Howard Payne University’s Department of History and Government prepares students for a variety of professional careers where research, analysis and communication skills are paramount, including law, education, research, journalism, public service, policy analysis and more.
The history major allows students a choice of upper-division electives in order to tailor their studies to their particular interests. The social studies composite program qualifies teacher-cerification students for credentials in the widest range of subjects. The government major offers three areas of emphasis for deeper exploration and expertise within specific fields: jurisprudence (pre-law), American political studies and global studies. The department is house in HPU’s historic Douglas MacArthur Academy of Freedom classroom and museum building.
Many of our students choose to combine their course of study with the University’s acclaimed and innovative honors curriculum. For more information, see the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy: The Program for Civic Leadership and Public Policy.
For more information about the Department’s curriculum, faculty, or experiential learning programs, please use the links to the left; contact our chair, Dr. Matthew A. McNiece; or view the Howard Payne University Catalog.
If you enjoy asking the question “why,” you may be a great fit with the Department of History and Government. The word history actually comes from the Greek and Latin terms for inquiring and knowing, and our students learn how to do both of these. We offer two majors–one in History (BA), one in interdisciplinary Social Science (BA, BS)–with areas of emphasis that can be tailored to match your most passionate interests. Our majors will develop the skills required to seek knowledge, analyze complex issues, and present conclusions in a clear and thoughtful manner. Our alumni are well prepared for graduate study in history, law, political science, public administration, and others; they work in law, education, journalism, politics and public service, ministry, and more.
Rooted in Howard Payne University’s Christ-centered mission, the Department of History and Government challenges students to approach the study of the past, politics, and civic life with wisdom, integrity, and a commitment to ethical practice. Students are encouraged to use their knowledge and skills in ways that strengthen communities, illuminate the human experience across time and cultures, and positively impact the lives of others. By combining professional expertise in historical analysis, critical thinking, and civic engagement with Christian values, graduates are prepared to lead with purpose, serve with compassion, and make meaningful contributions in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
To learn more about the values that guide the Howard Payne University community, explore our Core Values.
Many students choose to enrich their course of study by participating in the University’s acclaimed and innovative honors curriculum: the Guy D. Newman Honors Academy: The Program for Civic Leadership and Public Policy. This distinctive multidisciplinary honors program, unique among its peers, is specially designed for academically gifted students who aspire to effective Christian leadership across a variety of careers, preparing them for lives of service and citizenship.
For complete program requirements, course descriptions, academic policies, and degree information, please refer to the Howard Payne University Academic Catalog. The catalog provides the most current and comprehensive details to help you plan your academic journey, pages 139-145; 208-213.
The standard History Major may be combined with the Teacher Certification Program in the School of Education to qualify students for the TExES certification exam and prepare them for success in the classroom. There are two paths to this goal. The first involves a pure history degree with teacher certification. The second, the Social Studies Composite path, adds an interdisciplinary social studies minor to the standard history major. This second path qualifies the student not just for the History but for the Social Studies TExES. If successful, the student would then be certified to teach any of the social studies content areas. We have found this program to be a great advantage to our graduates as they enter into the highly competitive hiring market among Texas public schools.
For complete program requirements, course descriptions, academic policies, and degree information, please refer to the Howard Payne University Academic Catalog. The catalog provides the most current and comprehensive details to help you plan your academic journey, pages 139-145; 208-213.
For complete program requirements, course descriptions, academic policies, and degree information, please refer to the Howard Payne University Academic Catalog. The catalog provides the most current and comprehensive details to help you plan your academic journey, pages 139-145; 208-213.
For complete program requirements, course descriptions, academic policies, and degree information, please refer to the Howard Payne University Academic Catalog. The catalog provides the most current and comprehensive details to help you plan your academic journey, pages 139-145; 208-213.
For complete program requirements, course descriptions, academic policies, and degree information, please refer to the Howard Payne University Academic Catalog. The catalog provides the most current and comprehensive details to help you plan your academic journey, pages 139-145; 208-213.
For complete program requirements, course descriptions, academic policies, and degree information, please refer to the Howard Payne University Academic Catalog. The catalog provides the most current and comprehensive details to help you plan your academic journey, pages 139-145; 208-213.
American Political Science......................... 21 hours
Global Studies............................................ 21 hours
Jurisprudence (Pre-law)............................ 21 hours
The department offers paths to careers in law, politics, international relations, and more through our innovative and interdisciplinary Social Science Major. Students may choose from three areas of emphasis: American Political Studies; Global Studies; Jurisprudence (pre-law). The Social Science Major involves 42 semester hours, nine of which count toward the General Education requirements.
For complete program requirements, course descriptions, academic policies, and degree information, please refer to the Howard Payne University Academic Catalog. The catalog provides the most current and comprehensive details to help you plan your academic journey, page 144; 139-145; 208-213.
Government Minor .................................. 18-24 hours.
For complete program requirements, course descriptions, academic policies, and degree information, please refer to the Howard Payne University Academic Catalog. The catalog provides the most current and comprehensive details to help you plan your academic journey, page 144; 139-145; 208-213.
Program Insights
Education
Law
Politics
Public Service & Non-Profits
National Security
Teaching Physical
Education & Coaching
The Department of History and Government is home to three Experiential Learning co-curricular programs: Model United Nations, Mock Trial and Moot Court. These academic competitions take place in- and out- of-state, and even internationally.
Many students pursue internships in a relevant academic term, near their hometown during the summer, or nationally or internationally through activities such as a semester abroad.
Alumni Testimonial
“HPU uniquely equipped me for law school and a career as an attorney that I love. Professors poured into me in a way that helped me develop critical thinking and analysis skills necassary for the practice of law.”
Cara Landers ’10
Scholarships
95% of HPU students receive financial aid, including scholarships designated specifically for nursing students.
We’re passionate about making your college experience financially accessible. Our dedicated Financial Aid team will work diligently with you to explore every available opportunity and help make your HPU education affordable.
Contact
Professor of History & Government
Chair, Department of History & Governmenty
