Social Sciences Department

The Department of Social Sciences at Missouri Southern State University offers programs in history, sociology, social work, anthropology, political science, and related fields that connect students to the world beyond the classroom. Through interdisciplinary learning, students develop critical thinking, research, communication, and cultural awareness skills while exploring local and global social issues.

Academic Excellence and Real-World Experience

Students benefit from outstanding instruction and intellectual challenge while gaining opportunities to engage in the real world.

• Internships: Build career connections through placements with organizations like the George Washington Carver National Monument, Boys and Girls Club, Ozark Center, MSSU Archives, and more.
• Community partnerships: Faculty serve on boards including the Joplin Historic Preservation Commission, Carthage Historic Preservation, and the Sherwood/Rader Farm Civil War Park.
• Public engagement: The department sponsors Region 6 National History Day each year and supports programs for local schools, students, and teachers.

A Global Campus Experience

Missouri Southern is one of only a few universities in the nation with international education as a defining part of its mission. This unique focus comes from Missouri legislation that recognized MSSU as a statewide leader in global learning.

• Each fall, our themed semesters spotlight a country or region, bringing world issues and cultures to campus.
• The Office of International Education helps integrate global perspectives into every discipline, including the social sciences.

National Recognition

Missouri Southern’s international mission has earned distinction nationwide:

• NAFSA Internationalizing the Campus Award
• Theodore M. Hesburgh Award for Faculty Development
• Featured in Change: The Magazine of Higher Learning
• Highlighted in Internationalizing the Campus 2004: Profiles of Success