Asbury University’s Department of Social Science and History brings together faculty members who pursue the study of human societies, grounded in their disciplines and Christ-centered theology, with a dedication to human dignity and flourishing.
Two disciplines long at the heart of the social science enterprise are political science and sociology. Through theoretically informed, empirically-based study of political and social systems (respectively), these disciplines help students understand how human societies have functioned across time and place, with particular emphasis on the role of individuals, families, groups, nation-states, regimes, ideologies, and cultures during the modern era.
Scholars of history, on the other hand, bring an assortment of methodological tools and perspectives onto the task of understanding and interpreting the past.
Each discipline in this department prepares students to thrive in many different professions and work settings. Students are encouraged to engage in internships, independent studies, and opportunities to study abroad.
The Social Science & History Department offers undergraduate majors in four areas:
Two full-semester options are available for Asbury students who are interested in learning more about participating in state government.
Remarkable Experiences Found Here
I learned so much about how the UN operates and heard from experts in the field. My dream job would be doing research or teaching at the university level."
As students, and as graduates, our students benefit from experiences only available in a school like Asbury — with close connections, an outstanding reputation, broad global network and faculty who are experts.
Our students thrive in internships, graduate study, and careers. Here is where just a few of our students and recent graduates can be found:
All of our classes are taught by professors with Ph.D.s from top-tier universities, not by teaching assistants.
A: Yes! You’ll graduate with more than a major. Many of our grads go into fields related to their major, but an Asbury Social Science & History education prepares you for a wide range of opportunities, even ones you haven’t considered yet. You’ll build real skills that matter: critical thinking, strong communication, teamwork, and problem-solving to suit needs of employers in any industries.
A: Your Social Science & History professors are experts in their fields with Ph.D.s from schools like the University of Chicago, Notre Dame, Boston University, and the University of Kentucky. They’ve published books and articles, led research, and bring big ideas into everyday conversation. Most important, they’re here to support you, challenge you, and help you grow.
A: You’ll take what you’re learning in the classroom and experience it in real-world settings. You might travel to Washington for the Federal Seminar, study abroad in places like France, England, Spain, Uganda, or Japan, or land an internship with a nonprofit or government office in Kentucky or beyond.
A: Yes, our programs are designed to let you explore because we believe your education should align with your goals and interests! With fewer required credits, you have space to take electives, study off campus, complete internships, or even add a second major or minor. You can do all of this while staying on track to graduate in four years.
A: Law schools look for students who know how to think deeply and write clearly. Every degree in our department builds those strengths. Plus, you can also add our Pre-Law minor to any major. We’ve had many students go on to law school and succeed, and we’ll help you chart that path if it’s where you want to go.