The School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences within the College of Education, Arts, and Humanities at Delta State offers a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Social Sciences. This interdisciplinary degree program allows students to explore a wide array of interests. Students in the program design a path of study by selecting two of the following concentrations: African American Studies, English, History, or Sociology. Each concentration offers room for elective courses, enabling students to tailor their studies both within and outside the main disciplines.
The coursework sharpens analytical, critical thinking, writing, and research skills, preparing students for graduate school and a variety of career opportunities. A capstone course culminates in a senior project and 40 hours of service learning, giving students a head start on their professional journeys.
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
4
Concentrations
40
Hours of Service Learning in Capstone Course
Why Choose Humanities and Social Sciences at DSU?
Students often come to college interested in different fields of study. If you are one of these students, then our program is a great fit for you! Here, you will find engaging faculty who are committed to teaching. Our faculty present and publish in their disciplines but teaching comes first. The faculty in the humanities and social sciences work with students to develop a greater knowledge and appreciation of the vast human experience and the various social, cultural, political, and historical features that shape us. With this degree, students will be prime candidates for jobs that emphasize high-quality analytical, research, and writing skills, as well as graduate school programs.
- Applications accepted year round
- Flexible enrollment
- Personal advising
- Open and engaging topics
- An interdisciplinary approach
- Develops a strong knowledge base
- Enhances critical thinking skills
- Sharpens research abilities
- Builds persuasive writing skills
- Provides an engaging capstone experience
- Applies learning to the professional world
Concentrations in Humanities and Social Sciences
African American Studies
The African American Studies concentration explores the historical, social, political, and cultural development of people of African descent. Rooted in the Mississippi Delta—a region rich with African American heritage and influence—this concentration is especially relevant and expansive. It draws from diverse fields such as history, literature, sociology, geography, law, music, art, and more, highlighting the profound contributions of African Americans both regionally and globally. As an interdisciplinary field, students will apply the methods and perspectives of English, history, sociology, and other disciplines to explore and interpret the experiences of African Americans and the global African diaspora.
English
The English concentration invites students to explore their passion for language and literature while expressing their creativity through written forms. Students will gain exposure to major works of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry while learning and applying the major elements of literary criticism. By analyzing literature and developing their own writing portfolios, students deepen their appreciation for the written word and its central role in the human experience. This concentration will equip you with valuable knowledge and the skills that are applicable across a wide range of fields.
History
The History concentration explores a broad spectrum of time periods, global regions, and nation-states, aiming to uncover the complexities of the human experience over time. Students will understand and engage with various methods and historiographical interpretations of the past, deepening their ability to critically analyze primary and secondary sources. Through this concentration, students examine historical continuities and changes and conduct their own original research, gaining a deeper understanding of how the past informs the present.
Sociology
The Sociology concentration focuses on understanding how human social relationships and institutions function, encouraging students to analyze and address a variety of social issues. A key focus will be on developing students’ sociological awareness and use of quantitative and qualitative methods in research. This concentration examines key components of the human experience, including race, class, gender, family, religion, labor, crime, and community building. By gaining a deeper understanding of social interactions and institutions, you are empowered to create positive change on local, regional, national, and global levels.
What Can I Do With a B.A. Degree
in Humanities and Social Sciences?
The bachelor’s program in Humanities and Social Sciences equips students with vital knowledge, critical thinking skills, communication skills, and professional dispositions, ensuring they are prepared to excel in various career paths and organizational settings. Additionally, the program is designed to develop skills that are transferable across numerous careers while fostering readiness for advanced studies. Students are equipped to pursue graduate education not only in their areas of concentration but also in fields such as law, business, and education. This comprehensive preparation ensures that graduates are well-positioned to communicate effectively, think critically, and contribute meaningfully to their chosen professions and communities. Some job opportunities this program can open doors for include:
- Archivist
- Librarian
- Historian
- Museum curator/director
- Data analyst
- Government policy advocate
- Attorney
- Editor
- Journalist
- Technical writer
Scholarships
At Delta State University, we understand the importance of an affordable education. While we currently do not offer scholarships specifically for our Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Social Sciences program, students may be eligible for non-program specific scholarship opportunities. We also offer an affordable tuition rate with no additional fees for out-of-state students. In addition, we work closely with students to identify and apply for federal and state financial aid programs, as well as student loans and state scholarships. We are committed to providing our students with all of the tools necessary to succeed in many fields, including access to affordable education and financial support.
Program Goals
The program strengthens knowledge within specific disciplines while exploring how these areas intersect to create a comprehensive understanding of the human experience. Through this approach, students cultivate critical thinking and communication skills that are applicable to a wide range of careers and graduate studies. The B.A. in Humanities and Social Sciences culminates in a meaningful capstone experience, including the completion of a polished senior project and a service learning component designed to provide real-world impact. The program also fosters thoughtful, active citizenship, empowering graduates to drive positive change within their communities.
Admission Requirements
Applicants of this program must meet Delta State University’s undergraduate admission requirements.
There are no additional program admission requirements.
Curriculum
Students must complete core courses, major elective courses, and two of the four concentrations below to complete the major in Humanities and Social Sciences.
Core Courses
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| HSS 101 | Introduction to Humanities and Social Sciences | 3 |
| HSS 499 | Humanities and Social Sciences Capstone | 3 |
| TOTAL | 6 | |
Major Electives
| Course Number | Credits | |
| Select 9 hours at the 300/400-level in CRJ, ENG, GEO, HIS, PHI, PSC, PSY, SOC, SSC, or other courses with approval | 9 | |
| TOTAL | 9 | |
Concentrations
African American Studies
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| HIS 314 | African American History | 3 |
| ENG 463 | African American Literature | 3 |
| Select 4 hours from the following CRJ 414: Race, Crime, and The Law; ENG 461: Blues Literature; GEO 442: Cultural-Historical Geography of the Yazoo-Mississippi Delta; HIS 311: The History of Mississippi; SOC 450: Racial and Cultural Minorities; SOC 456: Race, Class, and Gender |
12 | |
| TOTAL | 18 | |
English
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| ENG 312 | American Literature Seminar I | 3 |
| ENG 435 | William Shakespeare | 3 |
| ENG courses at 300-level or above | 12 | |
| TOTAL | 18 | |
History
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| HIS 201 | United States History to 1877 | 3 |
| HIS 202 | United States History, 1877-present | 3 |
| HIS 400 | Histography and the Philosophy of History | 3 |
| HIS courses at 300-level or above | 9 | |
| TOTAL | 18 | |
Sociology
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| SSC 469 | Qualitative Methods for the Social Sciences | 3 |
| SSC 470 | Methods of Social Research | 3 |
| SOC 456 | Race, Class, and Gender | 3 |
| SOC courses at 300-level or above | 9 | |
| TOTAL | 18 | |
Degree Requirements
To earn this degree, you must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including the general education requirements and the major requirements below. No grade below C in a required major course or major electives may be applied toward graduation. Any grade below C must be removed by repeating the course and earning a C or better grade.
| General Education | 39-41 |
| University Requirement | 1 |
| Major | 51 |
| Electives | 27-29 |
| TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS | 120 |
For more information on degree requirements and specifics on courses needed to complete the degree, consult the Undergraduate Academic Catalog. For a semester-by-semester breakdown on how you can complete this degree in 4-years, visit academic maps.
