Geography

History
B.A. in History
B.A. in History with Secondary Teaching Certification
M.A. in History (Thesis Track)
M.A. in History (Non-Thesis Track)

Philosophy

Political Science
B.A. in Political Science
B.S. in Political Science with Secondary Teaching Certification
Pre-Law Program
M.A. in Political Science (Thesis Track)
M.A. in Political Science (Non-Thesis Track)

Geography
The Social Sciences Department does not currently offer either a major or minor in Geography.    Geography classes are currently offered to fulfill academic core requirements and the Geography component of the Option IV (Social Studies Composite) certification plan.

The B.A. in history is designed to provide students with the necessary academic foundation for entry and success in graduate school. It also provides students with the liberal arts foundation required for success in the business and professional world. For further information about this degree, contact  Dr. Atkinson, Dr. Guthrie or Dr. Pat Zelman.

Typical Curriculum for a B.A. in History (without certification)

University Core Curriculum
Communications                                                                                      6
     ENGL 1113, 1123                                                                               3
    COMS 1013, 1023, or 3013                                                                 3
MATH 1073 or higher                                                                              3
Lab Sciences from CHEM, BIOL, GEOL, PHYS                                     8
Visual and Performing Arts from ART, F A, MUSC, THEA                   3
Humanities: Literature course in English                                                3
Social and Behavioral Sciences                                                             18
     HIST 2013, 2023                                                                (6)
    POLS 2013, 2023                                                               ( 6)
   6 additional hours from                                                       (6)
               SOC 1013, 2013, PSY 1013, PHIL 1013, 2013
              ECO 1013, 2013, A EC 1053, ARCH 2103
             GEOG 1103, 1203, 2013, HIST 1013, 1023
Wellness: HLTH 1013                                                                             3
 

Courses Required for BA in History
 HIST 1013, 1023, 4403                                                                        9
 advanced History                                                                                 12
 LANG 1014, 1024, 2013, 2023                                                           14
 ECO 1013                                                                                            3
 

Additional Courses Required for Support Areas
 advanced History                                                                                 3
 POLS 4033,4043                                                                                  6
 advanced LANG (recommended)                                                        3
 advanced electives                                                                               15
 electives                                                                                               18
 
 

B.A. in History with Secondary Teaching Certification

There are currently three options available for students who wish to obtain a B.A. in history with secondary teaching certification:
Option I (all history)
Option II (history plus another teaching field)
Option IV (Social Studies Composite--also includes certification in Political Science, Economics, and Geography)

Students who plan to seek teacher certification must be advised by Dr. Pat Zelman.  If a student is not seeking certification, he or she may be advised by Dr. Zelman, Dr. Atkinson, or Dr. Guthrie.

Typical Curriculum for a B.A. in History with Secondary Certification (Option I)

University Core Curriculum
Communications                                                                                      6
     ENGL 1113, 1123                                                                               3
    COMS 1013, 1023, or 3013                                                                 3
MATH 1073 or higher                                                                              3
Lab Sciences from CHEM, BIOL, GEOL, PHYS                                     8
Visual and Performing Arts from ART, F A, MUSC, THEA                   3
Humanities: Literature course in English                                                3
Social and Behavioral Sciences                                                             18
     HIST 2013, 2023                                                                (6)
    POLS 2013, 2023                                                               ( 6)
   6 additional hours from                                                       (6)
               SOC 1013, 2013, PSY 1013, PHIL 1013, 2013
              ECO 1013, 2013, A EC 1053, ARCH 2103
             GEOG 1103, 1203, 2103, HIST 1013, 1023
Wellness: HLTH 1013                                                                             3
 

Courses Required for BA in History
 HIST 1013, 1023, 4403                                                                        9
 advanced History                                                                                 12
 LANG 1014, 1024, 2013, 2023                                                           14
 ECO 1013                                                                                            3
 

Option I Secondary Certification Requirements
HIST 3043                                                                                               3
EDU 3303, 3353, 4303, 4353, 4906                                                     18
PSY 3033, RDG 3513                                                                            6
POLS 4033, 4043                                                                                  6
advanced foreign language (recommended)                                         3
electives                                                                                                 6
soph ENGL                                                                                            3
 

Typical Curriculum for a B.A. in History with Secondary Certification (Option II)

University Core Curriculum
Communications                                                                                      6
     ENGL 1113, 1123                                                                               3
    COMS 1013, 1023, or 3013                                                                 3
MATH 1073 or higher                                                                              3
Lab Sciences from CHEM, BIOL, GEOL, PHYS                                     8
Visual and Performing Arts from ART, F A, MUSC, THEA                   3
Humanities: Literature course in English                                                3
Social and Behavioral Sciences                                                             18
     HIST 2013, 2023                                                                (6)
    POLS 2013, 2023                                                               ( 6)
   6 additional hours from                                                       (6)
               SOC 1013, 2013, PSY 1013, PHIL 1013, 2013
              ECO 1013, 2013, A EC 1053, ARCH 2103
             GEOG 1103, 1203, 2013 HIST 1013, 1023
Wellness: HLTH 1013                                                                             3
 

Courses Required for BA in History
 HIST 1013, 1023, 4403                                                                        9
 advanced History                                                                                 12
 LANG 1014, 1024, 2013, 2023                                                           14
ECO 1013                                                                                             3

Option II Secondary Certification Requirements
HIST 3043                                                                                             3
EDU 3303, 3353, 4303, 4353, 4906                                                     18
PSY 3033, RDG 3513                                                                            6
second teaching field                                                                             24
soph ENGL                                                                                            3

Typical Curriculum for a B.A. in History with Secondary Certification (Option IV)

Courses Required for BA in History
 HIST 1013, 1023, 4403                                                                        9
 advanced History                                                                                 12
 LANG 1014, 1024, 2013, 2023                                                           14
ECO 1013                                                                                             3

Option IV Secondary Certification Requirements
HIST 3043                                                                                             3
EDU 3303, 3353, 4303, 4353, 4906                                                     18
PSY 3033, RDG 3513                                                                           6
ECO 2013, 2023                                                                                   6
advanced foreign language (recommended)                                        3
advanced POLS                                                                                    6
soph ENGL                                                                                           3
GEOG 1103; 3 hours from GEOG 1203, 2013, 2023                         6
 
 
 

Master of Arts Degree in History

Two tracks of the Masters of Arts in History are available to students: (1) thesis and (2) non-thesis. This degree is designed to expand and enrich a student's knowledge of history as well as research, writing, and analytical abilities in United States, European, and World history. This degree will help prepare students who wish to pursue further graduate study for a Ph.D. degree or to improve their teaching abilities.

To gain full admission to the MA program, students must first meet the general requirements for admission to the College of Graduate Studies and hold an undergraduate degree with a history major or 24 hours in history. Those students who lack the necessary undergraduate preparation will be required to complete up to 24 hours of appropriate leveling work. The department head in consultation with the graduate history advisor will review the student's transcript to determine the nature and amount of leveling work and will assist the student in establishing a graduate advisory committee. The graduate advisor will also assist the student in selecting either the thesis or non-thesis track. Students must have approval of the department head to change tracks once they have completed 24 hours of course work. If you have any further questions, please contact Dr. Richard Cruz, Graduate History Advisor.
 

Master of Arts Degree in History--Thesis Track

The MA in History (thesis track) requires 36 hours of approved course work, including HIST 5983 (Historiography and Historical Method), one research course (HIST 5203, 5323, or 5423), and 6 hours of HIST 5883 (Thesis). In consultation with the graduate history advisor and the student's thesis advisor, a student may take 12 hours in an appropriate supporting field. The student must take course work in United States and non-United States history.

Each thesis track student in history must demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language prior to the awarding of the MA Degree. Proficiency will be measured either by the successful completion (with a C or better) of 14 hours in a single foreign language (either on the undergraduate or graduate level) or by obtaining a passing score on a standardized foreign language exam.

Each thesis track student will take a written comprehensive examination after completing 24 hours of course work and before registering for HIST 5883 (Thesis). The examination, based on course work submitted for the MA degree, will be constructed, administered, and evaluated by the student's graduate advisory committee. If the examination result is unsatisfactory, the student
will be allowed to retake the comprehensive examination one additional time. Additional course work in areas of weakness may be required.

Each thesis track student will complete a thesis under the direction of a thesis advisor, who will chair the student's graduate advisory committee. The student will not begin work on the thesis prior to completion of 24 hours of course work and will enroll in Thesis (HIST 5883) only with prior approval of the department head and graduate history advisor. The thesis will be prepared in accordance with the general procedures specified by the College of Graduate Studies. Upon completion of the thesis, the student will sit for an oral defense before a committee composed of her/his graduate advisory committee and a representative from the Graduate College. Under special circumstances, the thesis advisor, in consultation with the graduate history advisor and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, may modify this requirement.
 

Master of Arts Degree in History--Non-Thesis Track

The MA degree in History (non-thesis) requires a minimum of 36 hours of approved course work, including HIST 5983 (Historiography and Historical Method) and one research course (HIST 5203,5323, and 5423). In consultation with the graduate history advisor, a student may take 12 hours in an appropriate supporting field. The student must take course work in United States and non-United States history.

Each non-thesis track student in history must demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language prior to the awarding of the MA Degree. Proficiency will be measured either by the successful completion (with a C or better) of 14 hours in a single foreign language (either on an undergraduate or graduate level) or by obtaining a passing score on a standardized foreign language exam.

A written comprehensive examination will be administered after the student has completed her/his course work or during the semester of anticipated graduation. The examination, based on course work submitted for the MA degree plan, will be constructed, administered, and evaluated by the student's advisory committee. If the result of the examination is unsatisfactory, the student will be allowed to retake the comprehensive examination one additional time. Additional course work in areas of weakness may be required.

A B.A. in Political Science provides an excellent foundation for graduates planning to enter the legal profession, government service, and the business community. Moreover, this degree will prepare students for entry and success in graduate and/or professional school. See Dr. Jeremy Curtoys, undergraduate Political Science advisor, for further information about this degree.

Typical Curricula for the BA Degree in Political Science (without Certification)
 

University Core Curriculum
Communications                                                                                      6
     ENGL 1113, 1123                                                                               3
    COMS 1013, 1023, or 3013                                                                 3
MATH 1073 or higher                                                                              3
Lab Sciences from CHEM, BIOL, GEOL, PHYS                                     8
Visual and Performing Arts from ART, F A, MUSC, THEA                   3
Humanities: Literature course in English                                                3
Social and Behavioral Sciences                                                             18
     HIST 2013, 2023                                                                (6)
    POLS 2013, 2023                                                               ( 6)
   6 additional hours from                                                       (6)
               SOC 1013, 2013, PSY 1013, PHIL 1013, 2013
              ECO 1013, 2013, A EC 1053, ARCH 2103
             GEOG 1103, 1203, 2013, HIST 1013, 1023
Wellness: HLTH 1013                                                                            3
 

Courses Required for BA in Political Science
HIST 1013, 1023                                                                                    6
advanced POLS                                                                                     18
LANG 1014, 1024, 2013, 2023                                                             14

Additional Courses Required for Support Areas
electives                                                                                                 21
second major                                                                                         24
 

BS Degree in Political Science with Secondary Teaching Certification

Students who wish to obtain a BS in Political Science with Secondary Teaching Certification must follow the Option IV (Social Studies Composite) certification program. See Dr. Jeremy Curtoys, undergraduate Political Science advisor, for further information about this program.

Typical Curricula for the BS Degree in Political Science with Secondary Certification (Option IV)

University Core Curriculum
Communications                                                                                      6
     ENGL 1113, 1123                                                                              3
    COMS 1013, 1023, or 3013                                                               3
MATH 1073 or higher                                                                            3
Lab Sciences from CHEM, BIOL, GEOL, PHYS                                     8
Visual and Performing Arts from ART, F A, MUSC, THEA                    3
Humanities: Literature course in English                                              3
Social and Behavioral Sciences                                                          18
     HIST 2013, 2023                                                               (6)
    POLS 2013, 2023                                                               (6)
   6 additional hours from                                                      (6)
               SOC 1013, 2013, PSY 1013, PHIL 1013, 2013
              ECO 1013, 2013, A EC 1053, ARCH 2103
             GEOG 1103, 1203, 2013, HIST 1013, 1023
Wellness: HLTH 1013                                                                            3
 

Courses Required for BS in Political Science with Option IV Certification
HIST 1013, 1023                                                                                    6
advanced POLS                                                                                     18
LANG 1014, 1024, 2013, 2023    (recommended) or electives              14
ECO elective                                                                                           3
soph ENGL                                                                                             3
ECO 2013, 2023                                                                                     6
GEOG 1103; 3 hours from GEOG 1203, 2013, 2023                            6
EDU 3303, 3353, 4303, 4353, 4906                                                    18
advanced LANG (recommeded) or elective                                            3
HIST 3043, 4403                                                                                   6
PSY 3033, RDG 3513                                                                            3
 

Pre-Law Program

Admission to a law school is based primarily upon a student's performance on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) as well as cumulative grade point average (GPA). While it is possible to acquire the skills necessary for the LSAT and successful completion of law school by majoring in any discipline offered at Tarleton, the course content of certain fields offers better opportunities to develop required skills. Disciplines permitting a wide latitude of elective course work may best serve the interests of prospective law students, allowing an even greater opportunity to acquire knowledge and abilities appropriate to the Juris Doctorate. One such discipline, which has been traditionally selected by prospective law students at Tarleton, is a BA in Political Science with a pre-law emphasis.

Students interested in preparing for the LSAT and law school should consult the Pre-Law Advisor, Mr. Harold Walton, about the appropriate curricula for their future academic and career plans.
 

Masters of Arts Degree in Political Science

Two tracks are available for students pursuing the MA degree in Political Science: thesis and non-thesis. This degree strongly emphasizes research and analysis in political science, administrative theory, and governmental institutions as preparation for those students planning additional graduate study at the doctoral level.

To gain full admission to the MA program, students must first meet the requirements for admission to the College of Graduate Studies and hold an undergraduate degree in political science (government). Those who lack the necessary undergraduate preparation will be required to complete appropriate leveling work. The department head in consultation with the graduate political science advisor will review the student's transcript to determine the nature and amount of leveling work and will assist students in establishing a graduate advisory committee. If you have any further questions, please contact Dr. Jeremy Curtoys, Political Science graduate advisor.
 

Masters of Arts Degree in Political Science--Thesis Track

The MA in Political Science (thesis track) requires 36 hours of approved course work, including POLS 5983 (Scope and Methods in Social Science) and POLS 5993 (Practicum, Field Problems, or Internship). Each student may choose up to 12 hours in appropriate supporting work, which, if in a single specific field, may be declared a minor. Flexibility according to student need and interest will be permitted in the selection of specific course work.

Each thesis track student must demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language prior to the awarding of the MA degree. Proficiency will be measured either by the successful completion (with a C or better) of 14 hours in a single foreign language (either as an undergraduate or graduate student) or by obtaining a passing score on a standardized foreign language exam.

Each thesis track student will take a written comprehensive examination after completing 24 hours of course work and before registering for POLS 5883 (Thesis). The examination, based on course work submitted for the MA degree plan, will be constructed, administered, and evaluated by the student's graduate advisory committee. If the examination result is unsatisfactory, the student will be allowed to retake the comprehensive examination one additional time. Additional course work in areas of weakness may be required.

Each thesis track student will complete a thesis under the direction of a thesis advisor, who will chair the student's graduate advisory committee. The student will not begin work on the thesis prior to completion of 24 hours of course work and will enroll in Thesis (POLS 5883) only with prior approval of the department head and graduate political science advisor. The thesis will be prepared in accordance with the general procedures specified by the College of Graduate Studies. Upon completion of the thesis, the student will sit for an oral defense before a committee composed of his/her graduate advisory committee and a representative for the Graduate College. Under special circumstances, the thesis advisor, in consultation with the graduate political science advisor and the Dean of the College of Graduate Studies, may modify these requirements.
 

Masters of Arts Degree in Political Science--Non-Thesis Track

The MA in Political Science (non-thesis track) requires 36 hours of approved course work, including POLS 5983 (Scope and Methods in Social Science) and POLS 5993 (Practicum, Field Problems, or Internship). Each student may choose up to 12 hours in appropriate supporting work, which, if in a single specific field, may be declared a minor.

Each non-thesis track student must demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language prior to the awarding of the MA degree. Proficiency will be measured either by the successful completion (with a C or better) of 14 hours in a single foreign language (either as an undergraduate or graduate student) or by obtaining a passing score on a standardized foreign language exam.

A written comprehensive examination will be administered after the student has completed course work, or during the semester of anticipated graduation. The examination, based on course work submitted for the MA degree plan, will be constructed, administered, and evaluated by the student's graduate advisory committee. If the examination result is unsatisfactory, the student will be allowed to retake the comprehensive examination one additional time. Additional course work in areas of weakness may be required.
 
 

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David Crockett