History (Social Science)

Faculty:
Wells-Lewis - Chair, Bever, Fischer, Shriver, and Wagner
Webster Hall 241 • 417-625-9565

Mission

Preparing students for dynamic leadership and responsible citizenship is the mission of the Department of Social Sciences. The department provides students with the opportunity to cultivate critical thinking, communication and technological skills that will continue to be of value in the complex world of the 21st century. The faculty offers substantive instruction and intellectual challenge within the Social Sciences. The department emphasizes opportunities to engage in the international world in support of the University’s international mission. Finally, the Department of Social Sciences builds bridges to the local community through academic internships, public events, partnerships with local institutions and sponsorship of academic programs and events for students and teachers at local schools.

The Bachelor of Science in History prepares students for careers in public history such as museum curation, historic preservation, and archival management. This degree also prepares students for graduate programs in Public History, Museum Studies, and Library Science.

The Bachelor of Arts in History is recommended for students who are planning to enter law school or a graduate program in History. Both degrees prepare students for careers in business, government, and the non-profit sector.

The Bachelor of Science in Education with a major in Social Studies-History certifies a student to enter professional teaching at the secondary level.

Certificate programs are available in Public History, Latin American Studies, and Women’s and Gender Studies. Minors are available in History and American Studies.

Certain History courses meet different areas of the General Education/Core 42 requirements:

HIST 0110 or HIST 0120 are options in area 1B Civic Engagement.
HIST 0130 and HIST 0140 are options in area 5A Humanities and area 5C Global Competencies (course applies in one area only, 2 different prefixes for area 5A)
HIST 0150 and HIST 0160 are options in area 5C Global Competencies.
HIST 0180 is an option in area 1A Social & Behavioral Sciences and area 5C Global Competencies (course applies in one area only).

HIST 0130 or HIST 0140 is a prerequisite for all Upper Division European courses. HIST 0150 is a prerequisite for all Upper Division Asian History courses. HIST 0160 is a prerequisite for all Upper Division Latin American History courses.

Student Organizations

The History Club is open to all students who are interested in history. The club provides an informal setting for students to pursue their interests in history and sponsors a wide variety of activities each semester.

Pi Alpha Theta is the National Honor Society in history. Pi Alpha Theta recognizes academic excellence in the field and encourages its members to participate in the activities of its national organization. Locally, Pi Alpha Theta members share many activities with the History Club.

For additional information contact:
Dr. Ree Wells-Lewis • Webster Hall 245
417-625-9565 • wells-r@mssu.edu

Programs

Major Programs (Undergraduate)

Certificates (Undergraduate)

Minors (Undergraduate)

Teacher Education Programs

History Education Major, Grades 9-12, BSE

Courses

History