History and Political Science Undergraduate Programs

The American Studies Major offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding American culture. Students explore a wide range of disciplines, including culture, economics, ethnicity, history, literature, politics, race, and religion, to trace the connections and influences shaping the American experience. This comprehensive liberal arts education equips students with diverse skills and perspectives, preparing them for success in a variety of professional fields.

The History Major offers an in-depth exploration of the places, people, populations, and processes that have shaped the past. By examining key historical figures within their own contexts, students gain a deeper understanding of the forces that have influenced societies over time. Through the study of culture, economics, politics, and religion, history majors not only acquire a firm knowledge of the past but also develop the wisdom needed to navigate and understand the complexities of the present world.

The Military and Strategic Studies Major, offered exclusively as a second major only, provides an in-depth study of strategy, history, culture, and both national and international security policy. This program equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities surrounding global security and defense strategies.

The Political Science Major studies political behavior and institutions at local, state, federal, and international levels. With a diverse selection of courses in Constitutional Law, American politics, international relations, and comparative politics, students gain a comprehensive understanding of political systems and dynamics. A degree in political science equips graduates for a wide range of careers in law, government, the private sector, and nonprofit organizations, preparing them to navigate and influence the complex political landscape.

The Public Administration Major focuses on the implementation and analysis of public policies at all levels of government. This interdisciplinary major combines courses in political science, business, and economics, equipping students with critical thinking, communication, and research skills. Graduates are prepared for a wide range of careers in both the public and private sectors.

The Social Science Major with Licensure is designed for students aiming to teach civics, history, and social science at the secondary level. The program includes courses in history, political science, geography, sociology, economics, and education, preparing students for teaching certification in grades 7-12 in Arkansas. This certification is transferable to many other states, offering flexibility for graduates.

Students who Major in Social Science without Licensure gain a deep understanding of responsible and engaged citizenship through interdisciplinary study. By mastering subjects such as economics, geography, global studies, and history, they develop a broader perspective on society and the human condition. Additionally, they acquire critical thinking skills that are highly valued by employers across various fields.

A strong liberal arts education is widely regarded by law schools as the best preparation for future success, and Harding University offers this through its Preprofessional Program in Law, directed by the Department of History and Political Science. Since law schools do not require specific undergraduate majors, students are free to pursue any field of study. Concentrating on areas such as Political Science, Public Administration, History, Accounting, or English can provide added advantages, as these disciplines emphasize critical thinking, reading comprehension, and extensive written work, all essential for success in law school. Harding’s Christian liberal arts curriculum, coupled with its array of undergraduate law classes and pre-law opportunities, offers an excellent foundation for students aspiring to legal careers. For more information, contact Dr. Steven Breezeel, the pre-law advisor, at sbreezeel@harding.edu.