School of Social Science and Global Studies

Edward Sayre, Director
118 College Drive, Box 5108
Hattiesburg, MS 39406-0001
601.266.4964

Abreu, Angus, Arana Sánchez, Baertich, Burnett, Burton, Carracelas-Juncal, Danforth, Doleac, Fennell, Filiz, Fonder-Solano, Gibson, Gillespie, Greene, Guglani, Hayden, Iliev, Jackson, James, Kinnell, Kozlowski, Lansford, Loaiza, Miles, Miller, Newman, Odom, Pauly, Press, Reid, Rowland, St. Marie, Sayre, Smith, Steedman, Stewart-Holt, Tavana, Ward, Weinberg

The School of Social Science and Global Studies provides students with the opportunity to explore a variety of fields that relate to the social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions of the world and the human experience. The school offers majors in anthropology; sociology; foreign languages with emphases in Spanish, French, or two languages; economics with an emphasis in mathematics or in social science; legal studies and legal studies with a pre-law emphasis, and political science. The school offers minors in these disciplines as well as non-profit studies and human rights. The school is also home to the Center for Human Rights and Civil Liberties and provides advising support to students interested in law school.

Pre-Law Advisement

Students interested in attending law school should consult a pre-law advisor in the school initially. By the beginning of their second year, students should officially declare a major and minor and then see their major advisor for academic advisement. During the third year, the student should meet with the pre-law advisor for information on the Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) and admissions information.

In addition to their major and minor courses, students interested in law school can supplement their program of study with the following courses as electives: ACC 200 ; ENG 332 or ENG 333 ; PHI 253 ; PLS 383 ; PS 301 , PS 380 , PS 407 , PS 480 , PS 481 , PS 484 ; or BA 200 . Students desiring to strengthen their writing skills should include additional composition courses as well.

In making admissions decisions, law schools give greatest consideration to a student’s grade point average, LSAT score and writing sample, and academic letters of recommendation. Students are encouraged to major in a subject area in which they are interested and in which they can maintain a high grade point average.

Anthropology Program

The multifaceted nature of anthropology, which integrates into a single discipline social sciences, natural sciences and humanistic studies, uniquely combines skills and insights that will prove essential in many contemporary settings. Students will complete courses in cultural anthropology, archaeology, physical anthropology and anthropological linguistics.

BA in Anthropology

Students majoring in anthropology must complete all general education requirements as specified in their degree plan, 33-34 hours in anthropology (including ANT 202 , ANT 221 , ANT 231 , ANT 301 and ANT 401 ), and a minor in another discipline. The student’s advisor will discuss the choice of a minor that best complements the student’s interests, career goals and aspirations.

Minor in Anthropology

The minor in anthropology allows students from another discipline to achieve a fundamental understanding of anthropology. The minor requires completion of 18 hours in anthropology including ANT 221 , ANT 231 , and 12 hours of anthropology electives. Faculty in the program will assist students in selecting courses that best complement their major and interests.

Economics Program

A degree in economics includes an interdisciplinary course selection offered through the College of Arts and Sciences. The degree is designed to prepare graduates for employment in either the private or public sector or for the pursuit of higher degrees in a number of academic disciplines, most notably economics, economic development, community and regional planning, geography, law and justice studies, political economy, political science, and public administration. Because of its interdisciplinary curriculum, the Bachelor of Arts in economics allows students considerable flexibility in course selection.

Graduation with a major in economics requires 120 hours, including the general education requirements of the university, completion through the 202 level in a single foreign language and 33 hours in the major. In completing the remaining degree requirements, majors may elect to follow one of two set degree tracks, one quantitative and the other qualitative, or to formulate and pursue a flexible degree track commensurate with individual career objectives.

BA in Economics (Mathematics)

The quantitative or mathematics degree track is designed to prepare students for the successful pursuit of higher degrees in economics and related academic disciplines that require a strong background in mathematics and statistics.

BA in Economics (Social Science)

The qualitative or social science degree track provides a broadly based liberal arts education in “political economy,” an area of study that cuts across the normally separate domains of economics and politics and examines the relationship of the two within the difficult calculus of public law. The social science degree track is recommended for students planning to seek employment upon graduation or to pursue higher degrees in academic disciplines requiring a lesser preparation in mathematics and statistics (economic development, community and regional planning, geography, law and justice studies, political science and public administration).

Minor in Economics

The minor in economics requires completion of 18 hours of coursework including ECO 101 , ECO 201 , ECO 202 , ECO 336 , and six hours from a list of approved courses in the discipline. Please contact a faculty member in the program or the school office for more details.

Foreign Languages Program

The School of Social Science and Global Studies offers four options for a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in foreign languages: (1) foreign languages with a French emphasis; (2) foreign languages with a Spanish emphasis; (3) foreign languages with a two-languages emphasis; and (4) foreign languages with licensure. Each option requires a minimum of 30 semester hours above the 100-level in foreign languages and literatures. At least 18 hours must be earned in upper-level foreign language courses. Students may not apply more than 12 hours of transfer credit toward the major. Students must complete at least one, preferably two, 300-level courses before enrolling at the 400-level. The Spanish, French, and licensure emphases require at least 9 hours of 400-level coursework. For assistance in devising a suitable curriculum, students should consult as soon as possible with a foreign language advisor.

BA in Foreign Languages (French)

A minimum of 30 semester hours is required for the BA in foreign languages with a French emphasis. This may include up to six hours of credit at the sophomore (200) level (FRE 201 , FRE 202 , FRE 281 , or FRE 282 ). Requirements include:

A minimum of six hours at the junior (300) level
A minimum of nine hours at the senior (400) level
A writing intensive course: ENG 332 or ENG 333
French Capstone Seminar: FRE 441

BA in Foreign Languages (Spanish)

A minimum of 30 semester hours is required for the BA in foreign languages with a Spanish emphasis. This may include up to six hours of credit at the sophomore (200) level (SPA 201 , SPA 202 , SPA 281 , or SPA 282 ). Requirements include:

A minimum of six hours at the junior (300) level, excluding SPA 361
A minimum of nine hours at the senior (400) level
A writing intensive course: ENG 332 or ENG 333
Spanish Capstone Seminar: SPA 441

Students are required to complete a senior Capstone during their senior year. See an advisor for details. A maximum of 12 hours of study abroad courses may be applied toward the major. A maximum of six hours of “Special Problems” courses may be accepted towards the degree, if approved by the advisor and director.

BA in Foreign Languages (Two-Languages)

To earn a BA in foreign languages with a two languages emphasis, a minimum of 30 hours is required at the sophomore (200) level and above, including 18 hours in courses at the 300- and 400-level. Of these 18 hours, at least 12 must be in a single language. Concentration 1: Latin plus any other language; concentration 2: German plus any other language; concentration 3: German alone. Students are required to complete a senior Capstone course. See an advisor for details. For students participating in University of Southern Mississippi study abroad programs in Germany or Austria, all 30 hours for this emphasis may be earned in German. Six hours in German must be earned at The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg.

BA in Foreign Languages ( Licensure)

A student seeking teacher licensure in either French or Spanish needs 30 hours at the 200-level or above in the appropriate emphasis. All students seeking teacher licensure in foreign languages must include FL 461 and FL 461L in their programs. In addition, the student should fulfill the requirements of the Teacher Education Program at The University of Southern Mississippi, as outlined in the degree plan. Students must earn a grade of C or higher in all foreign language courses and in all required professional education courses. Licensure students will be required to take the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), with a target level of Advanced Low. As a part of the licensure emphasis, all students must graduate within the requirements of an CAEP-approved program of study.

Minor in Foreign Languages

Undergraduate minors are available in a variety of language areas. Each minor requires a total of 18 hours of study with at least six hours at the 300- or 400-level. An undergraduate minor in the following areas requires a grade of C or higher in all courses taken for the minor: Arabic, Chinese, French, Greek, Latin, Russian, Spanish, and Classics.

For an undergraduate minor in German, a student must maintain the university GPA requirement for a minor field of 2.0.

Study Abroad

In cooperation with The University of Southern Mississippi Office of International Programs, the school offers active and popular study abroad summer, semester and year-long programs. Current programs include such destinations as Vienna (Austria); Brussels (Belgium); Bonn (Germany); Paris, Orléans, and Strasbourg (France); Cádiz and Jaén (Spain); and Lima (Peru). No more than 12 hours of study abroad credit can be applied towards the major in Spanish, French, or licensure.

CLEP Examinations in Foreign Languages

Students with previous language study or background may earn up to a total of 12 hours of college credit in Spanish, French, or German by taking a CLEP examination. Please see the Office of Admissions for more details on this examination. Students may take the foreign languages subject exam at any time during their course of study.

Legal Studies Program

The program in legal studies provides interested students with two different degree options, each of which provides students with preparation for future careers in the legal field. All students majoring in legal studies must maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 after 30 hours of coursework at The University of Southern Mississippi, and any students transferring to the legal studies program must attain a GPA of 2.25 prior to transferring.

The program also offers a minor to students from any discipline.

BA in Legal Studies (Paralegal)

The paralegal track is approved by the American Bar Association Standing Committee on Paralegals. Students majoring in legal studies complete 36 hours of coursework in the major. The paralegal emphasis area prepares students for employment in private law firms, businesses and government offices. Although paralegals, as non-lawyers, are legally restricted from practicing law, they assist attorneys in delivering legal services more efficiently and may perform a variety of tasks, including legal research and drafting, litigation assistantship, interviewing and investigation, and file organization and maintenance.

BA in Legal Studies (Pre-Law)

The pre-law emphasis in legal studies is designed for students interested in law school or graduate school. As students search for ways to better prepare themselves for the rigors of further education, the pre-law track provides multiple levels of legal drafting, preparation in the area of legal research, a broad view of various legal areas and training in the philosophies of law. This provides students with the opportunity to enroll in law school or graduate school with a good foundation in critical areas. The student will be prepared to conduct legal research and write in a legal manner.

Minor in Legal Studies

The legal studies minor is designed for students of non-legal majors who desire to take a collection of classes related to the study of law. It is an interdisciplinary minor that provides both the practicalities of performing legal research and drafting, combined with the political philosophies guiding the principles of law. Students must complete 21 hours of coursework, including PS 380 , PLS 382 , PLS 383 , and 12 hours of approved electives (including at least one course from political science). Please contact the school for additional details.

Political Science Program

BA in Political Science

Graduation with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in political science requires completion of 124 credit hours, including the general education curriculum, completion through the 202 level (up to 12 hours) in a single foreign language, 36 hours in major courses, and at least 18 hours in a minor field. In addition to PS 101 - American Government , PS 201 - Great Issues of Politics and PS 491 - Proseminar in Political Science , the BA degree requires completion of at least one course from each of the four areas of political science (American politics, political theory, global politics, and public law/administration) plus five more courses in at least two of these four areas. A 2.0 cumulative GPA in major courses is required for graduation.

BA in Political Science (Pre-Law)

Graduating with a BA in political science with a pre-law emphasis requires 124 hours, including the general education curriculum, completion through the 202 level (up to 12 hours) in a single foreign language (Latin is recommended), 27 hours in major courses, and at least 18 hours in a minor field. In addition to PS 101 - American Government , PS 201 - Great Issues of Politics and PS 491 - Proseminar in Political Science , the pre-law emphasis requires at least one course taken from each of the three areas of political science (political theory, American government, and global politics) plus three sources in the public law area. Pre-law students are also required to take PHI 351 - Critical Thinking , and two courses from among the following: BA 200 - The Legal Environment of Business , CJ 330 - Criminal Law , ENG 330 - Writing and Education , PHI 253 - Logic , PLS 383 - Legal Research , and PLS 384 - Legal Drafting . A 2.0 cumulative gpa in major courses is required for graduation.

BS in Political Science

Graduation with a Bachelor of Science (BS) in political science requires 124 hours, including the general education curriculum, completion through the 102 level (up to 6 hours) in a single foreign language, 39 hours in major courses, and at least 18 hours in a minor field. In addition to PS 101 - American Government , PS 201 - Great Issues of Politics , PS 211 - Political Research , PS 212 - Political Analysis and PS 491 - Proseminar in Political Science , the political science major must take at least one course from each of the four areas of political science (American politics, political theory, global politics, and public law/administration). Each BS major must also complete four more courses in at least two of the four areas of political science. A 2.0 cumulative GPA in major courses is required for graduation.

The Four Areas of Political Science

Theory: PS 321 , PS 420 , PS 421 , PS 426

American Politics: PS 301 , PS 303 , PS 304 , PS 305 , PS 401 , PS 402 , PS 403 , PS 404 , PS 405 , PS 406 , PS 407 , PS 408 , PS 409 , PS 410 , PS 462

Global Politics : PS 330 , PS 331 , PS 350 , PS 431 , PS 432 , PS 450 , PS 452 , PS 453 , PS 454 , PS 456 , PS 457 , PS 459

Public Law and Administration: PS 370 , PS 375 , PS 380 , PS 470 , PS 472 , PS 473 , PS 474 , PS 480 , PS 481 , PS 484 , PS 485 , PS 488 , PS 489

Minor in Campaigns and Elections

Students interested in a career in the campaign management field may wish to minor in campaign and elections. This minor provides students with a multidisciplinary background that they can employ as a member of a campaign staff. Students will select coursework from a number of disciplines including political science, mass communication, communication studies, philosophy, marketing, economics, and accounting. Students will also complete a field experience in which they will deploy the knowledge they have gained. Students in this minor must take PS 101 and PS 493 , and the remaining 12 hours for completion of the minor must be selected from a list of approved courses. Please see the school for more details.

Minor in Political Science

Students pursuing a minor in political science must complete PS 101 , PS 201 , and 12 additional hours in political science with at least one course from two of the four areas of political science (see above).

Sociology Program

The scientific analysis of the social world to which sociology is dedicated provides the student with unique insights into the nature of social institutions and their effects on each other and on individual behavior. The sociology major equips the student with analytical skills applicable in a wide range of contemporary settings.

BA in Sociology

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology must complete all general education requirements as specified in their degree plan, 33 hours in sociology (including SOC 101 , SOC 401 , SOC 460 , SOC 462 and SOC 482 ), one additional humanities course (ENG 200 , ENG 201 , ENG 202 , HIS 201 , HIS 202 , FLM 170 or WGS 301 ), and 9 hours in a single foreign language. Students must also earn a minor in another discipline. The student’s advisor will discuss the choice of minor that best complements the student’s career goals and aspirations.

BS in Sociology

Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology must complete all general education requirements as specified in their degree plan, 30-33 hours in sociology (including SOC 101 , SOC 401 , SOC 460 , SOC 462 and SOC 482 ), and a statistics course (SOC 460 , BA 201 , or PSY 360 ). Students must also earn a minor in another discipline. The student’s advisor will discuss the choice of minor that best complements the student’s career goals and aspirations.

Minor in Sociology

To earn a minor in sociology, students must complete SOC 101 and five additional classes in the discipline for a total of 18 credit hours.

Center for Human Rights and Civil Liberties

The Center for Human Rights and Civil Liberties at The University of Southern Mississippi was founded to advance the principle of “liberty and justice for all,” both here and abroad. The Center is committed to excellence in education and in preparing its students to translate classroom knowledge into action in a variety of careers in the public and private sectors. The Center’s faculty is devoted to providing an academic home for an interdisciplinary minor in human rights and civil liberties.

Additionally, the Center promotes, encourages, and facilitates student and faculty research on domestic and international questions related to human rights and civil liberties. The Center serves the university and the broader communities by fostering collaboration with community partners on projects that address problems of social justice and public policy.

The Center also provides a forum in which to bring together disparate constituencies to engage in a dialog to advance social justice and democratic values. By building a reputation for effective teaching, productive scholarship, and wide-ranging service to a variety of constituents, the Center aspires to gain recognition as one of the most innovative programs, combining academic and community learning, in the southeastern United States.

Minor in Human Rights

In the minor, students take interdisciplinary coursework in domestic and international issues relating to human rights and civil liberties. Students also can gain valuable practical experience in human rights/civil liberties through a supervised internship.

Additional Interdisciplinary Minors Offered through the School

Minor in American Studies

The minor in American studies requires completion of 18 hours of coursework, including AMS 304 , AMS 403 , or AMS 404 and 15 additional hours. Please see the school for details on course options.

Minor in Nonprofit Studies

The nonprofit studies minor is an interdisciplinary minor which provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for work in the nonprofit sector. This minor is appropriate for students in all colleges and majors who wish to pursue a variety of career choices, from research and advocacy to the arts to health and social services provision.

A graduate certificate in nonprofit studies is also offered. For more information, please contact the school.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Bachelor of Science

Non-degree