Mission Statement

The department’s mission is to help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary for employment or for further graduate and professional studies. Helping you to improve research and writing skills is an important part of the department’s mission, as well as preparing graduates to think critically and analytically about historical, political, and philosophical problems. Also, the department strives to teach its disciplines in such a way as to encourage you to become engaged in past and present issues in a faith oriented environment, so that you will reflect on you values.


The department's curriculum encompasses three disciplines:

• History
• Political Science
• Philosophy

Within these principal areas students can choose from nine majors and seven minors.

The study of History is designed to develop an understanding of the varied and complex factors that have combined to produce modern society. Intelligent and responsible citizenship demands insight into the struggles and achievements of the past. Political, economic, and cultural factors, and all of humanity's accomplishments, are within the scope of historical investigation.

Political Science offers opportunities to know and understand the complex political world of the twenty-first century. Through the use of historical studies, comparative government, and the latest in computer analysis, the department provides a foundation for those graduates who wish to pursue interests in government, law, law enforcement, and other forms of public service.

Socrates said that the unexamined life is not worth living; Philosophy encourages us to live the examined life. It is the search for meaning and truth, and includes the study of the history of ideas as well as critical thinking about contemporary issues. Philosophy is an academic discipline in that it is the study of the history of thought. Philosophy is also a way of thinking, encouraging a rational and critical approach to all of our experience.

With the exception of the teaching major and to a limited extent government and public administration, majors in the department do not lead directly to professional careers. However, this should not be interpreted as meaning that history, political science, and philosophy are not helpful toward career goals. The skills learned in the department are those sought by leaders in business and government. Great emphasis is placed on research, writing, and communication -- skills needed in all facets of life.