Interdisciplinary Social Sciences (ISS)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Interdisciplinary Social Science (ISS)?

The social sciences are disciplines concerned with social life and relationships among individuals. Because all human behavior is social, the subject matter of interest to social scientists varies widely and ranges from individual social experiences to political structures, policies and cultural systems. Complex modern problems often require us to use a variety of disciplinary lenses in order to enhance understanding and create cutting-edge solutions. The ISS program at USF provides an interdisciplinary integration of the social sciences and related fields for students who are interested in a broad educational experience. ISS offers a wide choice of courses, and an opportunity to design a quality program geared toward individual needs and interests.

What does it mean that ISS has been certified as a Global Pathway Program?

Global Pathway majors have significant global content and align with the goals of USF’s Quality Enhancement Plan, the Global Citizens Project. Students in Global Pathway majors are well positioned to earn the Global Citizen Award and become eligible to apply for a study abroad scholarship offered by the Global Citizens Project.

What can I do with a degree in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences?

Students who graduate with a Bachelor's degree in ISS have numerous career options. Some go on to work for social service agencies or educational institutions; others work in human resources, criminal justice, and urban planning. Others enter graduate or professional programs in one of the social sciences, education, law, social work, public administration, public health, medicine, or business. The career path for individual ISS students depends on the combination of concentrations they select. For example, one student completed concentrations of Economics and Criminology and entered a career as an Anti-Money Laundering analyst. For another student, the combination of Public Administration and Sociology was a good background for a career as a Case Worker for Department of Children and Families. Another student complete Psychology and Sociology and earned a seat in a Student Affairs graduate program.

How do I declare a major in ISS?

If you are thinking about declaring ISS as your major, please visit the ISS Major webpage or the College of Arts and Sciences' webpage for Majors.

Can I minor in ISS?

No, there is not a minor in ISS.

How can I register for a closed course or a course requiring a permit?

Students who need a permit to register for a "Majors Only" ISS class should contact the ISS advisor for a permit. Students who wish to register for a closed section of an ISS class, should contact the instructor.

Which ISS courses are part of the General Education curriculum?

For a list of courses currently approved to meet the Enhanced General Education requirements, please consult the advisor or visit the General Education Council Course Inventory.

Are internships available and are they required for the major?

Internships are available, and they will count toward the diversity requirements in the ISS major. They are not required for the major. Please contact the advisor for additional details.

How often should I see my advisor?

First year students will have an Academic Advising Hold (AA Hold) during their first year that requires students meet with their advisor once a semester. All other students are encouraged to meet with their advisor once per semester.

How can I schedule an appointment with the ISS advisor?

Please visit the CAS Advising website for more information on advising appointments.

I have a hold on my registration. What does it mean and how do I get it removed?

Students should email or schedule an appointment with their advisor if they have holds preventing registration. Please see the list of common registration holds from the Office of the Registrar.

Can another statistics course substitute for STA 2122 Social Science Statistics?

Yes, an equivalent statistics course may be used with advisor approval.

How can I become more involved in the ISS Program and the Department?

Sociology and ISS students at USF have their own club. Check it out on BullsConnect.

Do I need foreign language for ISS if I took two years of the same language in high school?

In addition to the foreign language entrance requirement, all students applying for a Bachelor of Arts degree from USF must demonstrate competency in a foreign language. To demonstrate this competency, students may take either two semesters of a beginning college-level foreign language or one semester of a higher-level course and earn a letter grade of “C” (no “S” grades) or above in the appropriate level course or demonstrate equivalent competency by passing an examination. American Sign Language courses may be used to fulfill the language requirement.

Are there courses that are offered seasonally and required for the major?

The required core courses for ISS are offered in the fall and spring terms.

May I register for ISS courses even if I haven’t declared ISS as a major?

Some courses in ISS are open to non-majors, but if ISS is your intended major, please make sure you officially declare it as your major and meet with an advisor to select your concentrations.

What is the lowest acceptable grade for ISS courses?

Only courses in which a grade of "C-" or better is earned will count toward the minimum hours, although lower grades are included in calculating the major GPA.

How many credit hours may I transfer into the ISS program from another institution?

USF requires that students take at least 50% of their credits toward graduation at USF.