The Social Sciences and Philosophy Department offers programs of study at the undergraduate and graduate level. Included in the undergraduate program is the Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science. Students can choose to major in History and Political Science, Social Studies Education, and Pre-Law.

At the graduate level, the Social Sciences and Philosophy Department offers the Master of Arts in History.

History and Political Science

Planning Sheet: History/Political Science Majors    

Planning Sheet: Social Studies Education Majors

The baccalaureate degree in history and political science is excellent preparation for careers in government and education, for further study in graduate school or law school, and for careers in the private sector of the economy. For personal and career flexibility, students can design their degree requirements by selecting courses in American history, European history, or political science. Students may also elect to work toward a social studies secondary teaching certification.

The history and political science degree requires thirty semester hours in history and political science courses in addition to the required General Education courses. Majors are required to take the two-course sequence in World Civilization (HIST 1503, 1513). The department recommends that students take HIST 2003 (History of the United States to 1865), Hist 2013 (History of the United States since 1865). The thirty semester hours required for the history and political science degree include POLS 2003 (American Government), three additional hours of political science, and HIST 4963 (Research in History) or POLS 4963 (Research in Political Science). Eighteen of the required thirty semester hours must be on the 3000-4000 level. Students must complete 124 hours for graduation with a degree in history and political science.

Pre-Law

Planning Sheet: History and Political Science Majors

Accredited law schools have not, in general, adopted specific requirements for pre-law courses. In most cases, courses of value to those planning to study law include: history, economics, political science, philosophy, psychology, sociology, English composition, and literature, as well as courses in the natural sciences, mathematics, and accounting. A broad cultural background is of prime importance. Rather than attempt to prescribe the specific contents of courses to be taken by pre-law students, Arkansas Tech University considers the individual intellectual interests of students most important, encouraging development of the ability to read and comprehend accurately, rapidly, and thoroughly; to think logically; to analyze and weigh situations and materials; to speak and write clearly; and to develop a critical approach and mature study habits.

Master of Arts in History

Planning Sheet: M.A. in History---Thesis Option

Planning Sheet: M.A. in History---Non-Thesis Option

The Master of Arts in History is designed to provide advanced historical study for students who intend to pursue careers in teaching, law, journalism, business, government, public service, or the private sector; to provide advanced historical study for students who plan to pursue doctoral degrees; and to provide advanced historical study for students who intend to pursue careers in fields for which a mastery of historical inquiry or research will be necessary.