Social Sciences Social Sciences Breadcrumb academics departments social sciences About the Department The mission of the Department of Social Sciences (SOSH) is to educate and inspire cadets through core courses and academic majors in economics and political science, interdisciplinary minors, and related cadet development activities, and to attract, develop, and employ a faculty that excels in teaching, cadet development, scholarship and outreach, to prepare cadets and faculty to serve as leaders of character who make distinguished contributions to the Army and the nation. Learn more about SOSH Majors There are three SOSH majors to choose from: American Politics, Economics, and International Affairs. Majors determine course requirements and academic timelines as well as the type of career or branch that a cadet may choose to pursue after USMA graduation. Explore American Politics Major at USMA Explore Economics Major at USMA Explore International Affairs Major at USMA Contact SOSH academic counselors Minors Minors offered by SOSH allow cadets to explore other areas of interest while still pursuing their academic major. These options allow cadets to choose a minor that either complements their major or adds another potential career path after graduation. Explore American Foundations Minor at USMA (co-sponsored with History & Law Studies) Explore Terrorism Studies Minor at USMA Research SOSH cadets, faculty, and staff participate in the pursuit of knowledge through USMA’s variety of outstanding research-oriented centers, institutes, and programs. Cadets may take part in capstone projects, offering hands-on experience in designing solutions for real-world challenges. Explore research conducted by our cadets and faculty. Explore the Combating Terrorism Center at USMA Explore the Office of Economic & Manpower Analysis at USMA Internships The department offers a variety of enrichment internship programs for cadets. Known throughout the academy as Academic Individual Advanced Development (AIAD), these opportunities are carefully selected to ensure they create excellent opportunities for cadets to practice the skills they learn in the classroom and employ their leadership skills in new and often challenging circumstances.Our SOSH-related internship programs place cadets around the developing world to work with NGOs on community development projects. Events & Activities The Department of Social Sciences hosts a variety of recurring events that bring together cadets, faculty, and distinguished guests to explore pressing issues in national security, leadership, and public policy. Class of 1971 Student Conference on U.S. Affairs (SCUSA) Class of 1952 Endowed Lecture Program Social Sciences Seminar Clubs & Programs The Department of Social Sciences offers a variety of clubs and programs to enrich cadets. USMA Graduate Scholarship Program Golden Key - International Honor Society Phi Kappa Phi - USMA Chapter Pi Sigma Alpha - Political Science Honor Society COL Heidi Demarest Department Head Associate Professor, U.S. Military Academy COL Heidi Demarest is the head of the Department of Social Sciences and an associate professor of American politics. She is a 2001 graduate of the United States Military Academy (USMA) and completed her Ph.D. in political science at Harvard University in 2011. She served as the director of the American Politics program from 2015-19 and as USMA’s Liaison Officer to the Department of the Army in the Pentagon in 2018-19. COL Demarest was the deputy Bbrigade commander of the Army’s offensive cyber brigade at Fort Meade, Maryland, from 2013-15. She served as the military assistant to the Combined Joint Task Force Political Advisor in Afghanistan and commanded a company of soldiers responsible for emplacing and maintaining the National Security Agency’s classified communications networks. She pursues research interests in defense budgeting, defense acquisition practices, bureaucratic politics, and the interaction between the Army and Congress. Read more about COL Heidi Demarest Meet the Social Sciences faculty and staff Follow Us Contact Us UPS/ FEDEX Mailing address:United States Military AcademyOfficial Mail and Distribution CenterATTN: MADN-SOC607 Cullum RoadWest Point, NY 10996-1905Phone: (845) 938-2800 Contact SOSH Prospective Staff & Faculty The Department of Social Sciences is looking for both officers and civilian faculty to teach American politics, economics, and international affairs. Join the SOSH Team Explore non-commissioned officer opportunities Explore civilian opportunities Additional Resources Combating Terrorism CenterWest Point Scholars ProgramUSMA Library