’s Department of Social Sciences students have many opportunities for hands-on Experiential Learning:
- Internships in sociology, criminal justice and related fields
- Community-based social work and civic engagement experiences
- Faculty-guided research and conference presentations
- Political internships in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Washington, D.C., and beyond
The Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics brings political speakers to campus from across the political spectrum and also hosts events such as the recent debate between New Jersey’s gubernatorial candidates. The Institute also places students in internships with political campaigns, in legislative offices, local government, law offices and more, and can provide fellowships to support students during unpaid summer internships.
Students in criminal justice and homeland security participate in internships at many federal, state and local organizations, including the FBI, CIA, the Department of Homeland Security, the NJ State Police, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, and more.
Rider’s award-winning Model United Nations (MUN) team has received Outstanding Delegation seventeen times. Students in MUN earn course credit while preparing to represent their delegation in an annual week-long conference at the United Nations in New York City.
The political science faculty also offer multiple teach-ins every semester, in which faculty members offer expert analysis of current events in politics. Students also lead teach-ins about their experiences outside the classroom, including Model UN.