Social Sciences and Human Inquiry is a multi- and interdisciplinary department that houses faculty and students who bring different approaches to studying the history and contemporary state of human ideas and social and cultural institutions, structures, and organizations. We investigate a vast array of questions using social science and humanities research methodologies to gather and analyze the evidence upon which conclusions and interpretations about historical and modern human interactions are based.
BS, Criminal Justice Studies MINOR, Legal Studies MINOR, and Forensic Science MINOR
Our聽Criminal Justice Studies program聽provides a strong foundation for students interested in careers or further education in criminal justice, including law school and professional fields such as juvenile justice, probation or parole, social work, or law enforcement.
BA, BS, MINOR, AND MA (Education)
Our History program is dedicated to offering a thorough knowledge and analysis of historical events with application to current issues. Our faculty members facilitate a rich learning environment that can be tailored to a broad range of backgrounds and professional goals. Students are pushed to excel and discover connections through interactions with professors, classmates, and peers both within and beyond the classroom.
BA, BS, AND MINOR
Our Philosophy and Religion program encourages students to develop habits of the mind that lead to freedom of thought and inquiry. The emphasis on critical thinking, problem solving, and clear communication skills creates reflective thinkers who can engage with complex ideas and arguments. Through critical and empathetic analysis, students come away with a sense of intellectual independence and appreciation of interdisciplinary considerations.
BA, BS, Political Science & International Relations MINOR, and Public Administration MINOR
Our Political Science and International Relations program creates graduates who are nationally competitive for positions in graduate programs, law schools, government, and other professional positions. We seek to instill in our students a sense of personal excellence and the habits of confident, life-long learners.
BA, BS
Our Social Issue Advocacy program prepares students to pursue meaningful careers in community development, social justice, and advocacy. Students are encouraged to develop effective ethical, persuasive, and social skills that facilitate organizing groups of people and influencing decision makers about meaningful societal change.
BA, BS, ANTHROPOLOGY MINOR, AND Sociology MINOR
Our Sociology/Anthropology program offers courses that examine patterns in the way humans adapt to their physical and social environments and live together in a wide range of communities. Topics include human evolution, prehistory, contemporary studies of social and cultural institutions and problems associated with inequality
Majors
Criminal Justice Studies Major (BS)
Minors
Criminal Justice Studies Minor
Forensic Science Minor
Legal Studies Minor
History Major (BA, BS)
History Minor
Philosophy and Religion Major (BA, BS)
Philosophy and Religion Minor
Political Science and International Relations Major (BA, BS)
Political Science and International Relations Minor
Public Administration Minor
Special Programs
Pre-Law Studies
Social Issue Advocacy (BA, BS)
Sociology/Anthropology Major (BA, BS)
Anthropology Minor
Sociology Minor
Faculty members encourage students to explore their interests. The professors in this close-knit community are known for their extensive work in specialty areas and have received numerous awards in recognition of their service to students. They offer expert advice on academic issues and guide students on the next step, whether it be graduate school, professional school, or a job in government or the private sector.
Internships provide students real-world, hands-on job experience. Our programs offer internship placements with a wide variety of institutional partners from libraries and museums to state and federal government to law enforcement and conservation agencies, and many more.
Students can undertake research focused on their area of interest, independently or working closely with a faculty mentor, and present their work at regional conferences, department sponsored events, or Truman's Student Research Conference. Grants are available through the department or Truman鈥檚 Office of Student Research to support travel for both student research and its presentation.
Students wishing to develop their passions alongside other students with similar interests can get involved with department and campus groups. The Social Sciences and Human Inquiry department is home to various student groups and affiliated clubs: The Historical Society, Students for Social Change, and the Anthropology Club, among others. Department faculty advise or support many other student organizations and local chapters of national organizations including Student Government, Mock Trial, Phi Beta Kappa, and Phi Alpha Theta.
Students can travel to countries all around the world to study and earn credits that contribute to their course of study at Truman. All Social Sciences and Human Inquiry programs strongly encourage interested students to embrace the opportunity to study abroad because our flexible programs mean you don鈥檛 have to choose between studying abroad and graduating on time. Where you go and what you can study is bounded only by your imagination.
Social Sciences and Human Inquiry students can participate in a variety of experiential and service learning opportunities. Some of the most educational (and fun!) are Model United Nations, Archeology field schools, and Missouri鈥檚 Western District Court of Appeals.
We want to know what you're up to after you graduate from Truman as a Social Sciences and Human Inquiry student! Let us know where you landed, and give us feedback about our program so we can further improve our education.