The Social Sciences Department at Mississippi Valley State University emphasizes and promotes excellence in teaching and learning. The department houses the following programs: History, Political Science, Public Administration, Social Science Education, Sociology, and a Graduate Program in Rural Public Policy and Planning. We pride ourselves on being a community of scholars who make a difference in students' lives.
Whatever the students' academic discipline, our faculty apply social science theories and research to real-world concerns. We engage in research, not only for academic publication, but also for public education. As a department we realize that research and action are fundamental to educating a new generation of scholars.
We endeavor to provide competent, supporting faculty and to offer relevant curricula that will assist in preparing students to enter and thrive in an ever-changing global environment. More specifically, our department strives to:
- Prepare students for entry-level positions in either the public, private, or non-profit sector;
- Prepare students for course work at the graduate level;
- Help students devlop the ability to think critically and reason logically;
- Assist students in achieving personal and career goals;
- Prepare students for responsible roles in society.
Students major in the Social Science because they want to change the world. We provide the skills so they can.
Accreditations
The Department of Social Sciences is a part of University-wide accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, the National Council for Social Studies, and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Affiliations
- National Association of Schools of Public Policy and Administration
- The National Council for Social Studies
- The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education
GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC SERVICE
- Attorney/Legal Assistant
- City/Town/County Manager
- Congressional Staff Member
- Finance Officer
- Court Administrator
- Police/Fire Department Administrator
- Rural/Urban State Policy Planner
- Social Security Claims Examiner
- Medicaide Fraud Investigator
EDUCATION AND RESEARCH
- Grant Coordinator
- Equal Opportunity
- Researchers
- School Finance Administrator
- Manager of College Relations
- Public Opinion Analyst
- Higher Education Administrator
- Program Review Analyst
NOT-FOR-PROFIT
- Nursing Home Administrator
- Environmental Activist
- Consumer Credit Counselor
- Accessibility Advocate
- Fund Raiser
- Recreation Center Director
- Co-op Manager
- Community Organizer
BUSINESS
- Human Resource Administrator
- Benefits and Staff Development Manager
- Public Affairs Officer
- Insurance Appeals Coordinator
- Newspaper Columnist/Reporter
- Customer Service Representative
- Management Consultant
Faciities
The Department of Social Science is located in the W.A. Butts Social Sciences Building. There are 20 classrooms for teaching, a seminar room, two computer centers, 19 faculty offices, and a faculty lounge. The building also has a large auditorium that is used for various activities.
In 1951, the Department of Social Sciences began offering the Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Science Teacher Education. Just as the needs of students and academic standards have changed over time, so too, have the Department ‘s degree offering and curricula. The Department presently offers five bachelor’s degree and is staffed by 14 fulltime and two adjunct faculty.
Degree Programs
The Department of Social Sciences offers the Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degree. The Department offers five majors. The major areas are: Bachelor of Science Degree in Public Administration, Bachelor of Science Degree in History, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science, Bachelor of Science Degree in Social Science Education, and Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. The Student, with the assistance of the Department’s requirement for the particular degree program chosen.
Requirements for graduation must be met under a curriculum included in a catalog published within the past five years all majors must complete at least 124 semester hours of course work. Social Science Education must complete 136 semester hours of course work. Specific requirement for each degree program are listed under course requirements.